The Father's Wisdom For You by Garris Elkins (The Elijah List)

Garris Elkins:

The Father's Wisdom For You

The Elijah List

At my age and length of service in God's Kingdom, I am now what some people would call a spiritual father. In most gatherings I am one of the older pastors in the room. As we age, wisdom can increasingly be present and in operation in our lives if we have allowed God access to our hearts along the way in our journey of faith.

A spiritual father should be able to speak words of wisdom, but he should also be able to reveal the heart of God out of which that wisdom was birthed. Understanding God's heart is what motivates our obedience. Wisdom, without knowing God's heart, is a limited understanding of wisdom.

For the last month the Lord has been asking me as a spiritual father to join with Him to encourage His Church to believe for something new. He began to give me simple sentences of understanding, and then a few days later He would reveal His heart behind each of those words. This deeper revelation helped me understand His heart that motivated His wisdom.

I invite you to read these words delivered by two fathers – an imperfect earthly, spiritual father and a perfect and loving Heavenly Father. 

God wants to encourage us to keep believing and trusting that He is good and has good things planned for His children. Understanding this truth is the foundation of true wisdom.

Honor Is the Victory

As you walk in honor, God desires to turn your enemies into allies. Those who have opposed you will now come to your rescue. Honor is the victory.

"I am about to do a turnaround. This turnaround will surprise you because you would never think your enemies could become your allies. This is a time to give honor to those who have betrayed you. Once the honor is given, the enemy of your soul that has caused this division will lose his ability to control the outcome. 

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons by the Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld and Providence Lithograph Company)

"This will be like the meeting of My sons, Jacob and Esau, years after a great division took place in their relationship. Jacob humbled himself before his offended brother, bowing down before him in humility, and I did a powerful work of restoration. I have this work of restoration planned for you and those defined as your enemy."

The Door That Can Only Be Crossed With A Humble Stride

At every point of adversity a door of destiny is opened. The threshold of this door can only be crossed with a humble stride.

"There have been places of adversity in your life – places that you now run from. I am calling you to step with humility into these places of adversity, and I will open a supernatural doorway. This doorway is hidden from prideful eyes. Only the humble will see this doorway and walk across its threshold. 

Step forward, and I will show you what I am about to do."

There IS Treasure In the Debris of Your Challenges

After difficult discussions and challenging interaction there has been relational debris left behind. The way forward is found in the debris.

"The world collects debris and calls it garbage. I collect debris and transform it into treasure. 

There have been painful outcomes in some of your relationships. What was left behind has been defined as debris. I am about to change your definitions. 

(Photo via Flickr by International Labour Organization,license, resized by The Elijah List)

"This is the same kind of debris Peter faced when he failed Me the night of My betrayal. Peter thought his future would be navigated around the constant reminder of his failure. I had another plan.

"If you are looking for the way forward, it will be found in the restoration of those relationships that now look like piles of debris. The restoration you seek will be found by making right your contribution to the failure in those relationships. If you do this, I will show you the treasure I see within the debris."

First Encounter God

New direction is the result of realignment. Realignment only takes place after an encounter with God. Encounter is the priority, not a new direction.

"Your desire for a new direction has replaced your desire for the sound of My voice. Seeking new direction will not bring you peace. Only My voice brings peace. You are in need of realignment, not to a new purpose or direction, but to Me. Encounter Me as My Church did in Antioch when they waited before Me in worship and prayer. Encounter Me and I will reveal to you a new direction."

Just Obey

A word from God loses its impact and becomes diluted when we run it through too many relational or corporate filters before we obey.

"Invite people to your obedience. Do not wait for consensus. You have allowed My word to become diluted in your heart. The filter of man's opinion has strained out the meat of My word from within you. I have prepared a wonderful meal for you. Return to the feasting table of fresh revelation. Put down your fear of failure and your need to have others walk with you in your obedience. I have not left you alone. I am the One who will do what I promised." 

(Photo via Flickr by BuzzFarmers,license.)

Your Destiny Waits For You In God's Presence

For real change to take place there must exist both a willingness to let go of the present and a willingness to embrace the future.

"You are holding on when you should be letting go. I have promised to lead you to a good place – a place of blessing and purpose. Do not fear the future you define as 'unknown.' I know this future because I reside there. It is from that place that I am inviting you to come. Your destiny waits for you in My presence. Let go. Come to Me and I will welcome you."

