PROPHETIC STEWARDSHIP - (c) Morris E. Ruddick

Morris Ruddick

PROPHETIC STEWARDSHIP (c) Morris E. Ruddick "Then the king said, 'Bring me a sword. Divide the living child  in two, and give half to one, and half to the other.' Then the  woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for she yearned  with compassion for her son; and she said, 'O my lord, give her  the living child, and by no means kill him!' But the other said,  'Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him.'"  1 Kings 3:24-26 Solomon's wisdom in discerning the true mother is also a key to  discerning true leaders. True leaders have the compassion that  is willing to face personal sacrifice. It's the mark of stewardship.  The perspective of the wannabees and unseasoned will tend  toward being inwardly focused and driven by personal,  wrong reasons. True biblical stewardship is just the opposite. Prophetic  stewardship bears an even higher standard. Kingdom  leadership pivots on stewardship that seeks the community  good. That may require a decisiveness that is neither  popular nor comfortable. It demands a basis that  understands the true heart of God and the long-term  prophetic implications. Joseph's service to Pharaoh began with a time of preparation.  Scripture indicates that these years of preparation were  a fruitful time, a time of abundance. Yet, what was  required to gather and store the grain demanded discipline.  It no doubt involved some belt-tightening for everyone.  The tough standards and decisions required were not for  the feint of heart or those with the need to be accepted. Yet, when the years of abundance were over and famine  came, then both the decisions and the discipline became  even harder. Joseph's stewardship involved a balance  between maintaining order, adjusting to the widespread  famine, while establishing Egypt as solution-provider.  It required a level of administration that not only  was gifted, but drew from God's wisdom for the decisions  being made. Egypt, under Joseph, became the safe-place, the place of God's  order when everything else was falling into disorder. That took  tough-minded decision-making to set up and no doubt even tougher  decisions to maintain and administrate. Genesis 45 reveals that as  the famine proceeded, that the money failed. Prophetically God had  shown Joseph the need to gather and store the grain. Because the  staple with value was grain, Joseph was in the driver's seat. Clearly  Joseph heard from God. With the abundance of grain, Joseph cornered the livestock market.  The people of Egypt remained fed, as Egypt's influence with those  around them increased as a prepared-provider and a refuge during  the turbulence. As things deteriorated, the people sold their land to  Joseph for the food needed to feed their families. The famine was  severe. No doubt the value of land had also dropped. Yet, Joseph  the good steward, the prophetic steward, brought the people into  the cities to live. "When the money failed, Joseph bought the livestock;  then the land; then brought the people into the cities."  Gen 47:15-25 The suggestion is that there was safety and community order,  again a refuge, within the boundaries of the cities. Joseph maintained  the order needed during a severely difficult time, kept the people fed  and kept them safe. Following the famine, Joseph restored the people  to their lands requiring only a fifth on their produce in return. The Prophetic Dimension Operating in the prophetic means there are often times when we  "see" or perceive things that we want to act on. However, the  prophetic calling requires a lot more by way of self-control than  the ordinary. It's too important. The mature prophetic response  is from those who rule their own spirits. The prophetic is first hearing from God. However, when we hear  from God another key required layer is the issue of alignment and  seeing things from the stance of what God is doing. It's becoming  a participator in His destiny-shaping purposes and agendas. It's  entering a dimension of God's big-picture beyond ourselves. Yet, we can sometimes get the big-picture without seeing how God  is getting us there. So, operating in the prophetic requires a continual  checking-in with Him for the "interims." That's because none of us are  at the place to where we nail it at each step, despite our best and  most valiant efforts to do so. One of the hardest things to learn is to NOT force issues.  The flip side of that is holding steady when you don't yet  see the change in the natural. Yet, faith and faithfulness  are determined by those who grasp what is underway  in the unseen world. When we are in a place where there is something that  God is doing that we haven't fully or even partially  discerned, it represents a place of vulnerability.  Well intentioned people unwittingly walk into cross-fires  of judgment by yielding to the soulish in these interims. Judgment can also be triggered because of ones who,  being convinced of their "rightness" regarding something,  don't have the big-picture quite right. They lack a full  discernment of what God is doing or their place in it.  What results is creating a short-circuiting or backlash by  which they and others are hurt. Prophetic stewardship  requires keeping one's spiritual antennas high and at  the times one is provoked over something, to back  off until they hear specifically what the Lord has to  say about it. Cost of the Mantle The dreams Joseph received from God as a young man  came at a high cost. They cost Joseph everything that  had been dear to him, including his freedom. Yet, Joseph r ose to the standard that God had set for him. THAT took  decisions that refused to give in to the soulish. It took serious  discipline, humility and maturity. Not only did Joseph demonstrate a right spirit; but as a  good steward, he took it a step further in assuming  the mantle of his great-grandfather Abraham: to be  blessed to be a blessing. Long before his promotion to sit  alongside of Pharaoh, with nothing to go on in terms of  position, Joseph distinguished himself with Potiphar and  then the jailer with both his influence and the stewardship  of the mantle he bore. The result came from a right spirit that stewarded the  blessings of God in such a way that everyone around  Joseph saw that God was real, through the demonstration  of that reality through Joseph. Yet, it came at a cost;  a very high cost. In the face of losing everything; in the face  of slavery; in the face of unrighteous spiritual backlash; Joseph  maintained his faithfulness as God's servant-steward. Gravity of the Mantle Leaders, who truly understand the times and know  what to do, demonstrate a maturity that is above the  soulish. They don't quibble or second guess when tough  decisions are required. They guard their own hearts  diligently and do not give in to soulish machinations.  