I Heard the Words, "No Honor, No Glory" by Paulette Reed - The Elijah List

I Heard the Words, "No Honor, No Glory"

Paulette Reed, Surprise, AZ

The Elijah List

May the Glory Fall

For weeks now a powerful phrase has kept going through my spirit over and over again. The phrase is this: No honor, no glory. I've been searching through the Word of God to more fully understand what Holy Spirit is trying to teach me, because I know that "it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2). If we want to see and experience the glory of God, then we'll need to build a foundation and determine why it is that if there is no honor then there is no glory.

In 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, the glory of God falls as the priests worship in the temple:

"When the priests came forth from the holy place (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, without regard to divisions... and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD... then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God."

We see here that on occasion the glory of God was manifested on the earth, but throughout history it has, for the most part, been veiled. Even when Jesus came to the earth, He carried the glory but it was veiled in human flesh. However, there were – and are – times when God's glory, the shekinah glory, is revealed in a visible and tangible way. (Photo by Robert Bartow "Glory Filled the Temple" via elijahshopper.com)

The word shekinah comes from the Hebrew word shekinot, and it is used in the Bible when God would "settle in" or "dwell with" His people. This is the glory that was seen when God's presence filled the temple like a cloud. We also see this glory at the transfiguration on the Mount where Jesus shone brighter than the noonday sun as He spoke with Moses and Elijah. 

God's glory falls when there is unity, when there is worship that glorifies or honors God, and when all things are lined up with the Kingdom of God.

What Is Honor?

Since we are each a temple of the Holy Spirit, it is so crucial to worship and honor the Lord with our lives and thus fill the earth with His glory. But what is honor? As a noun, honor means "esteem, value, or great respect." In the Bible, to honor someone is to value him or her highly. We are told to express honor and esteem to certain people, such as our parents, the aged, as well as those who are in authority (see Ephesians 6:2; Leviticus 19:32; Romans 13:1). But, at the same time, we must understand that all authority and honor belong to God alone (see 1 Chronicles 29:11; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 5:13). 

Even though God can delegate His authority to others, it still only belongs to Him (see Ephesians 4:11-12). This means that when we honor someone, because God has commanded us to do so and because we want to, we're really honoring God.

Honor in the New Testament is the Greek word time (tee-may), the literal definition being "a valuing," or something that is attributed as valuable, precious, and weighty, much like gold or precious stones. Even though honor can be displayed as actions, words, or thoughts, all true honor originates from the heart. 

In Isaiah 29:13 the Lord says, "These people say they are Mine. They honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. And their worship of Me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote."

It looks like honor, sounds like honor, but it's not true honor – at least not how God defines it. Honor is simply the overflow of the reverential fear of God springing forth in our hearts. (Photo via Pixabay)

The Bible talks about a noteworthy group of people who are deserving of "double honor," which are the leadership of the Church. First Timothy 5:17says, "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." Not only do we attribute double honor to Church leaders, but we see that the Word gives us the command to honor one another in our marketplace relationships too (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 6:1; Ephesians 6:5-9), and of course in the marriage relationship between husbands and wives (see Hebrews 13:4; Ephesians 5:23-33).

Of all the commands to honor one another, the one repeated most often pertains to honoring one's father and mother (see Exodus 20:12; Matthew 15:4). This command was so important to God that if anyone cursed or struck one of his or her parents, then they were to be put to death (see Exodus 21:15, 17).

To Honor Is to Love

The word love is sometimes used synonymously for honor. Paul commands us to "be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10). Honoring others above ourselves goes against our basic human instinct. It is only by walking humbly by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can esteem and honor fellow people more highly than ourselves (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3). (Photo via Pixabay)

The book of Proverbs illustrates how our behavior results in honor. Proverbs 21:21 says, "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor." Let's remember that honor as taught in the Scriptures is far different from the type of honor sought after by the world today. Honor and awards are frequently given to those with wealth, clout, worldly power, and celebrity status. Those who thrive on worldly honor are actually in a precarious place, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).

We never want to be like the Pharisees who sought after honor from others, because Jesus totally rejected that type of behavior. He said, "Everything they do is done for people to see" (Matthew 23:5), and he not only labeled them as hypocrites but "snakes" and "vipers" too (Matthew 23:29-33).

The bottom line is that all of Heaven raises its voice in honor and praise to God, and we are instructed to do likewise: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being" (Revelation 4:11).

What Happens When We Honor?