Wisdom Moves At the Speed of Revelation

When God is moving and someone says, "We need to slow down," this is fear speaking. Wisdom moves at the speed of revelation.

"My wisdom is not limited to the measurements and restrictions of the natural world. When I gave you the word of hope, I gave it knowing it would seem too fast to you. I was after more than the accomplishment of that word. I was after that place of fear in your heart that caused you to pull back and ask for things to slow down. Trust Me. Take hold of My promise and move forward with confidence in My faithfulness to perform what I have promised." 

(Photo via Flickr by photologue_np, license, edited and resized by The Elijah List)

God Honors Your Faithful Persistence

If you keep pressing in, you will eventually break through. God honors faithful persistence.

"You will move forward in the direction you have chosen to lean. Lean toward My grace. Press in toward My faithfulness. Tilt your life in the direction of My promise. This is your act of pressing in. Even in your failure, you will fall in the direction you have chosen to lean. This is how breakthrough will take place in your life.

"I have promised to give you the desires of your heart if you will first delight yourself in Me. Your delight in Me is your persistence in the middle of opposition. I will honor your persistence with breakthrough because you have chosen to press into Me."

Garris Elkins, Senior Leader
Living Waters Church – Medford, Oregon

Email: info@prophetichorizons.com
Website: garriselkins.com

Garris Elkins' ministry, Prophetic Horizons, is a ministry of teaching, writing, and prophecy committed to raising up a prophetic generation to speak to the cultures of our world with the empowered voice of Heaven. Garris and his wife, Jan, are the Senior Leaders of Living Waters Church in Medford, Oregon, and have two grown children, Anna and David.

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March 24, 2014

Garris Elkins:

The Father's Wisdom For You

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

Wisdom is always needed...and increased wisdom is needed in this day in which we live! This is an excellent word by Garris Elkins about "The Father's Wisdom" made available to us.

Be encouraged by this word and by Garris' statement here: God wants to encourage us to keep believing and trusting that He is good and has good things planned for His children. Understanding this truth is the foundation of true wisdom.

Enjoy!
Steve

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Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News 

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The Leadership Rock: A Journey of a Life in Leadership by Garris Elkins Book $12.99 $9.00

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Leadership Through Love - Chapter 2 "Use the Tools, Not the Staff" by Steve Martin

The following are a few paragraphs taken from Chapter 2.

Use the

Tools, Not the Staff

The Lord Jesus Himself gave us valuable lessons, while He led His band of men and women on earthly team, which has proven itself to be most applicable in my leading of business and ministry staffs. These very effective truths in administrating were spoken by Him, when He said to His small band, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

These were two of my key attitudes I took early on in my management positions, as I learned how to be a “manager of the people”, as one other executive team member put it, during one of my years with Derek Prince Ministries (1987-1990 and 2001-2005).

Not wanting to be one who “lords it over others”, demanding my own way and using the “staff rather the tools”, I took the posture of treating the staff who served with me as I desired my boss to treat me - honoring them as I wanted to be recognized and honored, and uplifting them as I often needed, but rarely received, in some cases. As I sought to encourage each one in my care, even as a pastor does his flock, I found that the love grew between them and I. When those bonds were established, staff readily would give beyond the call of duty and pay, as they knew my heart was not just for the job to be done, but for them in helping me get it done.

Not only did we labor together for the cause of the Lord in the ministry, with me as the recognized leader and their boss, but we became friends for the long haul. I still treasure and continue to keep relationships with those who were in the same office setting with me, or on the church volunteer teams, as fellow servants. Taking a heart position of being their servant, and not one seeking to be served, created and maintained unique, precious, and long term relationships. 

Steve Martin

Author

Buy now: Leadership Through Love

Morris Ruddick - PIONEERS, PEDDLERS AND TZ'DAKIM

PIONEERS, PEDDLERS AND TZ'DAKIM

(c) Morris E. Ruddick

"Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth, and, Issachar, in your tents. They will call peoples to the mountain; there they will offer righteous sacrifices; for they will draw out the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand." Deut 33:18-19

From the days of Noah, God's people have been distinctive. As stewards of God's intentions, they've restored God's order from the way He established it at the beginning. They've pioneered; they've creatively built self-sustaining operations; and they've reestablished God's standard for righteousness, which is an opportunity-enabling community dynamic.

Serving in this unique, mixed role as pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim (a righteous people), God's people have again and again demonstrated a most exceptional societal standard of trust and leadership.

