01/07/2023
Today's message is one of those intangible truths... the calling... the anointing that consecrates a man and his mission. How many earnest men have we known that lacked being anointed? Seriousness and purpose in our human lives does not insure that we are doing God's will. An anointing is that spark which reveals the fire of God; it is the flame in the bush that doesn't consume it. The anointing is the finger of God that writes upon the fleshiness of our hearts those things that He would have us do and say. It is the divine aspect of our lives.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV
God anoints us and our faith sustains our anointing. Moses was anointed by God but his faith in Him was what allowed the fullness of that anointing to be realized. Moses knew God's purpose for him, but he had faith that God would do as He had said He would. Moses had faith in the fact that God's Word was truth, and that his anointing was His will for him. Then he allowed himself to be used by God; he lived out God’s will for him.
When I think of anointing and faith I see those biblical figures of power walking with one hand holding onto their faith, and the other holding tight to their anointing. As they walk in this manner their eyes are fixed on God, and the Cross, while being focused and surrounded by the Holy Spirit.
I pray that in my life I am holding firm to my faith and anointing as well. I pray that God uses me in even the smallest of ways if it will bring Him glory! I told you about being saved from drowning as a teenage boy, and wondering why the Lord would chose to do that. I said that perhaps it was to save a single soul, and I meant that. In our anointing, and calling, we don’t have to lead Israel out of Egypt, or bring down the walls of Jericho; sometimes we are simply asked to feed a homeless man, or lead one soul to the gates of heaven.
If we listen, and have faith, God will call us... He will anoint us, and then send us out to accomplish some mission or missions. Maybe our calling will be a monumental one like Noah's or Moses', but the cloth of God’s plan is woven of many threads and perhaps our anointing is to be the backing which holds the thread together and makes it a carpet... our thread could very well be unseen during its daily use, yet invaluable in purpose.
E.M. Bounds said that anointing "is the divine aspect in preaching" and he is right, but it is also the divine aspect in every effort that God calls us to do. I pray that you have a great day and work diligently to do God’s will with your hands; but most of all I pray that you keep the eyes of your faith fixed on God and the Cross.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
Psalms 121:1 KJV
Prayer:
Father Thank you for drawing me to you through Jesus Christ, and then giving me a purpose, and a calling, that will bring glory to you. Thank you Lord for anointing me as you prepare me to do your will. Give me patience as I wait to hear what your plan is for my life, and then give me the determination and faith to complete it. Defeat my pride should I think that what you have called me to do is insignificant, unworthy of my efforts, or beneath me in any way. If I am frightened and think that I am unable to accomplish what you have asked of me, then I pray that you will encourage me by defeating the fear that holds me back. Give me courage and strength to step out in replenished faith to face whatever causes me to doubt or quake in fear. The calling and anointing I receive is of you, and there is nothing, great or small, that can stand against you.
Praised be your name, and Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who allows us to love, and serve you. Amazing is your grace, and merciful your desire to forgive us and straighten the paths that lead to you. Lift us up when we fall, give us strength when we falter, and replenish our faith when doubt or fear comes against it. In these and all things we will worship you, and praise you continuously. We thrill and rejoice as we approach eternity with you. Abba hear this our prayer, and our righteous desire.
Rich Forbes