In 2 John 8 we learn that our full reward from the Lord is consequential. It says, "Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward." I don't know about you, but I want a full reward, not just a partial one.

Mark tells us of some folks who made bad choices and who did not receive their full reward:

"Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?' And they took offense at Him.

"Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.' And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He wondered at their unbelief" (Mark 6:1-6).

This is the very Son of God! He could do no miracles in His hometown because of the people's unbelief, which ultimately resulted because of their lack of honoring Him. Do you see the power of dishonor at work here? Isaiah had prophesied that the government would rest upon the shoulders of this Prophet, and that His Kingdom would have no end. 

The people of the day assumed that the Messiah was to deliver everyone from Roman oppression, and when Jesus didn't line up with the image they had in their minds, they became offended with Him and familiarity moved in. Jesus became just a carpenter to many: "Hey, isn't that the carpenter? Didn't he build the picnic table out back?" (Photo by Kevin Moffatt "Come Out!" via elijahshopper.com)

The people did not receive Christ's full reward because they did not honor Him. And because of that, He left and went on to another place. It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt, which could also be stated as familiarity leads to dishonor. The better we know someone, the more likely we are to find fault with him or her. If we know an individual well enough, it is easy to stop respecting them, which is exactly what happened in Jesus' hometown. Because of familiarity, they did not respect Him as a prophet, and therefore He couldn't do any miracles there.

We need to be careful not to engage in familiarity in any arena of our life. We can't become too familiar with those who teach the Word of God ("He no longer impresses me"), with the message of the Word of God itself ("I've heard that so many times before; I already know that"), or that we just no longer appreciate the significance of the Word of God ("I'm just not getting fed anymore"). 

If we do this, we may cut ourselves off from a powerful message, we may cut ourselves off from miracles (Jesus only healed a few), and, worst of all, Jesus might leave. Because of contempt and dishonor, we can lose access to receiving the full blessings of Christ.

Whom Do We Honor?

Let's look one more time at how we are to honor. Jesus told His disciples, "I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'" (Luke 13:35 NIV). And again He said, "He who receives (honors) whomever I send receives (honors) Me; and he who receives (honors) Me receives (honors) Him (the Father) who sent Me" (John 13:20 NKJV). (Photo by Donna Smallenberg "Out of the Darkness" via elijahshopper.com)

When we expound on these Scriptures and replace the word "receives" with "honors," the message becomes clear. First and foremost, we are to honor God. And we are also to honor "those whom He sends." Everyone and everything else that we honor will flow from us as vessels of honor. Paul wrote to Timothy: "If anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21).

Visualize yourself and others as the finest and most exquisite vessels of china in the entire world. Would you fill those vessels with trash? Of course not. And neither would the Lord. In order to be filled with the glory of God, we must learn to express honor from the depths of our hearts. We desperately need the glory, as it eclipses everything – there's no cancer in the glory, no slander, no poverty, and no sin. But we must remember that if there is no honor, then there will be no glory.

Paulette Reed
Prophetic Arrow Ministries
Email: info@propheticarrow.org
Website: propheticarrow.org

Paulette Reed is a powerful preacher, prophetic minister, encourager, and author. She is a full-time revivalist/evangelist. Her passion is to share the love of Christ and unite people to the inexplicable love of our Heavenly Father, exhorting them to arise and shine! She is an extremely accurate prophetess who has been raised up to bring hope and healing to the Body of Christ. 

Without a vision the people perish, so the Lord is using this handmaiden as His mouthpiece to speak forth individual and corporate vision, catapulting people into their destinies. Paulette loves to see God's people awakened and proclaim the active extension of the Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. She ministers in the revival anointing accompanied by revelatory ministry, healing, miracles, signs and wonders.

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A Nugget for Living Life by Steve Martin - "Honor"

A Nugget for Living Life

Steve Martin

"Honor that which God honors

and you too will experience

His goodness.”

1 Timothy 1:17

Love For His People, Inc.

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When It’s All Been Said and Done - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

When It’s All Been Said and Done

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” (Revelation 21:5-7 NASU)

When it’s all been said and done, when the times of the end have been completed, there will be One Who sits on the throne, having accomplished His Father’s will, fully established and in good order.

The Lamb of God, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Alpha and the Omega, Him who has risen from the dead – Jesus the Christ, Yeshua HaMahsiach - will rule and reign in His glory, power and majesty.