Historically, the impact has far exceeded the best the world, or society without God, could offer. The result, despite overwhelming adversity, has been disproportionate contributors and achievers who have exhibited a brand of leadership pointed to by Jesus: leadership by serving.

Background
As a Jew, Jesus understood this mantle of God's people. The focus of His teachings captured the mix of God's order or standard; bearing the creative dynamic of entrepreneurial enabling and increase; with the charitable righteous community dynamic reflecting a functional mix of pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim.

Jesus was raising the bar from an already high standard outlined by Moses in the Torah. He was indicating that with God at the helm, that His people have been and even more so would be different. They would be ones who made a difference in this pathway of restoration to God's original intention for His own.

Abraham established the beginning of a new order, a new standard for society; one that challenged the bondage that held the world in its grip. God called him to leave the comfortable place of his family and country and to go out; as a pioneer. As a pioneer, Abraham became known as the father of our faith.

Abraham left a land of corruption and sorcery and broke the mold. He put it all on the line. With God guiding his way, he established the model of faith-based, entrepreneurial community; and a leadership that was based on the anointing, being led by the Spirit of God.

The Process and the Priorities

My walk of faith began as one who faced realities with a standard I was willing to die for. It was a standard that embraced a cause; a purpose higher than myself. As an experienced combat Marine, there was a priority and simplicity in my grasp of the cause. Then it all converged with faith, as I read the story in Acts 7 of a man called Stephen, who faced a parallel reality in being willing to give it all for a purpose higher than his self.

God spoke to me as I read about Stephen and contemplated the parallel. He asked me if I was willing to embrace that same standard for Him. That foundational sacrificial attitude is at the core of three key factors that differentiate the Kingdom criterion of leadership: trust, honor and service. These are the priorities.

These three factors are the faith-based heart of biblical community. They undergird the cost to uphold the standard of leadership that Jesus modeled, as He raised the bar for those with the faith and courage willing to embrace the process marked by God's pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim.

"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5

Reaching for that higher standard, that has been modeled by the heroes of faith and exemplified by Jesus, is the pivot point of God's standard for leadership and the foundation for a society of people who are known by His Name. It begins with trust.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

The Trust Facet. Faith is based on an unqualified trust in the Lord. Trust also is the thread that holds the model together. It is the standard for community that results when God's higher order of the spiritual, the economic dynamic of increase, and community operate together. Faith cannot operate without trust; neither can biblical community.

Religion is man's attempt to cleverly squeeze out the devil's intentions. Jesus addressed this impossible premise by His indictment of "the precepts of men." However, God's order releases God's intentions, despite opposition, in a way that progressively leaves no room for the devil. It's the subtle difference noted by Jesus when He said that we would be in the world, but not of the world. It is a mystery that draws from operating according to God's order. Its release comes from the balanced mix and merging of pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim.

In God's order of things, trust in the Lord sets things in motion individually; but it is the catalyst relationally for things to operate in community. It enables the tapping of the supernatural dimensions that can only come from God. Biblical community thrives on trust.

In Matthew 10 Jesus warned about those who would betray us. Yet when establishing those who comprise a community, he admonished us to seek out those who are worthy, people of honor. With this approach, even when betrayal happens, Jesus said we were not to be caught off-guard; because it would release unexpected opportunity. Today's persecuted church has an intimate grasp of this dynamic.

The Honor Factor. Trust cannot operate without honor. The honor required involves integrity, but it is more than integrity. It embraces the right thing with consistency, but the demand is for still more.

The honor that God bestows comes at a cost. It is the honor that pivots on holding to a sacrificial standard higher than oneself. It is the honor that stems from not only attitude, but a consistent manifestation in deed.

This level of honor is vulnerable. Yet it comes from doing the right thing for the right reason without fear. It is the honor that comes from embracing responsibility. It is not based on the approval-of-men, conformity or blind-obedience, but rather on the bond of truth that is the thread that sparks the life-dynamic of community itself.

This level of honor is the leadership dynamic that fosters the enablement by which each part functions in the harmony to make it something more than its individual parts. It ignites the Kingdom premises that give birth to righteous power.

This measure of honor is sacrificial and worthy of trust. It considers others before oneself and refuses to compromise the standard.

