The Essential AnointingSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: The Lord Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit so that He can be with us always. The Holy Spirit is essential for our everyday life to be holy and acceptable before God. Only when the Holy Spirit comes, you will understand the exalted experience. "However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:13)
The Holy Scripture says, "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified" (1 Peter 4:14). When we receive the Holy Spirit, through us the Lord is more glorified.
Many years ago, a sister brought her daughter to the Jesus Calls office. One thing she told me enthralled me very much. She said that she and her daughter had just one desire and that was to receive the Holy Spirit.
Lord Jesus Christ said, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). He is in our midst as a Spirit.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Dear friend, you may be yearning in your heart to receive this heavenly experience. Try saying everyday, "Praise be to you, Lord." He will come into your heart of praise. That is how He filled me. I praised Him just for ten minutes. Till then, my prayer could not have been heard even to the person kneeling next to me. I was so timid and shy, but when I was filled with the Holy Spirit, the prayer I made raised the roof of my house. This happened because of a glorious and unspeakable joy. It is a joy that the world cannot give. Taste and see that the Lord is good.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
There are many who think that we will be transfigured like Christ Jesus only when we go to heaven. "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17). The Scripture says that we should grow up in all things to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-14). This is the perfect man. Till then, our lives have to keep on growing. When we are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the fruits of the Spirit are seen in us.
Many people write to us saying, "I lose my temper often. There are so many unwanted evil traits in me. I recall my failures and blame myself." There is a way out. After you are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, you should wait at His feet whenever you find time and renew yourself. Those who complain that time hangs heavily on them should make profitable use of time. Instead of wasting your precious time in entertainment, wait at the feet of the Lord and cling on to Him tightly.
Many others think that once they receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, they have reached the goal. It is not so. In fact, our growth begins only after that. We should grow more in the Holy Spirit. We should pray filled with His mighty presence. Many people intend to either pray or get prayed over by servants of God only when they are surrounded by various trials and tribulations. But once you are filled with the Spirit of the Lord all the time, He will anoint you more and more. The Lord gave His Spirit to Jesus Christ without measure (John 3:24). He will grant you the same experience.
"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:5)
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we read about the various attributes that love yields. When we are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the fruits of the Spirit like kindness, goodness, gentleness and longsuffering are seen in us. Our faith is strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Unspeakable joy comes into us (1 Peter 1:3).
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)
This exalted experience is available to all. We can be filled with the Spirit of the Lord, receive His power and be used mightily as chosen instruments in His great and divine ministry (Ephesians 3:16,19). But all these begin with the sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Dear friend, do you glorify the Almighty God everyday of our life? Are you obsessed with your own sorrows or are you yearning in your heart to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Let not your heart be troubled! Magnify the King of Glory in your everyday life. Filled with the Holy Spirit, praise Him even amidst your travails. He will then fill you with the heavenly blessings. He will change all your sorrows and shame; He is God Almighty! He will bless you bountifully. Your life will be joyous. Your personal life will be pure and devout, radiating love, joy and peace all the time.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Fill me with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Whatever may be the sorrows, pains, trials and tribulations that come my way, help me to overcome them with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Grant me Your grace to sing praises to You not only at times of joy and happiness, but also during painful times. Teach me to wait at Your feet and to be fervent in prayer and reading Your Word. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |