by David Scott Robertson
"As for you, the ANOINTING you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his ANOINTING teaches you about all things and as that ANOINTING is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him" (1 John 2:27). [Emphasis mine]
As a man of God -
The most AWESOME thing I can think of
Is ministering under the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
As a man of God -
The most AWFUL thing I can think of
Is ministering apart from the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Ministry performed in the strength of the flesh
Is, at best, embarrassing to the minister and, at worst, harmful to the recipient.
Effectual ministry originates from God
And flows outward through a yielded vessel.
Valid ministry allows the Lord to use
Your vocal chords, your hands, you mind and muscles
To bring about God's will from heaven to earth.
True ministry carries spiritual weight and authority.
Why?
The power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
It's the difference between public speaking and holy declaration.
It's the difference between a pat on your shoulder and laying hands on the sick and they recover (James 5:15).
It's the difference between sharing information
Versus communicating the "word of the Lord" that will change lives.
Friends, we must seek the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit
To activate, energize, and empower our respective ministries.
If you are a man of God,
A woman of God,
A teenager of God,
A child of God…
I counsel you, implore you, encourage you with all the earnestness I possess
To by all means obtain the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit
Before you attempt anything in the name of "ministry."
Whether that involves SINGING in the choir,
PREACHING a sermon,
TEACHING a Sunday School lesson,
LEADING a cell group,
PRAYING for a troubled teen,
COUNSELING a co-worker whose marriage is disintegrating,
Or SERVING in any capacity in the name of the Lord.
How do you obtain the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit?
ASK for it (God will surely give it).
SEEK God's face (not His hand).
Be a PURE vessel (deal with any sin in your own life prior to ministering).
DECIDE on the front end to be OBEDIENT to the Spirit's directives (obedience brings the miraculous).
DON'T TOUCH God's glory (no flesh shall glory in His presence).
STAND in faith (the battle and results are the Lord's).
Is the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit available to all born-again believers?
Yes.
Is it really necessary to perform the works of Jesus?
Yes.
Are you ready to walk in the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit this very day?
[Speak out loud your response to God here…]
DSR
8/25/02