The One who gave all, who left heaven to become flesh and dwell amongst us, who walked with man for those years on this planet before His cruel, sacrificial death on the cross and His mighty resurrection – He will have received His Bride, dined at the Marriage Supper, and begun the celebration with the biggest party ever put together. With joy, peace and awesome love for all eternity, Jesus will have received His long awaited reward.

The King of kings and the Lord of lords – our Almighty God, is even now seated on His righteous throne. The royal crown sits gloriously on His head, as He rules and reigns forever.

With all those redeemed by His blood, who have given their lives for Him, from the times of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Peter and Paul; through the centuries with all the prophets, patriarchs, matriarchs, saints of God saved from all the nations, they too will receive their crowns and experience the eternal life that has awaited them in heaven. They too will rule with righteousness and honor.

In this heavenly realm, abiding in this New Jerusalem, there will no longer be any sickness or death. The persecuted and once heavy burdened will have been given new spiritual bodies, never again to experience lack, need or suffer through ridicule and being bullied.

Those martyred during the Great Tribulation, slain for standing for truth, believing in their Living Redeemer even as the sword fell down upon their head; who kept looking up to the One who gave courage and strength during their time of life, and then through their appointed time of death, will too join the heavenly ranks. They also will be clothed with white robes, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, and then seated with crowns on their restored heads.

Whatever we are going to go through in these times, the end of days, it will all have been worth it. The promises promised will have been kept.

When it’s all been said and done, our eternal reward will be to have our Lord and Savior Jesus (Yeshua) share His majestic home with us. What a glorious time that will be.

And it will never end.

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People. Inc.

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Now Think On This #200 “When It’s All Been Said and Done” by Steve Martin 

Date: In the year of our Lord 2015 (10.31.15) Saturday at 7:00 am in Charlotte, NC

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

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WHEN HONOR IS RESTORED - Morris E. Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