The Service Dynamic. The standard for God's order combines trust, honor and service operating in harmony. The Pharisees short-circuited this premise with their unholy alliances, personal agendas and the manner in which they handled their true responsibility and worthiness of trust. They lowered the bar with the premise that the end justifies the means. They curried the favor of power-brokers without honor. In so doing, they betrayed the true bond of trust required of the righteous.

God's standard for community is about serving. It is applying the diversity of talents and gifts of its members to the benefit of others. Without trust or honor, community becomes contrived, fractional and brittle. This reality punctuates the key role of the tz'dakim.

When biblical righteousness (tz'dakah) is the mark of a people, it becomes the glue of making the pioneers and peddlers into a true model of community; of God's people (tz'dakim) in operation, as they are blessed to be a blessing. It is the basis of Jesus' Kingdom message of how to employ righteous power in a corrupt world.

The Disconnects

The word of God is filled with examples of the misfires of leaders who have undermined God's purposes for His people operating together. While many within the church today point to the problem as being individual issues, the examples of the misfires from the Bible more often note it as a leadership matter. In the cases of those who served as kings, God's word describes their misfires as having done evil in God's sight.

In Isaiah 22, it describes the demise of Shebna because his priorities were focused on his position and personal benefit. In the case of Saul (1 Samuel 15), his downfall came from his need for the approval of men. Jeroboam (1 Kings 13) lowered the standard and cost requirements of those serving in righteous leadership. In Ahab's case (1 Kings 16), he furthered the digressions of Jeroboam by his passive compromise, in allowing the standard for leaders to be mixed with sorcery.

In each case there was a lack of spiritual maturity, wrong priorities, the misuse of righteous power, the mix with worldly standards, and a compromise of God's order by which the ends justified the means. These are the indicators of the disintegration of God's order. The standard for God's leadership demands more; and cannot be drawn from the world.

The Mysteries

Throughout Scripture are references to mysteries; spiritual dynamics that cannot be understood according to our grasp of the natural order of things. It acknowledges that God's truths are deeper and His ways are higher than the best man can discern.

Both the Old and New Covenants give reference to this. Deuteronomy 29 tells us that the secret things belong to the Lord, but those that are revealed belong to us and our heritage; to those who, as a people, are known by His Name. Paul, in almost all his epistles, alludes to the "mysteries" of our faith. Jesus, in the Gospels, refers to the "mysteries" of the Kingdom. These mysteries, these "beyond the veil" truths are the igniters of the simple things that confound the wise.

They represent the edge, the advantage, demonstrated when God's people employ this standard not only as individuals, but in the harmony God intended, as a community. The mysteries applied release the pioneering spirit to break the mold. The merging of the diversity of gifts creates the foundations for becoming self-sustaining through community, which enhances the economic dynamic. The righteous factor, based on the Hebrew tz'dakah or "charitable righteousness," then ties it together as the mutually-beneficial function of building community is served.

Joseph applied the mysteries in the most adverse and impossible of circumstances. Without position, he began by bringing God into the open and bringing increase and blessing to the one he served. He gained trust and operated as a prophetic steward. Unwilling to compromise, he weathered the spiritual backlash from Potiphar's whoring wife and in his bad-to-worse dilemma, as a prisoner, he gained the opportunity that led to his promotion with Pharaoh.

In the process, Joseph changed the spiritual culture of Egypt and harnessed the resources needed to provide a safe place that yielded even further opportunity in a time of spiritual judgment that racked the world at that time.

These mysteries are at the heart of the paradoxes of Jesus' Kingdom message. They fly in the face of the best the world has to offer. They are at the heart of this biblical leadership mantle employed by the Jewish people, who generation after generation, have come together as a culture within a culture, with an identity in God, as a society that operates with trust, honor and service.

The distinction of the pathway of this mix of pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim is that it will only move forward -- with God at the helm. When it does, remarkable things take place. It is the seedbed for revival. It becomes the "light shining on a hill" that demonstrates the reality of God to the societies around it. When this dynamic is in harmony then extraordinary things unfold at the hands of otherwise ordinary people.

This dynamic provides the release of the dimension noted in the opening scripture: the tapping of an abundance and hidden treasures. It is an abundance with hidden treasures that can only be brought as far as the gates by superstars. Its full release comes only through piercing the spiritual veil, as a people, who operate together as pioneers, peddlers and tz'dakim. It comes with the faithfulness of a people, a chosen people whose choice is God and His heart; whose pathway is built from generation to generation in bringing the standard of God's order full circle.

