THE NEW PIONEERS

© Morris Ruddick

This is an era of change. Rapid change. Change that is accelerating. Global paradigms are shifting. The change underway reflects the rumblings spoken of in Romans 8:22 "For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."

The change is resulting in a new breed of leader emerging within the Body. These new breed of leaders might best be described as pioneers.

Pioneers are ones who lead the way; they are trailblazers. They open new areas. They prepare the way for others. Today's pioneers for the Lord don't fit the mold. They operate outside the box. And they are bridging the gap between the new models of kings and priests emerging for our era.

Pioneers, breaking new ground for the Kingdom of God. Pioneers, challenging the status quo --- because the status quo is no longer sufficient as a vehicle for the initiatives and agendas coming from God's throne-room. Pioneers, serving as facilitators of the change required for this next move of God. Pioneers, making an impact --- and making a difference.

Matthew 11:12 says that "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force." The New International Version says that the Kingdom has been "forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it." Today's new breed of pioneers are strong in faith, bold, fearless, and dedicated. They are not motivated by the approval of men; yet they operate from a genuine servants heart. They are servant-leaders completely sold out to the Lord. Hebrews 11:38 says that these are ones that "the world is not worthy of."

They are pushing the envelope and paying the costs associated with "forcefully advancing and laying hold" and establishing the Kingdom of God. The strong apostolic and prophetic anointing operating in this new breed of leader is resulting in change. Change within the Body. And change in the role and impact the Body is making across the communities and nations they impact. They are agents of change. Agents of change often swimming against the current; against the grain.

They understand the times and know what to do. They understand this is a time the Lord is advancing His Kingdom in the marketplaces of the earth. They understand that the church on the corner is no longer enough. They are Kingdom mobilizers. They are mighty warriors bent on reclaiming what belongs to the Lord; of repossessing the land; of ushering in this time of restoration and redemption; of penetrating the strongholds of darkness with God's love and power.

Kingdom pioneers bringing fulfillment to the new paradigm Jesus came to release when He proclaimed, "behold, the Kingdom of God is at hand."

As the new pioneers are paving new ground and reclaiming that which belongs to the Lord, they and their loved ones quite often stand out as targets for the evil one. Yet, even this does not sway them. They are not intimidated by the devil, or by his evil schemes. They operate from a stance of knowing Who the Greater One is. And even when in the midst of the heat of battle, they give glory to God, being fully persuaded that what He has promised, He is fully able to perform. Their eye is single, genuinely fixed on the Lord.

As the Lord sends His anointed ones to advance the Kingdom, we need to recognize unusual partnerships the Lord is raising up for this unusual time. Partnerships between kings and priests. Partnerships between those advancing the Kingdom and those the Lord has anointed, like King Cyrus of old, as the gatekeepers of this world. Partnerships that span continents. Partnerships between those establishing the Kingdom in the marketplace; and those who are advancing the Kingdom as prophetically anointed intercessors.

Kingdom pioneers have a unique calling; a calling significantly tied to the times we are entering. But we need to first address the context and the dynamics of what is operating in the big picture. We need a top-line spiritual situation analysis --- an understanding of the context and the dynamics of what is operating in the big picture. An understanding of the initiatives the Lord is releasing, while also providing insights into the strategies the enemy is conjuring up and unleashing against those with the special calling as pioneers.

* Sometime last year we made the transition in the spirit realm from a time of battles and skirmishes into a time of all-out war.

* The enemy is being routed out and exposed --- and this is resulting measures of desperation being reflected in the manner in which the enemy has been focusing his recent attacks --- and counter attacks.

* As we enter this time of all-out war in the spirit, another unusual transition is underway --- a transition in which the Body is moving into a greater level of power and unity than ever before.

* As we move into this time scripture refers to as "the day of His power," there will be much change transpiring. The Eli's and the Hamans of our day, who have served to thwart and dissipate previous moves of the Spirit, are being removed. Simultaneously, there will be modern day Josephs and Daniels, and Nehemiahs and Mordecais and Esthers who will be raised up and positioned for the unusual era we are entering.

* The Body is being cleansed. Servanthood and humility are emerging, while selfish ambition, pride, competition, compromise and empire building are being removed.

* The cleansing taking place is going to include centers of power the enemy has infiltrated within the Body. Sources of power that the enemy has harnessed from misguided believers --- what some refer to as charismatic witchcraft. Misguided believers --- anointed for service --- who have been deceived into bequeathing their anointing and allowing it to be channeled into achieving the enemy's purposes. The practices among anointed, yet blinded believers created by self, the lust for power, spiritual pride and selfish ambition that have been serving the enemy's purposes are going to be exposed and either cleansed or removed.