WHEN HONOR IS RESTORED   (c) Morris E. Ruddick     "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. In that day, He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse." Mal 4: 2, 6   These are times of restoration. Isaiah wrote that there would come a time when darkness would cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples. Yet, these would be the times in which the Lord begins to dramatically restore His order, as the Glory of the Lord comes upon His people, those walking in the fear of the Lord.   Ezekiel foresaw such a time when every vision would be fulfilled without delay. (Ezek12:23)   Malachi's prophecy similarly points to restoration in the face of great reprobation, a depravity which impacts even the household of faith. The opening scripture is in the context of a day of judgment, but also a day of preparation that restores key elements to the foundations established for God's people.   At the crux of the elements restored, that bring the turnaround, is honor.     The Dynamic of Honor What we refer to as "knowing" the Lord is a progressive thing. The life of Abraham illustrates this truth. It is a process that takes place over a lifetime. Even for those like Abraham who keep their hand to the plow, the depths of knowing Him are such that there is always more.   Central to knowing Him is the factor of honor. The book of Hebrews reveals that we cannot take this true honor to ourselves, but rather it is granted only by God. Job, an honorable man by his own accomplishments went through a major life-transition to find that when, stripped of the things this life was able to offer, he was able to see God for the magnitude of Who He truly is. When that happened, God bestowed an honor upon Job that far outweighed Job's previous honor.   It only takes a glimmer of His presence.   The honor bestowed by God changes everything. Jesus spent His earthly ministry conveying the dynamics tied to honoring the Lord and the secrets to abiding in His presence. From that honor and abiding we begin to grasp the principles Jesus imparted on how the Kingdom of God operates, of how we employ righteous power in a corrupt world. "For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. " John 5:21-23   The Sphere We have some friends who God called to the mission field. The area of their calling is extremely hard ground spiritually. Their first two years were grueling and exhausting. They were filled with what seemed as constant reversals and steep, uphill challenges. "Many will be offended, betray one another and hate one another. False prophets will rise up and deceive many. Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Matt 24: 10-12   Yet they persisted in upholding the fear of the Lord. They never fell short in praying, which they sometimes did just to survive. They likewise never gave up.   Then they were invited to minister in a distant province from where they had been sent. The difference was startling and dramatic. This province was one of two in this nation known to be populated with Christians. They ministered in the same way as they did where they were plowing new ground, but instead miracles took place at every turn. It provided the impetus to return to their assignment and expect more largely from the result of the anointing and authority they wielded.   Many are those called to plow new ground. So it is with the hard ground of the times we have entered.   Paul wrote that to each is given a sphere or a boundary in which to operate. It is a boundary of authority, a sphere of influence. Within that sphere we have the potential of great power as agents of change. That change when employed according to the Kingdom model and not a religious model will impact the culture, as well as the economy and the power structures of that sphere.   Yet, there are places where the forces of darkness are so entrenched that it takes time for the change to take root. It will. It requires establishing the fear of God. "Your words have been arrogant against Me, says the LORD. You have said, 'It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning [repentance] before the LORD of hosts?'" Mal 3: 13-14   Establishing the fear of God involves upholding the magnitude of God's honor. It is not about us, but Him. When we get it reversed, we broach the realm of making an idol out of our ministry and the anointing given to pave the way for our calling. Jesus outlined the principles by which we would not be ensnared by this deception.   They are the principles of the Kingdom. Most are paradoxes to the way the world thinks and employs power. We live by dying. We gain by giving. We bless those who curse us. Wisdom comes from simplicity. Humility is a protective armor. We lead by serving. Honor comes from humility. The principles of the Kingdom are the keys to employing His power in unrighteous settings.   A Warrior's Honor Throughout the Word of God, reference is given to military people. Those who have repeatedly faced life and death battles hold to a code of honor. They are ones who recognize one another quickly and just as quickly differentiate the phonies, the braggarts and the glory hounds. They understand the serious risks of employing great power.   Jesus was amazed in His encounter with the Centurion who drew the parallel between his authority and how faith operates. God saw Cyrus long before his birth and relished in what He would do through Cyrus on behalf of His people Israel.   What is it about the warrior's honor? They understand authority. They are people of faith and strategy. They understand how to steward power. They are people of discipline. They respond to duty and know how to operate in unity. They are calculated risk-takers and people of action. They are willing to sacrifice for a cause. They have a willingness to die for what they believe in. They lead by serving.   Honor is at the core of the warrior's life-tenets, the warrior's way of thinking.   Understanding that we are agents of change requires a grasp of the honor of the warrior. Stewards of God's power must grasp and embrace this level of honor.   The Snare of the King's Tantrum Agents of change embracing the code of the warrior understand the importance of the big-picture and the long-term.   The story of Hezekiah is a story of the long-term being sacrificed for the short-term. Hezekiah was a righteous king. During his life there had been exploits as he had honored the Lord in the way he ruled Judah. His standoff against Sennacherib king of Syria (2 Kings 19:36) was striking. He restored the temple worship and Passover (2 Chron 29:20, 30:1) Yet, in his final days, he fell short in embracing the honor of the warrior.   Responding in a tantrum of bitterness when the prophet told him his days were concluding, scripture says after being healed, Hezekiah became proud. In his final days, Isaiah rebuked his spiritual short-sightedness and prophesied the impact of his actions on future generations (2 Kings 20:14).   Restoring the Generation Link Among the mysteries in God's Word is the link between generations. The restoration of the honor -- bestowed by God -- must begin with the restoration of honor within the community of God's people. It is the glue that will bring the unity and maturity Paul explained to the Ephesians. It is the catalyst in rebuilding the broken walls in the eroded values of our society. "You will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the foundations of many generations. You will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell." Is 58:12   Honor restored is what Malachi prophesied in terms of the hearts of the children being restored to the fathers so that the land would not be smitten with a curse.   It is what Gabriel told Zacharias of his coming son John who would operate in the spirit and power of Elijah, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. The honor that links the generations releases an exponential power within the community of God's people. It is the reason for the importance given to the father's blessing in the days of the Patriarchs. When the generations link together, then unity will come.   One of the facets of the spiritual turmoil of the 1960s was the cultural war against authority and honor. Duty was ridiculed. The media has mocked the authority of the fathers, in their scorn of shows such as "Leave It to Beaver." Honor was the bulls-eye in the undermining of the accepted righteous values of that day.   When honor is in evidence, it draws the attention of the Lord, as in Jesus' response to the Centurion and God's calling of Cyrus. Abraham was a man of honor, which attracted the presence of the Lord. It was the honor of the warrior in Daniel in the face of adversity that brought angelic intervention. "The angel touched me and strengthened me and said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" When he spoke I was strengthened and said, "Let my lord speak for you have strengthened me."  Dan 10: 18-19   It was the honor that emerged in the face of calamity when jailed (Acts 12:7), when Peter's heart had finally became undivided, that brought the angel to free him.   The Righteous Remnant When that level of honor is restored merely a remnant in the household of faith is all it will take to release the turning. When the hearts of the children once again can adhere to the authority of the fathers, with the honor of the warrior being restored to the fathers, it will mark the turning of the restoration of all things.   Honor and authority, God's authority, are linked. God's honor in the face of tribulation actuates an authority that will change the spiritual climate of a nation. "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him." John 7:18-19   Many are called, but few are chosen. It is an hour in which even the elect are subject to being deceived. Yet, those who prevail will be given a mantle of fire, an authority that dispels darkness and brings the disruptive spiritual change that opens the gates to His presence.   Jesus indicated that His message of abiding would bring great joy. From that would come the heart of the warrior that would love as Jesus loved and be willing to lay down their lives for their friends. Peter once bragged that he would be of that heart, but braggadocio fails. He did. Similarly, when he tried to respond in his own strength in the Garden of Gethsemane with a sword, he again failed.    Peter had to get past himself. For Peter to assume the mantle of fire and authority that he was called to operate with took a level of humility and honor that accompanies the heart of a seasoned and tested warrior.   There is a righteous remnant that has been prepared. These are ones who have been tested, who have emerged from the fires without the smell of smoke. It is why humility and honor are the brandmarks of true warriors. It is these who will be the catalysts for revival who will wield the mantle of fire that brings the change and restoration being orchestrated by God in this hour. "I came to send fire on the earth and how I wish it were already kindled. But I have a baptism to be baptized with and how distressed I am until it is accomplished." Luke 12:49-50   "Bless the Lord all you His angels, who excel in strength doing His Word, heeding the voice of His Word. Bless the Lord all you His hosts, you ministers of His doing His pleasure. Bless the Lord all you His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord O my soul." Ps 103: 20-22 ______ _____________________________________________ 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;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" and "Leadership by Anointing," 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 www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooksand www.BarnesandNoble.com.   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 by credit card athttp://strategicintercession.org/support/   Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your congregation on the wisdom the persecuted church has for the West or on anointing the creative.   2015 Copyright Morris Ruddick -- sign@strategicintercession.org   Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. 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 previous posts or more information on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Global Initiatives is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry

"The Weapon of Honor!" - Bill Yount

"The Weapon of Honor!"

Bill Yount, Hagerstown, MD

The Elijah List

My mouth shall be filled with Thy praise, and with Thy honor all the day. Psalm 71:8

I saw what appeared to be high-ranking angels descending upon the earth decreeing: "Honor! Honor! Honor! Release the power of honor upon the earth!" "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king!" (1 Peter 2:17).

The word honor means to set a price on, value, esteem, regard or respect. From Heaven's perspective, whole nations, cities, and people are dying from the lack of honor. But through one simple word of respect, I saw the hand of God coming upon the earth to move upon whomever we honored.

A Scepter and Scroll of Honor

I saw a scepter of honor rising over the earth. Crowns, medals, and ribbons were now being handed out to weary, worn saints! I saw strong angels swooping down to pin medals and ribbons of overdue honor upon many of God's saints in this hour. Medals for "wounded" hearts were being given out. Your heart was wounded, but you went on! 

Those who have been hidden, receiving no recognition (while others were taking the credit for your labor), were now receiving medals of honor! There were medals and ribbons being pinned upon many for not quitting. You have gone through Hell without stopping! Even after you had fallen down, you got back up and kept going! (Photo by Donna Smallenberg"A New Name" via elijahshopper.com)

Great honor was coming upon you now! Gold medals were being given to those who took the blame, making peace with others even when you knew you were right. Crowns were now being placed upon heads while wearing your gold medal too. 

There were also medals being given for "unanswered" prayers. You cried out earnestly for God to answer your prayer, but there was seemingly no answer (or at least not the answer you had been looking for), but yet having not seen, you still believed.

Through great brokenness and humility, honor was now coming upon many. Proverbs 15:33 says, "...humility comes before honor." With this honor was coming great authority. And with this great authority came responsibility for us to honor others.

I also saw an "honor" scroll being opened as a great cloud of witnesses in glory stood to their feet! This honor scroll was opened and unfurled across the earth. High-ranking military angels began stepping down out of Heaven, and appeared to be disengaging in Heavenly warfare to release overdue honor upon the earth that would ultimately change many hearts and minds of mankind, bringing Heaven down to earth.

Honor the Unborn

A strong cry was heard throughout the earth to honor the unborn! Psalm 127:3 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." (Photo by Jennifer Page "LIFE" via elijahshopper.com)

Great honor in Heaven was being given to unborn babies whose destinies would have turned the world upside down by now. 

