THE ASSAULT ON FINANCES

© 2003 Morris Ruddick

There have been numerous recent attacks against ministries and individuals I know personally.

A ministry in Asia; another in the Middle East; and also ones in Africa and Europe. Serious attacks and reversals. Attacks employing undermining, whiplash strategies intent on bringing these ministries to their knees and destroying them. At the same time, the enemy has attempted to come against strong prophetically-anointed people among friends and associates I know.

As I have been praying for these ministries and individuals, I’ve begun recognizing patterns in the attacks. Not only do the similarities in these incidents far exceed chance expectations, but they appear to parallel the modus operandi of numerous other attacks occurring across the Body.

So, as I’ve sought the Lord and begun seeing the smokescreens disperse; I’m finding that while the conclusions are disturbing, they are strategically very revealing and indicative of the days we are entering.

The enemy has clearly unleashed an initiative. In each case, they have targeted pacesetters and pioneers for the Lord. In each case, the ministries and individuals appear to be at a place of transition and promotion --- in terms of moving into a new level of fruitfulness that will far exceed what they have experienced in the past.

THE ISSUES

But there is more to it than that. In the case of each ministry, it has as its bottom line, the issue of finances. The issue of mammon.

In the case of the individuals, it has involved attempts to silence prophetically-anointed voices.

Voices of ones who spend time in the presence of the Lord; who walk both within and outside the boundaries reflected by the accepted “traditions” among ministry circles. In other words, they are God-pleasers rather than man-pleasers -- persons solid in the Lord and an integral part of what the Lord is doing within the Body, yet in no way operating as what we might call loose cannons.

Each ministry and each prophetically-anointed person have been walking through a raging fire.

THE ENEMY’S STRATEGY

Behind the enemy’s initiative, in each case, is a strong operation of witchcraft -- but of a different variety than I've encountered before. This venue of witchcraft involves different levels -- levels of entanglements that work in concert with one another. It involves unholy alliances. Alliances with persons in close proximity to the leaders of the ministries targeted. In some cases they have infiltrated ministry organizations and are working close to people in strategic positions.

These strategically-placed, unholy plants are starting to manifest.

These infiltrators -- operating close to key ministry leaders -- may be sick sheep and dupes to the enemy's schemes. Or they may be wolves in sheep’s clothing -- outright counterfeits/plants of the enemy. But whether they are sick, misguided sheep or outright agents of the evil one; the result is the same. Chaos. Deceit. Beguilement. Fear. Betrayal. Division. Envy. Discord. Distortion and lies. Destruction. Zealots who don’t understand honor or authority. Personalities with issues who are attempting to hinder the progress of what the Lord is doing.

The enemy's operatives and beguiled associates penetrating the Body, as well as his schemes in these situations are more subtle, harder to detect to the point of being hidden, and more deadly and vicious than I've previously run into. They operate with a systematic wisdom; but a wisdom that is described in James as being demonic and based on “feelings”; the result of which is envy and self-seeking, confusion and every evil work. As they manifest, they wield a sword marked by fear in their manipulative, self-righteous machinations. They are warped and bent on evil reports.

On the other hand, in each case, the enemy's timing has been somewhat askew. All of which is allowing recovery, albeit at a cost. BUT the bottom line is that it is alerting the people involved and setting in motion alternatives to the destructive strategies the enemy intends.

THE JUDAS SPIRIT

The form of witchcraft coming against these ministries is no less than the one used to betray the Lord Jesus. It is the spirit that targeted and seduced Judas as one of Jesus’ inner circle. It operates with a strong outer religious zeal. But internally there are a host of conflicting forces that draw these agents to those in prominent positions of ministry, while simultaneously maneuvering them toward what will ultimately be destructive, undermining schemes.

The issues driving the enemy’s plants are complex, but in most cases they involve bitter roots, and issues of unworthiness, fear and shame. Issues of offense, worn like merit badges. Hebrews 12 talks about the root of bitterness, that not only causes trouble, but results in many being defiled. Proverbs 17 indicates that an evil doer gives heed to false lips and a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

Those with a Judas spirit have a strong need to be close to those who operate in positions of spiritual authority. They are drawn to those with a strong anointing. But they are in reality people who resent rather than respect authority. With a resentment that will often manifest in rebellion when cornered. And they will be somewhat out-of-sync among the inner circle of the one in authority. While they are fluent in religious in-talk and usually very persuasive, they can be unmasked by a closer look at the fruit they bear in the lives they lead.

Know them by their fruit. Because the fruit trailing the Judas spirit; and the result when they begin manifesting are the same. Chaos. Deceit and deception. Lies. Fear. Envy and betrayal. Division. Discord. Sometimes a jealous rage. Destruction.