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with pointing the finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always. He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,

Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." Isaiah 58:9-12 NIV

___________________________________________________
Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world.

He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" and "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions fromAmazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.

Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the persecuted church to be the head and not the tail. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or email us at sign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure web-site.

Likewise, email us to schedule a briefing for your congregation on the state of the persecuted church and how you can more effectively pray for them.

2013 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.org

Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. Since 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 previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick
Global Initiatives Foundation
www.strategic-initiatives.org
www.strategicintercession.org

Ron Cantor - "Even 'God’s Anointed' Leaders Can Abuse the Flock" (CHARISMANEWS)

Even 'God’s Anointed' Leaders Can Abuse the Flock

10/29/2013 RON CANTOR, charismanews

 

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Ron Cantor

“It doesn’t really matter what you say I have done. God has called me here, and you can’t stand in His way.”

According to a friend of mine, these were the words a leader of a congregation used as he responded to a congregant, who sought to challenge him on issues of deep concern—issues of sin.  

It reminded me of something that happened while I was in Bible school. I had been attending a church on Long Island led by a dynamic preacher. Everyone loved his fiery teachings. He was truly anointed. However, I became concerned when, during a service, he physically attacked an usher. The usher had laid his hand on someone, and the wife of the pastor removed his hand, as he was there to usher, not to pray. The usher reacted angrily to the pastor’s wife, and both he and the pastor had to be physically restrained. 

I stopped going to this congregation. A few weeks later, some of my college buddies came back to the campus with glowing reports of Pastor Phil’s (not his real name) latest message. “You’ve got to hear it, Ron!” they crowed.

I popped the cassette into my Walkman (it was 1986!) and listened as Pastor Phil screamed at the people and blamed them for this and that. I did not sense anointing but human anger. 

A few weeks later, I was told that Pastor Phil prophesied over a young lady in the church, just after he returned from a four-day prayer retreat, in which it was discovered he brought the very same young lady with him. Someone saw them return together, and Pastor Phil was confronted regarding his adulterous affair.

When the elders sat down with Phil and his wife for this confrontation, the very first words out of his wife’s mouth were, “He is still anointed.”

Most women would have hit him, yelled at him and called him a cheating #$%^—yes, even believing women. But this wife's greater concern was for her husband's authority in the congregation—that it would not be forfeited. While this was an elder-led team, she had much freedom as the senior pastor’s wife and loved being in that position. 

In her mind, Phil was God’s anointed, even if that anointing did not help him with his zipper! It was like she was saying, "David committed adultery, and he was still king. Who are these elders to remove us from power? We are God’s anointed!"

The theory that leaders can only be removed by God comes from 1 Samuel 26:9-11, where David warns his trusted friend Abishai not to kill King Saul:

"'Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the Lord lives,' he said, 'the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord's anointed'” (NIV).

A Dangerous Doctrine

From this text, some leaders have derived a very dangerous doctrine regarding a senior leader and accountability. According to this doctrine, the senior leader is understood as having a position like the ancient kings of Israel. He is "God’s anointed"; therefore, he is not to be removed by any process of men—no matter what he does. He is beyond congregational discipline. While he may have elders or a board, they are advisers only, and all decisions are his to make. Within his sphere, he is the final authority (or, as I call it, dictator).  

If he abuses people or they do not like his decisions, they have two choices. They can either submit to his leadership and entrust the situation to God, or they can quietly leave the community. In any case, they are to make no waves or protest in their leaving. Those who do are labeled rebellious troublemakers and often become the target of malicious rumors and gossip.

In these circles, the authority of the senior leader is taught in very absolute terms. We are told, “Touch not God’s anointed.” I believe it is a destructive and devilish doctrine, and people should separate from those who teach it. 

To be clear, we should honor and respect those who have embraced the yoke of leadership, but leaders should be held to an even higher standard than those in their congregations: 

"Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly" (James 3:1).

The Leader Is Not a King

In the New Testament, congregations are not led by kings. Yes, I know in many circles the pastor and his wife are treated like royalty. Some even refer to the pastor’s wife as first lady. 

Just this morning, a pastor friend was telling me of a young elder who said, “Now that I am an elder, people will respect me.”

My friend told him that it was quite the opposite: “Now that you are an elder, you give up your rights in order to serve.”

