GUARD YOUR OIL & REFOCUS THE PEOPLE

THE LEADERS’ CHALLENGE: GUARD YOUR OIL & REFOCUS THE PEOPLE

“The Ministry of ‘No’: How Boundaries Birth Encounters”

Leaders, it’s time to rise with discernment and the fear of the Lord.

For too long, many of us have allowed people to prostitute our anointing—coming to us again and again for words, prayer, and breakthrough, while refusing to go before the presence of God for themselves.

This is not humility—it’s idolatry.

And we, as leaders, have been guilty of enabling it.

God is calling leaders to reclaim holy boundaries. To stop letting the oil of the Lord be poured out on demand for those who refuse to seek Him.

This is not stinginess—it’s stewardship.

It’s not rejection—it’s redirection.

We are not the source. We are vessels.

And vessels must discern who truly honors the oil versus who only wants to use it.

Jesus Modeled Boundaries

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

— Luke 5:16

When the crowds demanded His time, He withdrew to meet the Father. He said “no” to people so He could say “yes” to the Presence.

Moses Couldn’t Be Everyone’s Mediator

“What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people.”

— Exodus 18:17–18

When Jethro corrected Moses, it wasn’t just to protect Moses—it was to teach the people to go to God themselves. Leaders who refuse to say “no” cripple spiritual maturity in those they serve.

Jesus Refused to Be Worshiped as a Man

“Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men.”

— John 2:24

He never allowed people to idolize Him apart from the Father’s will. He constantly redirected hearts back to the Father (John 14:6).

The Goal Is Personal Encounter

“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

— Jeremiah 29:13

Leaders are not meant to be crutches; we are catalysts. Our “no” creates the space for people to fall at Jesus’ feet and encounter Him face to face.

Leaders, prophets, pastors, intercessors—

Will you have the courage to say “no” when the Holy Spirit says not to pour?

Will you protect your oil from being traded for attention, validation, or burnout?

Will you discern when someone needs prayer—and when someone needs presence?

Because if we continue allowing people to prostitute our anointing, we teach them that access to God can be bought with proximity to man.

But when we say “no,” heaven says, “Now they must come to Me.”

Lord, teach us to guard what You’ve entrusted.

Give us the discernment to know when to pour and when to pause.

Deliver us from the fear of man and from false compassion that cripples growth.

We repent for allowing people to worship our oil instead of pursuing Your presence.

Today, we return the glory to You.

May every “no” we speak become a doorway that pushes Your sons and daughters back to Your feet.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

This is not a call to selfishness—it’s a call to holiness.

This is not about withholding love—it’s about releasing truth.

It’s time for leaders to stop being the altar, and start pointing people back to it.

Guard your oil.

Fear the Lord.

And push people into the secret place.