You can't impart what you don't possess - Clanging Cymbals are the result of UN-Anointed Worship Leadership

I was in Church when the reality of something Matt Redmond wrote long ago was in such stark contrast it was staggering:


The Gentle Persuasion of Authority.
Matt Redman

Welcome to the first in a ten part series on 'Worship Leading Essentials". Over the next few months we'll be taking a look at some of the skills, mindsets and heart standards that are invaluable to leading the people of God in worship through music. This month we start off with the "gentle persuasion of authority."

What is the gentle persuasion of authority? In a sense, we are seeking to define the indefinable. It's a tricky thing to put your finger on, but when someone has it, you know it. It's a God given anointing - a divine hand of favour upon a person that leads to spiritual successes in ministry. It's that something which overrides natural skill levels, and formulas. It cannot be emulated or copied, and it cannot be manufactured. When a lead worshipper is entrusted with it, they seem to effortlessly open doors in worship meetings that might otherwise remain shut. It requires no force from the person ministering - the strength comes from God alone. Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

The prophet Samuel told the newly-anointed Saul, "Now do whatever your hand finds to do, for the Lord is with you." That is the gentle persuasion of authority. Saul did not need to fight for the crown of kingship, or manipulate his way to the throne. The hand of God was upon, easing him into his destiny, and making otherwise impossible accomplishments fall into place easily.

The person entrusted with the anointing of God achieves far more than logic says they should achieve, by the various ways they minister. Often they don't even really know they're walking in this anointing, and assume anyone could do what they are doing, with the same results. I know a few evangelists who just have a certain "way" of evangelising. They possess an uncanny knack of somehow effortlessly opening up conversations about God with those who don't know him. It is not just a technique, nor is it just fantastic social skills, though it may involve these things. It is more than just these natural gifts and personality traits. It is an anointing - the gentle persuasion of the Holy Spirit's hand of authority upon them. He has called them to the task, and backs up the calling with a supernatural sense of favour.

One of the best examples of this gentle persuasion of authority I can think of in recent history is the ministry of Billy Graham. Countless numbers of people have gathered to hear the gospel message preached by this man, and multitudes have responded by giving their lives to Christ. In earthly terms, he is a fantastically successful man. But here is the mystery - he is by no means the best speaker there is around. He is a good speaker yes, but there are, in truth, far more eloquent communicators of the word. Neither does he make an impact by shouting or ranting and raving all over the stage in a blast of charisma. It is an unforced accomplishment - it seems he simply stays faithful and obedient to the calling on his life, and God backs up this incredible calling with a Holy authority upon his life ministry.

So what does this mean for a worship leader? It means we don't need to "strut the stage" or "work the crowd", frantic to make something meaningful happen in a worship time. We are not attempting to stir something up. Of course, we desperately want to see worship stirred up, but it is the Holy Spirit, and not us, who does the stirring. We need to adopt a posture of obedience and trust, and ease into the calling upon us. I've seen worship leaders who are amazing musicians, with mesmerising skills, yet unable to somehow lead the people of God into the depths of congregational worship. Something is missing. It is the gentle persuasion of authority.

It's good to note at this point that there's nothing wrong with being passionate. We're not trying to be so laid back that we don't wholeheartedly throw ourselves into the worship. I once read a worship leader's article suggesting that it was wrong to sweat whilst leading worship. To the writer this implied too much effort being put in, and not enough dependence upon God. To me though, sweating implies passion, and it's essential that we're passionate. The point is, whatever our outer posture is, our inner posture must be one of complete dependence. Knowing that the Holy Spirit's hand of authority and anointing is upon us is the essential ingredient. So, be passionate yes, but never fall into the trap of being "forceful".

Note that God's hand of authority and anointing resting on a person is a weighty entrustment. As Graham Kendrick once noted, "Anointing does not guarantee godly character; in fact it tests it to the extreme." Our character must be strong enough to handle the entrustment of God's anointing. When the gentle persuasion of authority rests upon a person's life, they can become a popular and even powerful person within the circles in which they minister. In a sense, anointing turns the heat up, and it becomes more essential than ever to ruthlessly and constantly check the motives of our hearts.

The Old Testament shows us that God can win a battle through a small shepherd boy with a sling, some stones and a staff in his hand, and he can also win the day through a huge army. The constant is the hand of God's authority upon them. At other times we see the people of God "losing the day" because God has withdrawn this hand of favour. Over the next few months we'll be looking at more practical-based worship leading essentials, but the anointing of God is the starting point. Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers labour in vain.

2003-04-12

Another Word of the Lord for 2009 from another Prophetic Voice

I got this as a comment. It's really good. And, if you read it you will see it parallels closely what the Lord is Telling the rest of his prophets, including me. It always seem to work out that way. God tells his prophets all at once the same thing. It's happened over and over and over. It's one way the Lord of Hosts communicates with his people.

I am going to direct you to her site rather than re-post here. I want you to see what she has written. It's worth reading. It will give you hope. It will also help you see how when you stand this next to the word given and posted by me how consistent the Lord is in what he says.