In Hebrew, the word for minister (mesharet) is the same word for servant. A leader is called to serve, not to be crowned. Yeshua said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

New Testament congregations should be governed by teams of elders under the direction of a senior leader who is accountable to the team. Both Titus and Timothy, who were senior leaders, were encouraged to appoint elders (Titus 1:5; 1 Tim. 3:1-13). And elders govern the congregation:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17, emphasis added).

David Had a Conflict of Interest

One of the reasons why David did not take Saul’s life is because he knew with Saul out of the way, he would be the new king. Therefore, in killing Saul, he would have been taking his destiny into his own hands. He wanted God to make him king—not to take the kingdom by the strength of his sword. 

Saul did not declare himself God’s anointed.

It most cases today, it is the senior leader who declares himself to be God’s anointed and therefore untouchable by man. In the case of David and Saul, it is Saul’s enemy, David, who calls Saul God’s anointed. It is a dangerous thing for a man to declare himself God’s anointed. 

In Bible school, I had the opportunity to meet the great English Bible teacher David Pawson. After one of his messages (he was teaching all week), I was deeply moved. I felt like I had heard from a prophet. I walked up to Mr. Pawson and asked, “Are you a prophet?”

He wisely said with his beautiful British accent, “That is not for me to say, but you.” And he walked away.

I was blown away. He was right. You don’t become a prophet or God’s anointed because you post it on your Facebook page or business card. You can’t declare yourself an apostle, as did the drunk and abusive character that Robert Duvall played in The Apostle. No, others affirm the gift of God in your life.

So let us be done with this wicked doctrine. It is inspired from below. May God raise up strong leaders who are secure enough to be accountable to their elders. If you find yourself in a situation where a senior leader refuses to be accountable because he is "God's anointed," my advice is to run! Find a congregation that has clear standards of morality for its leaders.

Ron Cantor is the director of Messiah’s Mandate International in Israel, a Messianic ministry dedicated to taking the message of Jesus from Israel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Cantor also travels internationally teaching on the Jewish roots of the New Testament. He serves on the pastoral team of Tiferet Yeshua, a Hebrew-speaking congregation in Tel Aviv. His newest book, Identity Theft, was released April 16. Follow him at @RonSCantor on Twitter.

The Princely Anointing - Morris Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

THE PRINCELY ANOINTING

(c) Morris E. Ruddick


"Yet I will lift up My hand to the nations and set up My standard to the peoples; and they will bring your sons in their bosoms, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders. Kings will be your guardians, and their princesses your nurses and you will know that I am the Lord." Is 49:22

Kingdom leadership is not about being in charge. It's a much higher standard than the world's leadership. It begins in the heart. It pivots on serving. It is an anointing.

It is a regal anointing acknowledged even by the world. Abraham was referred to by a Hittite leader as being "a mighty prince among us" (Gen 23:6). The NASU version translates God's instruction to Samuel to anoint David as a "prince over His people" (1 Sam 9:16).

The anointing for leadership established by God's standard resets the course of things spiritually. It cannot be assumed. It accompanies a calling aligned with God's heart. It encompasses a mantle, a stewardship and an impact on destiny that can only be described as princely.

Throughout the history of God's people are stories of ones who occupied positions of leadership, yet who fell short. Then, there are those we typically refer to as the heroes of faith, who often, without position, demonstrated remarkable leadership. The authority they wielded carried a standard recognized as being regal.

The difference starts with the poise of the soul to serve in undefiled oneness with God's Spirit. Those who failed generally had preoccupations with their souls or were short-sighted in their focus or both. They lacked the discipline and spiritual vision needed to stand and operate against the challenges confronting them as people of the Spirit. Saul, who had everything going for him, in the final analysis yielded to his myopic, overriding need for the approval of men. He had position and power. Yet, his attempts to do things spiritually fell flat due to the stumbling shaped by the narrow-minded priorities of heart.

"Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot bear up: Under a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food, under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, and a maidservant when she replaces her mistress." Prov 30:21-23

True leadership understands and operates uniquely within its own sphere (2 Cor 10:13). Wielding authority coincides with a discipline that recognizes and is under authority. Leadership can never be an issue of popularity. That was Saul's blind spot. Those in leadership positions who yearn to be liked will only find themselves deceived and surrounded by yes-people whose mode blocks the wisdom they need to fulfill their mission and their destinies. Likewise, leadership cannot be driven by self-righteousness. The Pharisees in Jesus' day knew the Scriptures, but failed in the humility and priorities required by those serving with a princely anointing.

