Where are My shepherds in the land? Where are those I have anointed to lead My sheep? Where are those I have called to show the way and direct the flock in this nation?

You asked for My prophets and I gave them to you. I gave you My servants who have been speaking My words and declaring My purposes in this hour. You asked to know heaven’s will and I have spoken it through My watchmen. Have you recognized My voice and heeded My directives? Though some have understood My servants, there are many who do not yet understand and lack direction. Why, you ask? Because there are no shepherds to lead them! This land is desperate for true shepherds! It is not enough to hear the word of the Lord, for you need shepherds to interpret My words and lead My people to the fulfillment of them. Though there are some in this land who have been faithfully doing this, many fields have been overrun with wild beasts, devouring My sheep for lack of true shepherds.

Instead of shepherds, there have been hirelings in My sheep pen with no heart for My sheep. They only care for themselves and the measure of their staffs. These hirelings have little compassion for the sheep and look instead to the size of their field and the recognition of their name. They have allowed personal ambition and pride of ministry to poison their call and lead them to compromise. They have polluted My Bride and infected My Church with apathy and unbelief. These are not the shepherds I have appointed for you! These are not the shepherds to lead you! They have not rightly discerned My voice. They have not recognized the messages I have sent nor represented My heart. Thus, they have turned the sheep away from My voice in favor of their own. This cannot stand!

Look past the titles, the labels, and self-indulgent resumes. For a true shepherd is not measured by man’s standards. The shepherds I appoint carry a sovereign grace and authority from on high to take you where I AM. My shepherds have My love embedded in their hearts and carry a righteous zeal for the safety and security of My flock. They cannot help but speak out when the sheep are threatened. They cannot help but speak a better word when a counterfeit voice seeks entrance.

My shepherds are not preoccupied with other shepherds in other fields. They are not concerned about the greener pastures of others. They are fixed on the sheep and will do whatever it takes to secure the territory for the sake of My Kingdom.

Because of their love for the flock, My shepherds have no fear of the wolves. They do not retreat to the back corner in hopes the wild beasts will leave. No! With the heart of David, they will use whatever they have to challenge the lions and bears and defend their flock at all costs. Without hesitation they will confront those who dare attack and threaten the weak and the vulnerable. They care little about their own safety for they know the authority they carry and the One they will answer to. This is the heart of a true shepherd and the true measure of My leaders in this hour.

To those shepherds I have called who are faithfully overseeing your flock, I will enlarge your territory and grant even greater grace and favor on all that you do. For you have answered the call and fought for the sheep at great personal cost. You have loved well and represented My Son. I bless your appointment and crown you with heaven’s joy. I will reward you with peace and overshadow you with My presence. You will see an increase of My blessing and the fruit that you bear will testify to My grace that is upon you.

But for those who are hirelings and have trespassed in My fields, I will remove you. I will strip you of your robe and staff and take the sandals from your feet. No longer will you walk safely among the flock. No longer will you use My sheep to line your own pockets and satisfy your own appetites. You have not defended the flock or confronted the wolves that have broken down the gates and infiltrated My sheepfold. Take heed and prepare to be replaced.

To My sheep I say this: Cry out for true shepherds. Call out for those with hearts that are pure and a love that is zealous for My bride. Cry out for leaders who will lead with courage and not cower in the fear of man. Demand accountability and integrity from those who claim to follow Me. 

This is the hour of separation. This is the hour of revealing the sheep from the wolves and My true servants from the hirelings. Watch and pray as this exposure comes. The separation will be painful, but it is a necessary pruning for the glory to come. Idolatry of platforms and personas is coming to an end. That which is of the flesh is making way for a flood of My Spirit. I am the Gatekeeper and only those who know My voice will enter in.