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Anointing

Scripture:

“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

Reading:

“And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

People recognized Peter and John as disciples who had been with Jesus. They were bold, ministering with faith, clearly anointed by God as they ministered in Jesus’ name. But this is not simply history, this is a glimpse of what is possible in a spiritual sense for all disciples of Christ.

Disciples are those who spend time with Jesus in scripture and prayer learning from Him, enjoying God with intention to do His will. Investing our time, we grow in friendship with the Lord increasingly aware of His anointing, the Holy Spirit’s presence within us (2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:27).

When you regularly spend time with God, serving through your gifting no longer feels like something you are doing in your own effort. There is a flow that is supernatural. You see the goodness the other person is experiencing and because it is a gift to you too, you experience a powerful joy and confidence in the Lord, and God is glorified.

If you trust in Christ for your salvation and are taking the time to read this devotional let it assure you that you have the spiritual gifts of a new heart and the Holy Spirit. You are equipped and anointed. You have a specific spiritual ability through which the Holy Spirit will manifest to bless others.

Spend time with Jesus and then serve the body of Christ in His name. God will apply His Spirit to how you are wired and translate your effort into His expression. It is necessary. You are needed. God has a specific role for you in His story (Acts 13:36; 17:26).

Your Turn:

  1. What are your strengths? Consider a time when you felt fully alive, fully satisfied using that strength. What were you doing?

  2. How can you apply this to serving others for His glory?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Please help me abide with Christ. I trust You will grow and mature me in my gifting as I take steps of faith. Show me how to serve You for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.