"There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother. There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness. There is a generation - whose eyes are raised in arrogance. There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and whose jaw teeth are like knives, to devour the afflicted from the earth, and the needy from among men." Prov 30:11-14

True leaders operate devoid of ego. They're neither touchy nor easily offended. They've paid the cost needed to rule their own spirits (Prov 16:32). It incorporates a level of knowing God that results in it no longer being their own lives being lived, but them flowing as Daniel did in a strength with results described as being exploits (Dan 11:32). Leadership with a princely anointing foundation is always "other" directed. There are no personal agendas, nor a need to be in charge.

The Princely Anointing

The princely anointing defines the standard. Regardless of the context, it maps out, it builds up and it brings increase. It enables others and nurtures community. The princely anointing is always God-centered, raising the bar, establishing righteous influence in the culture around it. It was the anointing that established Daniel's influence in the King's court despite the prevailing culture of sorcery. Likewise, despite his lowly position, Joseph's regal anointing gained the recognition and trust of those in authority over him: from Potiphar to the jailer to Pharaoh.

Psalm 15 highlights the criteria for the operation of the princely anointing: walks with integrity, works righteousness, speaks truth in his own heart, does not slander, does no evil to his neighbor nor takes up a reproach against a friend, despises reprobates, but honors those who fear the Lord, abides by commitments and does not take advantage of others. The princely anointing attracts and engenders trust.

The princely anointing exudes an authority, a humble authority that very naturally bestows God's blessings and wisdom. It is a regal leadership conveying a confidence that evokes trust for stewarding responsibility.

Princely Anointing Factors

Service. Those with a princely mantle have nothing to prove. Yet, their modus operandi is a unique authoritative humility, as they lead by serving. They bring change without being contentious. They are "other" directed and flow from one level to another in the manner in which the excellence of their capabilities sets the standard in the way they bless those around them. Their manner of service results in a confidence that attracts focus. They are neither overly ambitious nor looking for credit. Their zeal is fueled by the satisfaction of seeing God's purposes advanced.

Sacrifice. The princely anointing demands discipline. It is a discipline that sacrifices. It incorporates a standard of stewardship that sets things in order; God's order. It corrects by building up and nurturing, by bestowing the benefit of the doubt. It is an anointing that embraces its mantle to the point of biblical "suffering." Biblical suffering is not the result of the messes we get ourselves into but rather the pressures and backlash that result from paving new ground spiritually for God's purposes. It is a mantle only for the mature who genuinely rule their own spirits.

Honor. A princely anointing embraces a cause, a high cause conforming to God's priorities, usually for a generation, sometimes beyond that. Many within the Body operate with a lot of vision, zeal and ambition, but it is the few who have embraced a cause. People will live for a vision, but will die for a cause. Honor embraces the cost of the cause. Integrity faces the realities to see it through. Holding the focus of a calling bearing a princely anointing will pivot on whether the goal is through human effort, or by yielding to that divine energy that works so mightily. Honor is the glue that fulfills commitments and stays the course regardless the cost. Honor is the regal dynamic that differentiates the many called and few who are chosen.

The Standard. With the bar being raised in tz'dakah righteousness, the princely anointing is big-picture. It is always God-focused. It employs a high-level of stewardship that is strategic and carries a long-term impact. It is always prophetic with its influence crossing the boundaries of cultures and generations. It operates in mercy, but with a mantle that triggers judgment when God's initiatives are intentionally and sometimes blindly, but stubbornly impeded. Remember Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5).

Elijah's remarkable encounter with the prophets of Baal and Asherah illustrates the dynamics of the princely anointing in action. The outcome broke the spiritual stronghold over those held in its grip. It changed the spiritual climate and released God's people. Yet, it required Elijah to lay everything on the line. This confrontation had no middle ground or way out for Elijah. He took the risk and he paid the cost. The exploits for his regal faceoff will be remembered throughout eternity.

I have people I have worked with in the nations who have been imprisoned for their faith. One has faced the ultimate test. When his physical condition declined to the state that he was dying, his jailers told him that he only had to recant his faith and he would be freed. His response was that he would rather die. Two weeks later, God sovereignly intervened to bring about his release. This man now serves as a true prince of the Kingdom.

"Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns aside from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; and shall not see when prosperity comes. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves stay green. It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.'" Jer 17:5-8

Mercy and Gentleness. King David recognized that at the core of genuine godly power is the operation of mercy and gentleness. It is the subtle foundation of righteous power that enables evil to be overcome with good. It is the basis of bestowing blessing in the face of adversity. It is the anointing by which ones natural weakness is transformed into strength.

"Your gentleness has made me great." 2 Sam 22:36 and Ps 18:35

Paul's famous love chapter in his letter to the Corinthians describes this dynamic. It is foundational to the princely anointing. It is patient and kind. It is not puffed up nor does it parade itself. It does not behave rudely nor seek its own benefit. It is not provoked. It does not take into account wrongs suffered nor does it entertain evil of any level. It rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes in the good-in God's outcome, is constant in all things and endures all things. The princely anointing releases a wisdom that is beyond human capacities. It resets the spiritual climate at a cultural level.

Jesus came in humility and without any natural trappings of power, He wielded all authority. He admonished the self-righteous Pharisees that God prefers mercy to sacrifice. The ripples of His influence have reshaped cultures and civilizations to this day.

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion .... to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Is 61:1-3

Maturity for the Times
Jesus raised the bar. He admonished His followers to understand the times and the seasons. With that big-picture context, He established the standard for leadership and the use of power at the level characterizing those outlined in the Hebrew's "hall of fame of faith." These are the ones who by reaching beyond themselves, tapped into a regal anointing by which in their vulnerabilities and weaknesses they were made strong and accomplished exploits (Hebrews 11:34).

Daniel 2 reveals that it is the Lord who changes the times and seasons. He removes and He raises up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. We are in the midst of a change of seasons. For those in leadership, maturity and humility are the bywords. Those prepared as enablers, whose hearts are neither pharisaical nor short-sighted will be thrust into positions of authority and influence. Those seduced by idols in their minds will fall short.

For those prepared for the challenges, what they face will be at the level and in keeping with those regarded as the heroes of faith. The demonic nature of the intent of darkness evidenced a generation ago is simply manifesting in another form today. This reality was unveiled by a courageous historian in his 1974 study of the occult and the Third Reich.

"Those who induced Germany to embrace the swastika are not dead. They are still among us, just as they have been in every era, and doubtless will continue to be until the Apocalypse. National Socialism was for them but a means, and Hitler was but an instrument. The undertaking failed. What they are now trying to do is to revive the myth using other means.

The purpose of this book is to raise the veil of history and to reveal some of the great currents running through it--secret, underground currents, to be sure, but very real and exceedingly powerful, particularly when they are manipulated by men imbued with a fanatical belief in their mission. The occult forces confront one another in the shadows, while on stage, impassive performers quietly act out an immutable drama under the very eyes of an unseeing public."

Angebert, The Occult and the Third Reich, 1974, MacMillan Publishing, New York

The masking of underlying occult quests for power marks the critical nature of those called and anointed for destiny-defining leadership. Inbred, religious social and "bless-me" clubs are not enough. The seriousness of the realities is calling for those whose mantle has been tested by fire and whose regal anointing is in keeping with the seats of power in which they are called.

We're entering a threshold of time in which freedom as we know it is at risk. Yet, God has always had those He's prepared. Those who know their God will be strong and will do exploits. They will have the spiritual vision that discerns the key issues and gives focus to majoring in matters that make a difference. It's not about pharisaical hair-splitting in the land of milk and money. The issue involves the cost of the mantle.

The distinctive defining those assuming these strategic mantles, who are equipped for these perilous times, will be the princely anointing.

"If you have run with footmen and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? If in the land of peace in which you trusted, they wearied you then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?" Jer 12:5
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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner and spokesman for the call of God in the marketplace since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation and designer of the God's Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program, Mr. Ruddick imparts hope and equips economic community builders where God's light is dim in both the Western and non-Western world.

He is author of "The Joseph-Daniel Calling;" "Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;" "The Heart of a King;" "Something More;" and "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World," which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders called to impact their communities with God's blessings. They are available in print and e-versions from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other popular outlets.

Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts are enabled by the generosity of a remnant of faithful friends and contributors whose vision aligns with God's heart to mobilize the least of these our brethren. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to PO Box 370291, Denver CO 80237 or email us at sign@strategicintercession.org for access information on our secure web-site.

2013 Copyright Morris Ruddick - sign@strategicintercession.org

Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN adviser. Since 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For previous posts or more information on SIGN, check: http://www.strategicintercession.org

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