Love and hugs from earth would have squeezed out many cures of infirmities and diseases on the earth had they been loved and honored when they were sent. God was alerting us with one more opportunity to respect the womb and the treasure inside of it, which He wants to bring forth to bless us.

Honor Thy Father and Mother

Honoring thy father and mother all the days of thy life was releasing long awaited healings and miracles! Exodus 20:12 says, "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

A doctor attending our church felt led to take time off work and visit his father and mother who lived in Florida. He took a month off to bless them and love on them. Upon returning home, this doctor had a physical check-up and was diagnosed with colon cancer. He said that when his physician said the word "cancer" to him, he had a strange peace come over him and the Lord spoke, "Since you have honored your father and mother, I am going to heal you and give you a long life!" That doctor has no cancer now!

I sense that even as our fathers and mothers age, the first commandment promising long life becomes vital in fulfilling our long range purposes on the earth.

Honor the Children

Honoring children will bring forth their gifts and callings like nothing else. Psalm 127:4-5 says, "As arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them! They will not be put to shame when they speak with their adversaries [in gatherings] at the [city's] gate." (Photo by Linda Harris-Iorio "Quiver Flaming Arrows" via elijahshopper.com)

I once heard a story about a little boy who came to school one day carrying his little plastic guitar. Because that was so unusual, the teacher asked him what he was doing with it. He told his teacher, "I am going to be a great country singer when I grow up." The teacher took the little boy by the hand and walked him down to the principal's office. She said to the principal, "I want to introduce you to a great country singer legend. Would you allow him to sing over the PA system this morning?" The little boy sang his heart out. Years later, that little boy became a country singer. While doing a documentary of his success, he mentioned his teacher in elementary school who believed in him and respected his dream.

Honor All Men

As a result of not honoring others, we have not been honored. 1 Timothy 2:1-4, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."

A seemingly forgotten command was now coming forth from the Throne Room to the Body of Christ to decree honor to all men, including kings and leaders of nations. By not honoring them with our prayers, as well as not praying for the salvation of their souls, we were actually tying the hands of God from moving upon their lives! Because we didn't like the person God had put in power, we therefore despised their position. But to God, position and the person is everything! (Photo via Freeimages)

Romans 13:1 ...for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

Many will be called at this time to stand before nations, kings, cities, tribes, orphans, widows, babies, and even the unborn to honor them. 

When we honor someone, something powerful happens in us, because in honoring others we are honoring God as well, since "all men" were created in His image. Don't wait to find a good reason to honor someone. You may be waiting forever. Let's honor them because God said so.

LET THE "HONOR" ROLL!

Bill Yount
Blowing the Shofar Ministry

Email: theshofarhasblown@juno.com
Website: billyount.com

Bill Yount has been a member of Bridge of Life in Hagerstown, Maryland, for the past 36 years where he is now an elder and a home missionary. He is currently an advisor at large for Aglow International. Bill faithfully served in prison ministry at Mount Hope for 23 years and now travels full-time, both in the U.S. and internationally, ministering in churches and Aglow circles. "Humility and humor" characterize his ministry as he brings forth a fresh word that is "in season," proclaiming the Word of the Lord! 

The shofar (or ram's horn) is often used in his meetings, breaking the powers of darkness over regions, churches, and households. The shofar represents God's breath blowing into the nostrils of His people, reviving them and awakening the lost. Many of God's messages, which Bill ministers prophetically, come out of his everyday life with his family and friends.

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SPIRITUAL CLIMATE CHANGE - Morris E. Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