Yielding to the soulish is what opens the door  for the demonic. The contrast is demonstrated in Isaiah 22 with the  story of two leaders, one whose decisions were  short-sighted and driven by personal, soulish  matters and another whose stewardship embraced  the long-term opportunity resident in the heart of God. "Go to Shebna, who is over the house, and say:  Indeed, the LORD will throw you away violently;  there you shall die. Then it shall be in that day,  that I will call My servant Eliakim; I will clothe  him with your robe and strengthen him with  your belt; I will commit your responsibility  into his hand. He shall be a father to the  inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of  Judah. The key of the house of David I will lay  on his shoulder; so he shall open, and no one  shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open.  I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, and  he will become a glorious throne to  his father's house." Isaiah 22:15-23 Authority of the Prophetic The authority of God for change is released through  the prophetic. The story of Joseph reflects a progression  of episodes in his life tied to how he heard and obeyed  the voice of the Lord. This simple foundation in many  untenable situations became the catalyst for a owner  and an authority that was recognized as being from God  by a whole range of non-believers, including those in  authority. That prophetic authority was the means by which God  used Joseph to shift the spiritual climate within Egypt's  power infrastructure. It set the stage for the prophetic  alignment needed for Joseph's apostolic gifts to harness,  redirect and then steward the resources of Egypt to  accomplish God's purposes for the future of His people. Discernment and Prophetic Alignment Joseph's tenure in Egypt is laced with examples of  Joseph's significant prophetic gifts. Prophetic stewardship  will unmask the intentions of the hearts of those who  serve a role, whether for good or for evil, in the initiatives  being stewarded. The story of the baker and the wine-taster exemplifies how,  during Joseph's weakest hour in the natural, that God  used him prophetically to judge and establish the removal  of one key man from Pharaoh's court; and to restore and  set up another, who became instrumental at the right  time in aligning things for Joseph's promotion. Similarly, Joseph's scrutiny of his brothers was not retribution,  but the need to see the repentance that was needed for  Joseph to establish parameters with those who once  betrayed him. By the time his brothers came back on the  scene, Joseph was in the full flow of his very considerable  calling. He did not need the old issues and patterns of behavior  demonstrated by his betrayers to manifest and disrupt in any  way his role as God's servant-steward. Still, the discernment of Joseph was not an end in itself,  but the means of aligning things first spiritually and then  in the natural, for God's purposes. Stewarding the will of  God begins with resetting the spiritual climate. When the  spiritual climate is properly aligned, it allows God's order  to be established. Only then, will the stable flow come  needed to counteract the forces of judgment and the  tentacles of evil. The Prophetic Steward The prophetic steward is the one who maps out, builds  up and brings increase in the face of the enemy's schemes  to divide, confuse and destroy. I have previously noted an organization I was a part of  many years ago. The standard for entry was high.  The standard to be maintained was even higher.  Members of this organization became known by the axiom  of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going."  It is unfortunate within the Body that many confuse  soft standards of the world with the level in which,  we as a Body are expected to operate. Our standard, like  that of Joseph's is higher. It's much, much higher. I have had the joy of working with two men of God who  operate with this higher standard. They each are very  different in their leadership styles, yet very similar in anointing.  Each reaches hard for God's heart and God's will on the  issues before them. Both are unusual in their roles as  prophetic stewards. One is incredibly gifted in discerning the gifts and will of  God operating in people, with the ability to draw forth  and put those gifts into operation. The other is a very  high-level administrator, whose ability to discern the  big-picture and then mobilize leaders to address it, is  timely and strategic. One is a model for the Body locally;  the other globally. Both are incredible peacemakers, a very high standard in  the progressive maturity unveiled by Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  They each have a gift for tapping and aligning things spiritually  to establish God's order and to release the supernatural for change.  We need more of that standard. We've entered a time that Jesus spoke of as when even the  very elect would be deceived. It is a time when the  convergence of good and evil will trigger both judgment  and change. Prophetic stewardship sees the alignments  and change in the spirit from God's perspective. It then  navigates and anticipates the responses needed to shape  and release God's purposes. The Lord Jesus also told us that many are called, but  few are chosen. The criterion for leadership, established by  Solomon's wisdom, begins with sacrifice and compassion. It is evidenced by those who not only face, but traverse and  emerge whole from the fires. It pivots on an unpolluted  prophetic stewardship that pays the cost to unswervingly  maintain the steps needed to change the spiritual climate  and to establish God's order. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may  see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."  Matthew 5:16 ___________________________________________________ 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;" "God's 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.   Mr. Ruddick is also a contributor in the just released five-volume  "Aligning with the Apostolic," edited by Bruce Cook with Forwards  by Peter Wagner and Bill Hamon. It is available through  www.KingdomHouse.net. 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 advisor. 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