The Judas spirit is very closely tied to the spirit of anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism operates with a jealous rage; it distorts truth to the level that Hitler’s rhetoric was known as “the Big Lie”; and it seeks for a scapegoat to justify its own short-failings.

Likewise, the modus-operandi of the Judas spirit is fueled by false lips and spiteful tongues. By whispering, backbiting and distortion.

THE SNARE OF WITCHCRAFT SPIRITS

But KNOW this: you can’t curse what God has blessed. In the book of Numbers, each time the Moabite king Balak asked Balaam to curse Israel, he couldn’t -- and he blessed them instead. Yet, the snare in that scenario was that Balaam ultimately revealed to Balak that the way to undermine Israel was to infiltrate them.

That is why there has been an infiltration of the inner circles of ministries paving new ground -- ministries at a key turning point in their callings. That is why there is a simultaneous attack against the voices of those God-pleasers who operate strongly, with a proven track record, in the prophetic gifts -- words of knowledge, words of wisdom and discerning of spirits.

That is why TRUTH is paramount to countering the snare of false lips and spiteful tongues when the spirit of Judas manifests deep within ministry leadership circles. Beware of the snare of the grapevine. Beware of hearsay and gossip. Beware of the whispers behind closed doors. Leaders in organizations need information -- information on what is going on within their operations and among their people. But compromise and unrighteous lips within ministry circles provide access to the Judas spirit, which thrives on whispers, and on planting seeds of discord.

COUNSELORS AND COALITIONS

KNOW, that in the multitude of counselors there is safety. This begins with those in inner circles and extends to opportunities for strategic alliances and coalitions between organizations. There is safety in numbers when a genuine fear of God is operating. Likewise, there is safety in prayerful relationships, when the supernatural flow of the Spirit is given free reign.

Counselors in inner circles. This is a time to identify the faithful, trusted servants who are mature and stable -- who exhibit a consistent and strong operation of the prophetic gifts. God-pleasers, rather than man-pleasers. Prophetic gifts that operate with that wisdom from above. Pharaoh recognized this in Joseph, when he said, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom in the Spirit of God? In as much as God has shown you all this, there is no one as wise and discerning as you are.”

Alliances and coalitions between organizations. Coalitions and cohesive cooperation between ministries; strategic alliances between businesses and ministries; and alliances with modern day Cyruses, anointed and chosen by God to facilitate His redemptive purposes to counter the onslaught of the devil’s initiatives against the Body.

CLUES IN THE ENEMY’S SCHEMES

As subtle as the enemy’s schemes can be at times; his methods and assaults ALWAYS provide clues to not only defeating his intentions, but they usually point to the indicators of something significant the Lord is about to do.

So, if the enemy is bringing division, then know that the way out AND what the Lord is about to release is a new wave of unity. If the enemy is bringing bad reports; then use the tongue to bless. If the enemy is operating in whispers, then don’t whisper back; bring it to the table. If the enemy is spreading lies, then don’t overreact, get distracted and defend; just keep trusting the Lord, and speak truth. If the enemy has sent a raging fire, then look for the fire of God’s presence to start manifesting.

If the enemy is attacking finances, as he has been recently, then consider new venues and sources of resources and rejoice for what God is about to do in this area. If the enemy is trying to silence prophetic voices, then bring them to the forefront.

THE ASSAULT ON FINANCES AND PROPHETIC TRUTH

There are few ministries whose financial foundations have not been challenged since 9/11 --- and few who are not experiencing budgetary challenges to this day. The appropriate responses will begin with the Issachar anointing, in understanding the times and knowing what to do.

In understanding the times, recognize that a corner has been turned. A corner requiring old methods, the old wineskins and their associated mind-sets, to be reexamined. A corner bringing forth holiness and revival. A corner witnessing the emergence of alliances between ministries and modern-day Josephs and Daniels. A corner reflecting a paradigm shift in the way the work of the ministry is funded.

A corner that will bring the emergence of prophetic wisdom to operate in not only the inner circles of ministries, but in the seats of power within business and governmental circles. May the Lord grant us a greater understanding of the times, that we might know what to do.

NEW INITIATIVES AND NEW WINESKINS

This is a time in which the Body not only is starting to come together in unity; it needs to come together in unity. But again, a paradigm shift is needed in our modus operandi. A paradigm shift requiring new mind-sets. A paradigm shift that will require basic changes in the nature and order of business as usual in our ministry structures. A paradigm shift embracing new avenues to fund the work of the ministry. A paradigm shift that recognizes the place and significance of the prophetic within ministry circles, as well as in the marketplace. God’s initiatives for this hour are requiring the type of prophetic wisdom recognized in Joseph by Pharaoh. It is a time in which prophetic wisdom will provide God’s insights into the pivot points to change the course of nations.

The book of Daniel tells us that “in the time of the end, many shall be purified and refined. But while the wicked shall do wickedly; NONE of the wicked shall understand. But the wise shall understand.” The scripture reveals that in all matters of wisdom and understanding that Daniel and his friends were found ten times better than all the wisdom of the sorcerers and wise men that the king had surrounded himself with. Likewise, the Psalmist tells us that the Lord made him wiser than his enemies, with more understanding than his teachers, because of God’s Word.

MOVING FROM THE DEFENSIVE TO THE OFFENSIVE

The Body is passing through a transition. What is before us will be a paradigm shift in the area of finances; as well as in the wisdom employed in conducting the work of the ministry. The battle over funding the work of the ministry will move from the defensive onto the offensive for those willing to move out of the ruts of tradition and truly listen to what the Spirit of the Lord is saying.

Making this shift will require a reassessment and commitment to working cooperatively and in holiness. Dying to self. Speaking truth in our own hearts. Keeping our hearts tender, always being quick to repent and forgive. Listening to truth; not hearsay; and discerning the difference. Using our tongues to bless and bring unity. Guarding our hearts with all diligence. Being on the alert for false lips and spiteful tongues. Not letting the enemy define the issues. Staying in faith and proclaiming His truth. Being recklessly righteous, but avoiding self-righteousness and constantly checking that we are wearing the cloak of humility. Staying connected within the Body and serving as facilitators of cooperation and cohesiveness. Continually crying out to the Lord for that wisdom that is from above. Making it a priority to increase our time in His presence --- time spent in His word, in prayer and in worship.

Unity. Holiness. Truth. Prophetic wisdom. Strategic alliances. Each of these are essential factors in responding effectively to this new level of warfare being waged against the Body. We have entered a time when the talents and discipline and abilities of strong and bright personalities is simply not going to be enough. We have entered a time in which spirit and truth have to begin operating together in fresh new ways. It is a time when the gifts of the spirit will no longer be a nice option in operating a ministry, but an essential requisite to its survival. Likewise, it is a time when safety will be gained through coalitions and alliances between ministries; and between like-minded ministries and businesses.

DESTROYING THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.

That begins with the Body rising up and moving forward on the offensive. It begins by rooting the enemy out of our territories, and then exercising our rightful authority to reclaim the dominion intended for God’s people since the foundations of the earth.

And the countdown has begun. On the surface of the big picture is a definitive clash of civilizations underway. But beneath the surface, we are a part of a significant turn in the age-old power struggle of the evil one against the Holy One of all creation.

The issues at stake at this juncture are finances and the prophetic word of the Lord.

The Lord never intended for His people to respond in fear when confronted by the evil one or his cohorts. There are times when caution is prudent, but He’s called us to be bold in Him. Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world! He’s called us to repossess what rightfully is His and as such, our inheritance. He’s called us to be good stewards in hearing His voice in this hour. And He’s called us to be discerning, decisive and strong -- in His power and might -- that we might give NO place to the devil or his agents.

It’s time. It’s time to move forward. It’s time to move forward offensively.

It’s time to take a closer look at the area of finances. Is there a battle over them? Is there a plant of the enemy lurking; trying to subvert God’s purposes? Have we become complacent and defensive, and just accepted the reversals and constraints as a “natural” order of the business of the ministry --- since it is happening to so many? Are we just submitting to the devil’s schemes and whiplash strategies?

Likewise, are we lacking in wisdom? Are we casting down our crowns and humbly submitting ourselves one to another in the fear of the Lord? Have we quenched the Spirit in the ways we are willing and open to hearing His voice? Has the flow of the Spirit been replaced in any way by brittle, controlling religiosity? Likewise, are we avoiding the ruts of religious tradition and encouraging the operation of the prophetic gifts and the operation of the supernatural in our midst? Have we reached the point we are no longer willing to accept walking through the fire the devil has planned; and hunger to emerge as catalysts to the fires of God’s revival?

The enemy always overplays his hand. The assaults against the financial foundations among ministries are the strongest indicator of the initiatives the Lord is about to release to the Body.

Initiatives and strategies that will give special focus to the Church standing along side of Israel, promoting Jewish revival, and building up and bringing unity into the Messianic Jewish community. Initiatives designed to strengthen, mature and bring unity to the Body. Initiatives that will mobilize God’s marketplace emissaries, today’s Josephs and Daniels; create alliances with modern-day Cyruses and Pharaohs; and initiate resources and technologies that will create revenue streams for the release of God’s end-time plan.

The struggle for power and the seats of power. The control of finances. And the silencing of prophetic voices.

Indeed, the countdown has begun. But God is on His throne. God is on His throne and the evil one is desperate. His time is limited. The enemy of our souls is on the defensive, because the Lord is about to pour out His power. We are entering the day of His power.

But as the Lord pours out His power, the Body needs to adjust and change. It needs to reexamine old mind-sets and methods. Mind-sets and methods that may have been appropriate for the time, but will be lacking in the days ahead. It is time to move out of our comfort zones and into the flow of the initiatives the Lord has called us to for these days.

It is likewise time to identify the enemy’s infiltrators and remove them. Ephesians 4 tells us to give no place to the devil. There are some who have been tolerated. Others have yet to be identified. But KNOW them by their fruits. There can be no compromise. The stakes are higher than anything any of us have ever dreamed we would see.

The countdown has begun. The whole creation groans and is in labor for what is before us.

THE PRAYER

Father God, in the incomparable Name of Jesus, we bow our hearts before You. Cleanse us O God. May the words of our mouths and meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight.

For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s and You have set the world upon them. You will guard the feet of Your saints; but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail; the adversaries of the Lord will be broken in pieces.

Lord, we cry out to you for mercy for those misguided souls who have become the enemy’s plants within the Body. There are many right now in the valley of decision. Some will repent and be restored. Some will slink away and hide, hoping for other opportunities. And some will continue to resist and go the way of Ananias and Sapphira. We pray that the eyes of their understanding might be enlightened. Lord, grant them the gift of repentance.

But we also pray for those individuals and ministries that are being whip-lashed by the enemy’s wicked schemes. Lord, we pray for wisdom and the supernatural operation of Your Spirit to identify and implement the needed changes and adjustments to bring their callings to the place needed for this hour. We pray that they might be strengthened in You O Lord, to walk through the fires without the smell of smoke. Lord, we know that your LIGHT brings exposure; and the enemy cannot stand the Light. So Lord, we pray for that divine spotlight to shine on every unholy alliance -- those counterfeits, sick sheep, and any others who have infiltrated their way into ministry circles. May the evil, undermining reports be exposed and brought to naught.

We likewise pray that the Body will begin recognizing and standing against this Judas spirit that has been unleashed against the Body. Lord, pour out boldness, courage and faith to deal decisively with these matters. For in righteousness we are established. We are far from oppression. And terror? It shall not come near us. And if anyone stirs up strife, it is not from the Lord. Whoever stirs up strife with us, shall fall because of us. This is our heritage as servants of the Lord and our vindication from the Lord.

We also pray for the release of the finances and the promotion of those ministries at pivotal junctures in their callings. We pray for those faithful ones who have been walking through the fire --- to emerge without the smell of smoke; and that they in turn will become catalysts for the fires of revival. Release Your power, we pray, O Lord. Release Your Power.

Lord, we also pray for those faithful servants who have been operating quietly and without much attention drawn to them. Faithful servants with a real potency associated with their anointing. The ones who hear Your voice clearly and flow in that wisdom from above. Eagles for the Lord. Promote them we pray, and position them with the message and wisdom You have prepared within them. And may they soar and bring unusual blessing to those they work alongside and co-labor with in the accomplishment of Your purposes.

We cry out to You with every fiber of our being, to bring Your Body together in Unity. Raise up the intercessors who will grasp and pray through on the issues You are releasing for this hour. Equip them Lord. And Lord, release that fire of Your presence and the power of Your Spirit to disperse the smokescreens, reverse the curses and position Your Body on the offensive.

And Lord, while we constantly are praying for the removal of the veil from Israel; we likewise are praying for the Church to have the revelation it needs to clearly see and become a part of Your initiatives in Israel, Jewish revival, and the building up and standing behind the Messianic Jewish community in their end-time calling.

O God, we need a paradigm shift on this issue of finances. Resources, technologies, revenue streams. Bring about the coalitions and alliances needed to establish the initiatives You have for this pivotal hour.

Yet now we take courage, O Lord. For once again, in a very little while, You will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land, and You will shake the nations, so that the treasurers of all the nations will come in and fill this house with the splendor of the Lord. Thank You Lord, that NOTHING is too hard for You. Blessed be Your Holy Name, Lord God Almighty. For YOURS is the greatness and the power and glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and earth is Yours. Yours is the dominion and You do exalt Yourself as head over all. We magnify and praise Your glorious Name! Amen and amen.