SPIRITUAL CLIMATE CHANGE (c) Morris E. Ruddick "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a wedding for his son. But those invited made light of it and went, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest seized his servants and killed them. When the king heard, he was furious. He sent out his armies to destroy the murderers and their city. Then he said to his servants, those invited were not worthy; go into the thoroughfares of the city and as many as you find, invite to the wedding. They gathered all they found, both bad and good. So, the wedding hall was filled. When the king came in, he saw one without a wedding garment and said, 'friend, how did you come without a wedding garment?' He was speechless. Then the king commanded, 'bind him and cast him into outer darkness; where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."  Matthew 22:2-14 The spiritual climate defines the heart of a society. It controls the power that reigns. It has been a key target in the struggle between good and evil for ages past. The unrighteous quest for power, masked by the perception of a utopian society, ruled by an all-knowing, supposedly "for the common good" governmental system, manifested with Hitler's Germany. At its core was the strategy of the "big lie." These were propositions laced with hope, yet so outrageous that the inclination by those under its rule, was by faith to believe them, as the communications people were subjected to were controlled by the government. This is the same undercurrent and hope that draws adherents into radical Muslim sects. Such perverse, subtle perceptions are the foundation of the premise being presented by secular-progressive political thinkers. Yet, this mode of thinking is only superficially political. It is spiritual. The basis of today's world of political correctness is fast closing the gap with the world described in George Orwell's 1949 novel titled "Nineteen Eighty-Four." Orwellian "1984" terms include "Big-Brother," group-think, speak-crimes and new-speak. It portrays a government-controlled tyranny in which power, absolute power, is sought for its own end. It is a world of omnipresent government surveillance and public manipulation. Another "futuristic" novel of its time, published in 1931 by Aldous Huxley, "Brave New World," presents a world of pervasive psychological manipulation designed to bring the change to create a conformist, robotic-thinking society. One of the most subtle dynamics of this premise is the removal of honor from a society's leadership. Without honor, things quickly digress into unrighteousness and lawlessness. The opening parable in Matthew 22 uncovers the potent nature of this issue of honor. When the king announced plans for his son's wedding, pointing to the succession and his reign, it was met with rebellion and dishonor. Upon recovery, as the wedding finally was begun, those called who failed to meet the standard and respond with the honor due the spiritual significance of this event were dealt with decisively. The Keys and the Standard God's people, whose identities are fully in Him, hold the keys and are the key to drawing the line with this age-old conflict defining the spiritual climate. As bearers of this truth, God's people have been and are a target. If the strategy of convincing them to be like everyone else falls short, then they become objects for annihilation. Governments are the means rather than the end. Freedom is the banner by which the Lord reigns. Honor is the underpinning of godly, true freedom. Long ago, God established a standard within the community of His people. That standard is what we refer to as truth and the knowledge of His ways. When this standard, along with His presence are in full operation within the household of faith, then the impact of this spiritual climate on society produces positive ripples from His truth and presence. The spiritual climate that manifests God's presence holds the potential to change everything around it. The restoration of honor is crucial to this equation. "When the earth experiences His judgments, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." Isaiah 26:9 The Two Sides of Honor The story of Job is a story of honor. Job experienced the bottom dropping out financially and health-wise. Despite his community long considering him as an honorable man, his circumstances drew accusations bringing his honor into question. Yet, when the realities faced by Job resulted in humility and repentance that triggered a new and profound revelation of God, God honored him with an honor that far outshined that of his community. The lynchpin that brought Job through to this new consciousness of God was that Job did not blame God. It is a factor marking the foundation of the spiritual climate in which God manifests. In all Job experienced, he upheld God's honor and as a result was conferred with an honor and a new authority that only could come from God. The Trust Factor Honor begets trust. In the same "two-sided" way honor is reflected in the story of Job, so the dynamic of trust operates. It is reflected by the trust conferred by man, but the trust that comes from God bears a higher level of knowing and abiding in Him and with that will engender much greater levels of authority and fruit. "Blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust and has not turned to the proud or to those who lapse into falsehood." Psalm 40:4 Understanding the Times The spiritual dynamic at play in this hour has been manifesting for decades. It has involved the systematic rebranding and erosion of anything good tied to those called by His Name. It has sought to recast issues of foundational and honorable heritage. It has been a strategy of dishonor in the age-old conflict of Babylon and Chaldea. "O God, do not remain silent and do not be still. For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, 'Come and let us wipe them out that the name of Israel be remembered no more.' For they have conspired together with one mind; against You they make a covenant." Psalm 83:1-5 Babylon and Chaldea are the chief strongholds that war against God and His people. Babylon is the spirit of the world, without the true God, empowered and propped up by Chaldea, the spirit of sorcery, the very gates of the devil's supernatural power. The Confrontation Still, the Bible is replete with the history of individuals and communities who would not waver in the face of death and who changed kingdoms and nations as a result. God has long reversed the bondages of evil through ones who have refused to waver before evil. "Through you I will break nations in pieces. Through you I will destroy kingdoms and strongholds. Through you I will shatter governors and rulers. And I the Lord will repay Babylon and Chaldea." Jeremiah 51:20, 23-23 These verses in Jeremiah unveil