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

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Morris Ruddick - "Heart of the King - True Leadership"

Morris Ruddick

"These are times that cry out for true leadership in the Body; the type that unites and mobilizes. It comes from a calling not to be treated lightly or with presumption. It is a leadership of sacrifice, but one that is not reckless. The goal of the high calling involves lethal realities and demands a wisdom that avoids the entrapments and diversions.

Those bearing this mantle have been prepared by God. They are unwilling to acquiesce to the safe places that fall short; or be seduced by the rule of power or the rule of profit that lures those called by His Name into the intrigues and games played by the world.

They are a remnant whose calling is directly from God; not presumption, ambition or any other quest emerging from the heart of man. It is a calling that excludes the pretenders, wannabes, interlopers and tyrants. The heart and identity defining this remnant is inexorably tied to God.

These are the ones with the leadership mantle of Joseph and Daniel, who are facing the realities, paying the cost and faithfully stewarding their callings of bringing forth God's kingdom. These are the ones who will themselves receive the keys to release His Kingdom in their domains. These are the ones with the heart of a King. These are the ones for whom this book has been written."

Morris Ruddick
Heart of a King
Xulon Press, 2010

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"THE LEADERSHIP MATURITY KEY" - Morris E. Ruddick

THE LEADERSHIP MATURITY KEY (c) Morris E. Ruddick "He who rules his own spirit is mightier than he who takes a city." Prov 16:32 We have entered times described by the Bible as when the "nations rage." In the midst of the mounting turmoil those known by His Name must adhere to a higher standard. Likewise, when paving new ground in this setting, much more by way of discernment and wisdom is required. The task of one of employing righteous power in corrupt settings. The issue is one of leadership, mature leadership. The bar has been raised. Biblical leadership requires a high-level of self-discipline. With it is the ability to grasp and perform well two primary tenets: 1) the accomplishment of the mission and 2) the welfare of those being led. In keeping with the military standard used in the opening scripture, a non-Marine combat reporter (Thomas Ricks, Making the Corps, Simon & Schuster, New York, 2007) made an unusual observation after an extended first-hand study of Marines operating in combat. Trained in the teamwork and discipline needed to achieve often impossible tasks, Ricks described those in the junior enlisted ranks as men who in the world would not have been given the responsibility to run a copier. Yet, in instance after instance in life and death situations, they demonstrated the maturity and presence of mind to know what to do in leading others. "Greater love has no one than this, than a man give up his life for his friend." John 15:13 This standard reflects a culture of discipline that engenders a society of trust. Yet, at a point when the Body should be operating as a society of leaders, it falls short of this standard and too often is embroiled in disorder, discord and diversions. Some Kingdom leadership issues involve maturity. Some are matters of experience. The bottom line for each is the norm of ruling your own spirit. Two friends I admire are each Kingdom leaders. One has the unique ability to see God's blueprint in a person and draw it forth. The other equally proficient as a leader has a tendency, when things don't seem to measure up, to see the devil's blueprint and then works to stamp it out. The way of the world is the survival of the fittest. However, Kingdom leadership bears a greater responsibility. Within the parameters of Truth and good stewardship is the wisdom and balance of a leadership to nurture. It is a key part of what distinguishes us from the world. The way of the Kingdom always offers Life for both the mission and the people involved. The friend whose mode is to discern God's blueprint is fearless in terms of penetrating enemy territory and of taking risks when convinced God is involved. It is the approach evidenced by Jesus during His earthly ministry. "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does also." John 5:19 In contrast, Jesus' scrutiny of the Pharisee's nit-picking approach to leadership indicated that their blindness was impeding the way for others. "Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut off the Kingdom of God from men. You neither go in yourselves nor do you allow those entering to go in." Matt 23:13 Beyond the Natural Jesus' response to the Pharisees punctuates the truth that leadership is not about getting