* Similarly, we have entered a time in which strongholds of witchcraft power are being exposed and destroyed. There has been much power the enemy has been unleashing from "hidden" sources, via agents of the evil one who reside behind the scenes. Hidden sources strategically positioned to control seats of power. They reflect sources of the enemy's power who are adept at manipulating often unknowing pawns who serve as buffers and front-line agents for the enemy's purposes. Hidden sources controlled by principalities and powers, who devise schemes and wield powers of darkness to undermine moves of God; and to bring direct attacks against those identified as being "dangerous" in advancing the Kingdom of God and destroying the works of the devil.

* When the enemy's power is unleashed --- the source needs to be identified and then with the authority given us, the curses simply need to be reversed! We need to look beyond the obvious to discern what the enemy is doing AND THEN reverse the assaults with concentrated firepower on fixed targets. In other words we need to get a fix on where the base of the enemy's firepower is ORIGINATING and then expose it for the power of God to rout out.

* In the midst of all this change, the enemy's attacks are especially targeting those at the forefront --- pioneering leaders and their families. We need to consistently undergird these Kingdom pioneers with strategic, prophetic intercession.

* Again, we need to recognize that the Spirit of the Lord is on the offensive. It's a time in which the Lord is redeeming and restoring that which is His.

* But as we move on the offensive, more than ever before, we need a greater sensitivity to issues of timing; and issues of the spheres of authority we are to be operating in. In other words, we are to be aggressive; but in so doing are to avoid presumption. Which is going to require us staying closer to the Lord than ever before.

* The battles are indeed the Lord's. And He is equipping and guiding us. As we press in to Him and are faithful to carry out His initiatives and directives, we are going to see greater victories than we have ever seen before AND our enemies will be scattered!

What I believe the Lord is saying to those who have been serving as pioneers in the Body is as follows:

"Watch now, for the enemy has risen up against you to stop My work. He cannot defeat you in the realm of the spirit, so he has sent people in the natural realm to thwart your plans and impede your progress. But, I say, look beyond the people you see opposing you, for they are only pawns of others who are operating behind the scenes --- others who are serving as the instruments of the devil's power. While these powers may manifest as opposition against you and those dear to you; keep your eyes on Me; and look carefully and listen to what I am saying in each situation. For you will see what is operating behind the scenes. Command my Light to shine in the darkness. The Light will expose ones who cannot operate in the Light. Exposure will send them into confusion and flight. And behind these wielding this power you will find the spirit of the antichrist who mocks, scorns and rejects your plans. You will see the spirit of Jezebel manifesting jealousy, control, confusion, smokescreens, manipulation, and domination. You will recognize a haughty spirit that seeks to rise up to intimidate. But have I not given you AUTHORITY to tread on serpents and scorpions and over ALL the power of the enemy? Then, I say, rise up in the power of My Spirit and command the reversal of these curses. In so doing you will emasculate these strongholds. Surely I say to you, stay close to Me and understand and operate solely in the sphere of authority that I send you out in and NO weapon formed against you will prosper. I have sent you to do My will and perform My work. Take courage, for the Lord is faithful and shall keep your foot from being taken. Take courage and press in and press on --- and understand the times you have entered. You are indeed repossessing and redeeming that which is Mine. Know that the battle is Mine. Know that I have equipped you for this time and know that your victory is assured."

Every era we have entered has had its forerunners and pioneers. But the Word says that "many are called, but few are chosen." The late forties ushered in a fresh revival of healing. In the US alone, more than 250 healing ministries were birthed around the time that Israel declared its statehood. However, only a handful of those ministries survived. But those that survived, paved the way for an unusual outpouring of the Spirit in the late 60's --- commonly referred to as the Charismatic renewal.

What's happening today, has a parallel. The paradigms are shifting. But understanding the distinctive of this new way being paved by today's new pioneers, must begin with a keen understanding of the times. We live in a time in which communication advancements are making it possible for simultaneous, inexpensive, instantaneous communication from multiple points on the globe. This is resulting in the Body being connected like never before. Prayer networks that span continents have emerged. There are networks of networks within the Body. New believers have a global community available they can tap into. Discussion groups, Bible classes, classes on prayer and the prophetic are conducted via the internet with people from different points around the world.

Whether it is business communications or simply the impact of e-commerce; business as "usual" will never be the same. We are entering a time of economies without borders.

In the midst of all the technology change of this era, is an interesting fact that more Jews have come to the Lord since the 1967 six day war in Israel; than in all the time since our Lord walked the face of the earth. 1967 is an interesting year. The year 1967, with intensity of the six day war in Israel marked the birth of the charismatic renewal movement; as well as the birth of the Messianic Jewish movement. At the turn of the millennium, we witness Israel standing against the pressures of nations to acquiesce still further in the so-called peace process. Simultaneously Israel has already emerged as the number two venture capital scene in the world, along with becoming one of the most innovative high tech arenas in the world. The time since the Six Day war has been marked by a special pioneering group within the Body. Pioneers have paved the way for the establishment of both the Charismatic renewal and the Messianic Jewish movement. At the same time, there has emerged a remnant of believers --- Jewish believers within Israel. True pioneers.