Michele - Word of the Lord 2009 - Jacobs Well .

Thanks for sending it Michele . I am going to link your new blog as well. We need as many prophetic voices as possible. The Church needs to get it's ears back and it's eyes open. It has gone to sleep in the light. Many good fellowships that at one time embraced and encouraged the flow of the Prophetic in their meetings, now have all but ignored the 1 Corinthian 14 admonitions of how to conduct worship. God has duct tape placed over his mouth when he comes to visit them. He is in the midst of them, He's just told to stay seated and keep silent.

God says He will supply everything we need:

• In alignment with (according to)
• His total Sovereignty and ownership of everything in heaven and in the whole of all creation (his Riches)
• as we draw near and stay in his anointing and flow (in Glory)

GOD SAYS – I HAVE TORN DOWN BAAL

On 7-7-07 I heard your cry as tens of thousands of you called out in Nashville TN. "Tear down the Baals in our lives" you said. You called, I answered.

On September 29th 2008, the first day of a New Moon, Rosh HaShana, the first day of the year 5769, a year of judgment, on the 440th day after you cried out (a full double fast), I ripped them down and gave you a sign of in market fall of 777 exact point Dow Jones Average in one day to let you know that this is of me. The Baals are torn down. Don't rebuild the altar.

The high places are being disgraced. This is not loss, you will not suffer loss, this is purification.

Set aside everything that is not of ME.

All hope and confidence must be placed in ME or it will become idolatry. I will tear down and destroy anything you place above me or in my place. I will remove anything that hinders love. Everything.

Security is only in ME.

I will take away anything that appears to look secure that isn't of ME.

When the enemy attacks, I am your hiding place. Stay under my wings in the secret place.

There will be disasters and confusions. Prepared but not surprised.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD. It was a movie.

Yes, there will, and it's free and it heals. When the time comes be ready to tap into the precious flow. I have provided all you need.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

No matter how bad it seems. I am always with you.

When the times come, man will not be able to respond. Only I am able.

My judgments on the world and the world system are not harsh nor are they offensive. As you draw closer to me they will seem just and right. Don't judge. The sin in the church will be the sin of offense. If you are offended in me, I will be offended in you.

I started with a cleansing of my Bride, my Body, It is not yet done, judgment must begin and finish in MY house or it is NOT MY HOUSE. The refining fire must continue until you shine as pure gold.

The Word of the Lord for 2009 - A Year of Judgment

I just posted the Word of the Lord for 2009 as I have for several years. Find it HERE.

Reviewing the prophetic word for 2008 I am astonished.

A few things the Lord is Saying:

• Judgment of the Whore Church
• Economic restoration beginning in spring
• Judgment of unjust balances and rulers
  
• An uncertain future for President Obama
• The most important of all.... The BAALS torn down in response to the Prayers of the Saints
• 2009 holds great promise for those who love God and are the Called
  

From J. Lee Grady

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 A Word of Encouragement: Cross Your Jordan in 2009 Don't keep wandering in yesterday's wilderness as this new year begins. It's time to challenge your giants and claim new territory. I spent the last couple of months of 2008 buried in the book of Joshua. Casual readers might dismiss the narrative as nothing more than a description of military conquests, but when I delve into its pages I discover the revelation of Jesus Christ—our "Joshua"—who invites us to engage in a spiritual adventure beyond our wildest dreams. The message of Joshua has been particularly relevant to me lately because I am contemplating some big transitions in my career. Change is scary—especially in a time of economic crisis. But when I read Joshua's story I am encouraged to take the risks necessary to claim my spiritual inheritance. "You are not entering this year alone. Go forward in faith, leave your wilderness behind and take the territory God has given you." God is calling many of us today to shift from the wilderness to the promised land. Christians who have grown uncomfortable with the status quo are now contemplating big moves. Likewise, church leaders sense a new stirring to grow their churches and influence our secularized culture. As our desire to impact the world with the gospel grows, we hear the Lord challenging us to take bold steps of faith in 2009. If you want to see big victories in your personal life, your family and your church in the coming year, consider the path that Joshua and Israel took: 1. Swallow your fears. When it was time to enter Canaan, God had to find a fearless leader. He told Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!" (Josh. 1:9). How would you measure your faith level as you step into 2009? Are you dismayed about your finances or worried about your health? Are you crippled by insecurities? The devil waged psychological warfare against God's people in 2008 with news of global recession, political uncertainty and the threat of terrorism. Many believers grew anxious, timid and confused. There is no magic pill to relieve us from fear's torment. We simply must resist it. We must counter-attack it by confessing God's Word. When fear says, "God will not provide," we must respond by saying, "My God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory." When fear says, "You will fail," we must respond by declaring, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 2. Put on your full armor. When it was time to cross the Jordan, Joshua commanded the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh to dress in battle clothes (even though, since their inheritance was on the eastern side of Canaan, this was technically not their battle). Too many of us have excused ourselves from the battle because we don't think it is ours to fight. Yet 2009 is not a year to sit on the sidelines. It will not be an easy season, but those who are battle-ready will endure and conquer. You must bathe this year with prayer and praise. Prayerless Christians will not overcome the assaults that are headed our way. Get ruthless with your schedule, even if you must forfeit a movie, a TV show or an extra hour of sleep to spend time with God. 3. Set ambitious goals. What Joshua set out to do in Canaan was impossible, considering Israel's limited military capabilities. Yet God said to seize Jericho anyway. So Joshua sent spies into the city, and they learned that the inhabitants were actually afraid of them (see 2:9-11). Joshua's perception of reality changed when He saw the situation through God's eyes. How many times have you dismissed a dream because it seemed too big? How many years have you set that aside that dream of starting a ministry, a business or a new career? In Joshua's case, he stopped going in circles in the wilderness and instead led God's people to circle Jericho—and the impenetrable walls fell flat! In 2009, find out what God's big goals are for you and zero in on them. 4. Step in the water. The Jordan was overflowing its banks when God told Israel to cross it. They did not wait until the water level went down (see 3:14-17). In obedience to the Lord, the priests stepped into the water first. Then, after they planted their feet in the rushing current, a miracle occurred and the river stopped flowing. Sometimes we find ourselves waiting for God to remove our obstacles when He is actually waiting for us to take a step of faith. We are the real barrier. You may feel powerless to stop the river, but you must get your feet wet. Once you start moving in the right direction, He will bring the breakthrough. 5. Consecrate yourself anew. Before Israel could take Jericho, God required a renewal of His covenant (see 5:2-4). Every man who had not been circumcised during the wilderness journey was admitted to surgery! We too have been scheduled for an operation—on our hearts. Many of us are not ready for the challenges of 2009. We need to set aside time for evaluation, reflection and course correction. We must root out sinful habits, adjust bad attitudes, repent of unforgiveness and destroy idols that have stolen our affections. One excellent way to do this is with fasting. This year many Christians will set aside the first 21 days of January to observe a "Daniel fast" consisting of fruits, vegetables and juices. I encourage you to begin your year with this discipline. 6. Expect new provision. After Israel crossed the Jordan their entire economy changed. They had relied on manna from heaven for their daily food, but when they stepped into Canaan they began to eat to produce of the land—and the manna ceased (see 5:12). They went from eating handfuls of strange, mealy powder to enjoying cartloads of milk, honey, grain and meat; they shifted from scanty daily rations to overflowing abundance. We can wander in the wilderness so long that we grow accustomed to a hand-to-mouth existence. Our faith shrinks with our limited expectations. We forget that the same God who carried us through the lean times also wants to give us wealth so that we can carry out His kingdom work. In this season of economic upheaval, don't adopt a poverty mentality. Your heavenly Father wants to entrust you with His resources—even during a time when He is bringing economic judgment on the wicked. 7. Expect a visitation. Just before the Jericho miracle, Joshua found himself standing face-to-face with the "captain of the host of the Lord" (5:14). Bible scholars say this was not just an angel—they believe it was the pre-incarnate Christ. This dramatic encounter marked Joshua forever and gave him the faith and courage to lead Israel to victory. It is the Lord's presence that will sustain you in 2009, no matter what difficulties you face. The One who fights your battles is in your midst. You are not entering this year alone. Go forward in faith, leave your wilderness behind and take the territory God has given you. J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.

God's People will NOT be Shamed Part 5

Last of the series by David Wilkerson on these tough times. Parts 1-4 are below:

God called his children not only to trust him but to believe him to work miracles. Tell me, would the Lord ask any less of our generation? Consider the testimony we have put forth about our glorious Lord. We have said he will provide, calling him Jehovah Jireh. We have declared his promises to supply for his children. Now, once more, his name and honor are at stake. If we will commit him to act, he promises: “I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought (Israel) out” (Ezekiel 20:14). He’s saying, in essence, “When I delivered Israel, it wasn’t in some hidden corner. I worked miracles for them before the whole world. Now I want to do the same in your generation.”

Dear saint, are you facing a situation you have not yet committed to God? Are you being called to put your faith out on a limb in the distant unknown? Have you resolved, “Only a miracle from the Lord can deliver me”? We may not figure out how God will work his deliverance; no one in the Bible did. But we do know this: just one of his angels can put 185,000 men to flight. The Lord will never let his people be ashamed! Right now, he is telling us just as he told Israel,

“I called you out of your sins. And I have set you within sight of
everyone around you, that I may glorify my name. It was I who called
you out. And I will deliver you in the sight of the ungodly, for my
name’s sake.”

So, will you now walk in what you preach and claim to believe? Will you commit God to his Word for his name to be glorified before multitudes?

May we all adopt the prayer of David for these times: “Do thou for me, O God the Lord, for thy name’s sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me” (Psalm 109:21, my italics). God will never put his trusting people to shame.

He will keep his Word to you because his own honor is at stake.