people to conform. Nor is it about judgment. As soon as the judgment factor arises, Jesus urged caution and warned that we would find ourselves in danger of being judged. "Judge not, that you not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured back to you." Matt 7:1-2 Kingdom leadership contains responsibilities and requirements beyond the best our natural capabilities offer. It takes discipline and the maturity of ruling ones own spirit to wield. Kingdom leadership incorporates stewardship. It's about wisely managing risk in order to leverage opportunity and increase. It's about nurturing and enabling the gifts operating within one's community. Leadership requires a responsible trustworthiness that simultaneously inspires and guides for the common good. It sets things in order, God's order. Stewardship. Jesus' parable of the talents depicts leadership as emerging from the application of wise stewardship. Good stewardship embraces responsibility and builds from it. In this parable, the one who minimized their risks and didn't make ANY mistakes, but in so doing also minimized their increase, was deemed a "wicked servant" On the other hand, the one who brought increase was given promotion and more responsibility (Matt 25:26). So it is that the principles of stewardship are central to Kingdom leadership. Leveraging Increase. Leadership maps out, builds up and brings increase. In another instance, Jesus told the story about the merchant who discovered a pearl of great value. He risked all that he had in order to leverage opportunity to acquire the pearl of great value (Matt 13:46). Kingdom leadership adapts and manages the change needed to take and navigate the pathway into significant opportunity. Enabling Gifts. Paul wrote the Romans of his deep desire to play a role in advancing the will of God in their lives by imparting a spiritual gift to them. Paul understood biblical community with a depth that came from His Jewish heritage. Understanding ones gifts and how that fits into their role in the community is very central to being "the light on a hill" that Jesus indicated we would be to the world around us. "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established." Rom 1:11 Trustworthiness. Understanding the difference between giving people what they "want" versus nurturing their roles, while raising the bar to serve the common good is pivotal to sound leadership. When done consistently, trustworthiness will result. Trustworthy leaders are foundational to the operation of biblical community. God's Order. Jesus said that you would know them by their fruit. When God's order is operating it bears good fruit. It brings increase. It nurtures the gifts. It draws others because the fruit is evident to all. Isaac sowed in famine and yielded a harvest because God told him to do so. Everyone witnessed God's hand being on Isaac. Reckless Disregard However, there is a reckless disregard operating within leadership  circles that short-circuits the standard needed for the Body to be  properly navigating the snares and hurdles in today's world. It is a  myopia that fails to see either the process or the progress. The story of the young prophet from Judah (1 Kings 13) sent to the  King of Israel illustrates a short-sightedness, that misses the forest  for the trees, which has become almost as a plague today. In this  story the young prophet clearly wielded a prophetic gift and the  power of God, but was so blinded by his focus on his own return t hat he missed the real opportunity with the King of Israel, and due  to his personal concerns was entrapped by the very warning the  Lord had made so clear to him. This sad story illustrates the myopic blinding that needs to be guarded  against among those deemed most gifted. It represents an  irresponsible, reckless disregard for God's priorities due to  overriding soulish obsessions. James admonishes the  double-minded to purify their hearts. God's standard for leadership carries an awe necessitating  an ongoing poise of the spirit before Him. It cannot emulate the  world nor reflect a blended approach. It is a standard that roots  out the precepts of men and the cleverness of the clever. It gives no place to deceit or the lust for power. It is the standard that  eliminates the need for striving and ambition, because of being  immersed in the flow of the Spirit. This standard applied opens the gates for a safe place where the  gifts flow naturally, in unison and harmony to the benefit of all. When  this norm is met, it offers the potential described by the Church at  Philadelphia in Revelations: keys to open doors that no one can  shut and shuts doors that no one can open. Operating with this standard requires an understanding of what  distinguishes the function of leading from the gift of leadership.  A lack of understanding and misapplication of the gifts creates  confusion and dissatisfaction; with disorder and discord following.  The requirements of leadership vary according to the uniqueness  of the gifts of its leaders. Similarly, managing resources and projects is very different from  leading people. The Romans 12 leadership gift flows with both  influence and authority, without the need of position. On the other  hand, the gift of administration in 1 Cor 12:28 specializes in the  management of resources. Joseph the Patriarch operated in both.  Within the function of leading are diversities of applications, again  based on the gifts of those serving as the leaders. The bottom line is the issue between soul and spirit. This is the  cause of much confusion within the ranks of believers. Those  who try to employ the spirit to nurture their soul-longings are out  of God's order. The priorities are upside down. The standard for  leadership requires raising the bar. "The Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister,  and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matt 20:28 A Culture of Discipline and Trust In his riveting "Trust: Social Virtues and Creation of Prosperity,"  an analysis of social economics, Francis Fukuyama notes that  economic life cannot be divorced from cultural life. He contends  that in an era when social capital may be as important as physical  capital, only those societies with a high degree of social trust will  have what is needed to compete in the new global economy.  High levels of trust based on cooperative behavior and shared  norms are foundational to maximizing the economic potential of a society. Fukuyama's views make a case for the reason the Jewish people have  survived the civilizations that have come and gone over the millennia.  As a culture within a culture, their foundation is a model of biblical  community and a culture of discipline that engenders a society of trust. Spiritual Maintenance Jesus cautioned of days in which the very elect would be subject to  being deceived. Peter warned those who indulge in corrupt desires  and despise the authority over them. The gravity of the times calls  deep to deep and shouts for the need to spiritually overcompensate. Spiritual maintenance for leaders cannot be confined to devotional  readings or corporate devotions. The defilements of the day must  be compensated for and refreshed by a regular washing in the  Word of Truth and interactive prayer vigils. Proactive personal time  with the Lord must be carved out of the busiest schedules.  David Wilkerson had a mature local ministry that went viral,  when he obeyed the promptings of the Spirit and began spending  an extra hour in prayer each night at midnight. The Apostle Paul frequently in his letters makes a case for the  importance of discipline needed as believers. Again and again  he uses the analogy of running a race. There's no coasting for  those at the forefront of the spiritual drama unfolding in this day.  Peter admonishes leaders to clothe themselves with humility.  The calling of leadership demands vigilance and diligence.  Likewise, the book of Hebrews indicates the need to check  our priorities and maintain the attentiveness needed to rule your  own spirit in maturity. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of  witnesses, let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance  (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily  (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run  with patient endurance and steady and active persistence  the appointed course of the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1 Amp It is a time for true leaders to redirect their attention from issues  of soul and position and into the realm of service. It is a time  when ruling ones own spirit will yield not only the power to serve  as Jesus admonished in Matt 20:28, with the valor and capacity  of those willing to give up their lives as a ransom for many;  but with it, embracing the joy and contentment of truly being in  the flow of His business. "Then the fool will no longer be called generous, nor the miser  said to be bountiful. The schemes of the schemer are evil; devising  wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, despite the needy  speaking justice. The generous man devises generous plans, and  by generosity he shall stand." Isaiah 32: 5-8 ___________________________________________________ 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, I srael 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 advisor. 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 Morris Ruddick Global Initiatives Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org

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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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