At this juncture in time, we face a pioneering thrust. The time before us will prove to be a time of unusual miracles --- of God's power being poured out at the hands of everyday believers --- on the streets, in the work place, in restaurants. The movement among the Jewish people is going to increase, as we enter a time of genuine Jewish revival, and approach the time the Bible speaks of when all Israel will be saved. At the same time, the pressures will be increasing. But while the pressures are increasing, so will the opportunities and anointing upon those who are pioneers and facilitators of this divinely orchestrated change taking place in the world today. As we enter this time of "growth pains" and of the Kingdom of God suffering violence; and of the violent taking by force; there is going to be an unusual manifestations of God's power, wisdom, favor and grace upon those pioneers bringing change in the areas of: · this fresh outpouring of God's power; · Jewish revival and the Messianic Jewish movement; · the Josephs and Daniels of our day; and · the transfer of the world's weath.

Let's pray together! Father God, in the incomparable Name of Jesus, we come boldly before Your throne. We say, let God arise and let His enemies be scattered. Lord, what the enemy has meant for evil against the pioneering families for the Lord --- we proclaim every attack and curse sent against them as being turned around for their good and for the good of building Your Kingdom. We declare that the Kingdom of God is being built. It is being built upon the Rock of our salvation. We declare protection for those within the Body serving as Kingdom pacesetters and pioneers. Father, we thank You for a fresh anointing upon them and we proclaim that these forerunners --- more than ever before, will be equipped to operate as mighty instruments of Your power. Lord, we thank You for a strategic level of faith and boldness coming upon them at this time. A boldness and faith that will result in the enemy fleeing in fright at their very presence.

And Father God, let your Light shine in the darkness. Expose and remove the Eli's and Hamans --- expose the misguided centers of power that are operating against Your purposes and Your people O, God. Cleanse Your Body and make the way clear and make the way straight dear Lord for this "day of Your power" we are entering.

Make the way straight and strengthen and encourage those called as pioneers in Your service O God. May Your presence surround them. May wisdom and truth come upon them in all that they do. Let Your divine energy that works so powerfully infuse them and protect them against every sickness and disease.

And Lord we command every curse against these pioneers to be reversed --- by the authority in the Name of Jesus --- NOW!!! Lord, Your Word says that You foil the signs of false prophets and make fools of diviners. You confirm the Words of Your servants and perform the counsels of Your messengers. Deliver the souls of these pioneers in peace from the battle that has been against them! Lord, thank You for clarity of vision, singleness of purpose, genuine servant-hood and a fresh outpouring of Your power as the Body is thrust forward in this move of God to redeem and restore that which is Yours. Open the gateways we pray O Lord.

Lord, line things up for the day we are entering. Bring forth and position the Josephs and Daniels, the Nehemiahs, Mordecais and Esthers. Bring unity forth; as You intend it to operate within the Body. Connect and unite Your Body as never before. Lord may these pioneering leaders be given unusual favor to operate along side those in seats of power. And Lord bring forth those serving as gatekeepers into the world's systems --- the Cyruses and Dariuses of our day --- who will serve Your purposes and Your people.

Father, we declare that nothing is too hard for You. We proclaim that we are entering a time unlike any time in history, where souls will be saved and delivered, bodies healed, and millions will cry out in their hunger for You O Lord. Lord, release the new paradigms. Penetrate the marketplace and the seats of power with Your emissaries and ambassadors. May all Israel be saved! Let the wealth of the wicked be transferred into the hands of the righteous. And Lord, as the new paradigms unfold, give strategic vision to Your people. Enable Your Body to adapt and adjust and align themselves with the new paradigms. Enable us to recognize the initiatives You are releasing from Your throne-room precious Lord.

We praise You O God. Indeed, blessed be the Name of the Lord. For wisdom and might are Yours. And You change the times and the seasons. You remove kings and You raise up kings. You give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the ones who have understanding. You reveal deep and secret things, which we previously did not know. You know what is in the darkness; and light dwells with You. Magnify Your Name and show Yourself strong O God.

And Father God, as we pray for the pioneers of our day, we're reminded that by Your Spirit You adorned the heavens. Your Hand pierced the fleeing serpent. Yet, these are but the mere edges of Your ways --- and how small a whisper we hear of You. But the thunder of Your power --- who can understand. Lord, You indeed soar on the wings of the wind. Bolts of lightning blaze forth. Lord, You thunder from heaven. The Voice of the Most High resounds. You scatter our enemies. Bolts of lightning rout them. You reach from on high. You draw us out of many waters and You rescue us.

Lord, we thank You for the thunder of Your power. Father, we praise You for the day we are entering. Lord, may we be found worthy to be used as Your servants. To be used as instruments of Your power and love. Give us the grace to keep our hearts fixed on You in all that we do. Protect us and our dear ones from the evil one. For in Your Hand is power and might. And it lies in Your Hand to strengthen and establish and prepare us for the work You have before us. And for that we bless You and thank You precious Lord. In Jesus Name.