not only the stand and the confrontational role of the household of faith against the powers-to-be in the natural, but it uncovers the source of their power, which God Himself will judge when we have done our part. Rick Joyner recently commented on a word the Lord spoke to him: that revival would come when the hearts of the children return to the fathers. The issue evolves around honor. Whether it is the entertainment industry or news industry, the last few decades have seen a systematic erosion of the response to the honor of any who uphold righteous values, especially targeting the role of righteous fathers. The response begins with the household of faith. At the heart of this matter is the societal standard, how the household of faith lives in community. The honorable demonstration of the reality of God according to His standard is what the world, losing its grip on hope, longs for. It is the factor that prompts the reality of God to manifest. "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him [and put him to flight]." Isaiah 59:19 NKJV and Amplified This manifesting consciousness of God's presence will short-circuit the masks and illusions perpetuated by evil and change the spiritual climate in its wake. At its root is the employment of power by God's people, righteous power. Spiritual Climate Change The spiritual climate is regulated by and governed by the role of the true intercessor and with that the culture of the community of God's people. "Justice is turned back and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. So truth fails and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. But the LORD saw it and it displeased Him. He wondered that there was no intercessor." Isaiah 59:14-16 Numbers 25:10 describes the intentionality of intercession needed to change the spiritual climate. It tells how Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron stood in the gap and made atonement for the sin of the Israelites. His intercession was described as being zealous for God's honor. Because of that his descendents were conferred a covenant of a lasting priesthood. The prophet Daniel stood in the gap, repenting and making atonement for the iniquity of His people. It takes the righteous to operate with this anointing and with this level of authority. "Then Daniel turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes." Daniel 9:3 Today's righteous prophetic intercessors must accept their role of standing in the gap and repenting and making supplication as Phinehas and Daniel did. In no way overlooking the potential of the role of righteous political leaders, the household of faith in the West has been guilty of putting their trust in the government for their answers while succumbing to confusion, as the anti-God forces have systematically usurped the elements of authority bearing on the spiritual climate of our society. In the mid-1980s there was a planning conference held in Boulder, Colorado by gay activists. They mapped out a 25 year plan and proceeded to execute it. Their influence and agendas went beyond talking the talk and penetrated key circles of the media, entertainment industry, politics and even technology and business. They declared war, while the Christian community at the time was consumed with a mix of abuses of power and division -- or simply found themselves confusing their role in upholding a higher standard with projecting a superficial image of being "nice people."  Spiritual climate change will not come without unequivocal confrontation. "Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at the sorcerer saying, "You who are full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing for a time." Acts 13:9 The Maturity Factor Operational maturity within the household of faith is no longer an option. For far too long we've promulgated a mind-set of being a band of followers, ever-learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. The great deception in this mode of thinking is that spiritual maturity is somehow tied to a higher level of doctrinal knowledge. That's the "one ups-man" approach the Pharisees gave the people. It immobilized them. Jesus came to set the people free from that trap and mobilize them. True spiritual maturity is putting your faith in action, being doers of the word and not hearers only, who deceive themselves (James 1:22). Elijah risked it all to face overwhelming odds arrayed against him in order to confront evil and uphold God's honor. All it takes is a righteous remnant with the faith and courage to risk everything. "Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the storehouse of hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?" Job 38:22, 23 The wedding feast is fast approaching, which will distinguish those who will be the chosen from those called. The heroes of faith spoken of in the book of Hebrews were not seduced by their comforts or their quest to sustain their survival. They conformed to the truth spoken of by Jesus that the greatest love (John 15:13) is that evidenced by those willing to give up their lives for God's honor and for those who would follow them. Some did just that. Some, in facing the crucible, walked into spectacular miracles. Such a resolute mind-set is the maturity factor needed to trigger His glory and change the spiritual climate. God's glory will not abide with the glory sought by men. The ground occupied by those willing to sacrifice at the level Jesus pointed to is sacred ground. God is not looking for glory-hounds, but rather the Stephens and those with the spirit and spiritual maturity to confront the realities and uphold God's honor with their all. "The LORD said to Moses, 'Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them. Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him.  He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.'" Num 25:10-13 ____________________________________ 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;" "Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;" and "Leadership by Anointing," 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 www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooksand www.BarnesandNoble.com. 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 by credit card athttp://strategicintercession.org/support/ Likewise, email us to schedule a seminar for your congregation on the wisdom the persecuted church has for the West or on anointing the creative. 2015 Copyright Morris Ruddick -- sign@strategicintercession.org Reproduction is prohibited unless permission is given by a SIGN advisor. 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 previous posts or more information on SIGN, check:http://www.strategicintercession.org

Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Global Initiatives Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry.