http://youtu.be/PngAkvYqR_M 

According to Genesis 1:26 man has been made in the image and likeness of the creator (God Himself). In that same chapter of Genesis the bible informs us that the earth was dark and void (undistinguishable ruin). God obviously didn’t care for what He saw and changed the ruin into development and progress by speaking (Let there be…)

You may see void/ruin in an area of your life; try speaking life in faith and it will live because you (being been made in God’s image and likeness) called it to restore and develop. Depending on your situation, it may take your physical involvement, but it all begins with “your” words.

It is what “you” say it is; you are in control of your restoration and development.

#iLoveiGiveiServe

I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live (Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life] (Proverbs 18:21 AMP)

To every vision there is a leader appointed to carry out the assignment given by God. With that assignment comes an anointing. Isaiah 10:27 states, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” Every called leader has this anointing on his/or her life to remove burdens and destroy the things that keep people tied to their problems. In the local church, this position is the pastor. Ephesians 4:11 tells us God has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the perfecting and edifying of the body of Christ. Jeremiah 3:15 says, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” The pastor is a gift after God’s heart. Think about the last gift you gave to someone special. When we give gifts, we usually do so out of heart-felt love for that individual. Personally, when I give a gift I give for two reasons. One, I give to bring enjoyment to a person. Two, I give when I notice a need that has gone unfulfilled. I’ve been told by several friends the gifts I give minister several layers deeper than what I originally intended in my limited knowledge. I believe God took a look at the church, the body of Christ, and saw the need for a Pastor; one who would bring maturity to his people and enable them to achieve God’s perfect will for their lives. If we closely examine the position of the pastor, we will see that this gift of love from God (the pastor and his role) goes far beyond what we observe on a Sunday morning, in a Bible study, or when fellowshipping with other Christians. The greater impact of this gift is the ability to oversee and lead God’s people.

In verse 9 of Exodus 17 Moses gives instructions to Joshua concerning the direction Israel was to take to defeat Amalek – who had attacked God’s people. Moses knew he held the power to perform miracles with the rod that was anointed by God (Exodus 4:17). He uses this “God rod” to assist him in delivering Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. God instructed Moses to take the rod and use it to show the people that God was, indeed, with him and would deliver them (Exodus 4:1-5). Each Pastor has a similar anointing placed on him or her to change lives. A modern day rod might be Godly wisdom, effective leadership, insightful counseling, or a teaching ability that instructs a congregation towards victory in life through the Word of God. Because pastors are gifts from God, they are equipped with power to get the job done.

I have heard some say, “Well, the pastor is only a man; he puts his pants on one leg at a time just like I do.” Please, please, please don’t view your pastor as just a man! He is called by almighty God to lead your life towards victory. It is not the man I am asking you to honor; it is the office to which he is called that requires reverence. Reginald Ezell, Pastor of World Overcomers Ministries in Conyers, Georgia, is fond of saying, “The man may not be perfect but the gift is always perfect.” In Numbers 12 Aaron and Miriam spoke against a decision Moses made regarding marriage and God came down in a pillar of cloud to speak with them regarding how they did not respect the leadership He assigned. God stated He would speak to Moses mouth to mouth; in others words, directly, regarding any decisions. God is always speaking to your pastor about his assignment which is the oversight and protection of the people he is given to lead.

Moses gave Joshua instructions to go forward with the expectation he would follow the instructions to the letter. Moses now could focus on the power that would allow victory to take place. If Moses had to put time and effort into gathering men together, choosing a weapon and entering into battle, he is now out of the divine plan for victory. Not that I believe Moses wouldn’t swing a sword if he had too, but if he had to operate his position and Joshua’s position simultaneously – defeat was imminent! He is needed in a much more strategic position in order for God’s plan to work successfully.

The pastor’s time is the one of the most valuable things he possesses. When he has great leadership around him that will carry out instructions without questions or rebellion, this allows him the time for study and prayer to hear what is the next move, especially in times of pressure. The anointing in your pastor is strengthened through the study of the Word of God and rest; yes that is right rest. If your pastor is blessed with a family he now holds a couple of extra offices: husband and father. These positions also require the anointing from God to serve and there will be times when he or she is tired and will need to simply rest.

A pastor’s heart is always for the people he is called to. When the pastor is allowed to focus on his position, we can experience the full manifestation of the gift God purposed for His people.