How To Increase The Anointing

There are several reasons why it is important for us to "have the anointing" in our lives.  The anointing empowers us to live righteous lives and to do the work of the ministry.  It's the anointing of the Holy Spirit that flows through us so we can touch the hearts of others.  The anointing is given to us to demonstrate God's love and power and it is the tangible presence of God upon the believers life.  In this post I want to share with you several ways that you can increase the anointing in your life.

1.  Have a heart for God.  An increase in our heart for God will naturally lead to an increase of the anointing.  This increase of the anointing will bring an increase in the supernatural.  Jesus admonished us to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness..."  (Matthew 6:33).  He also declared that "Blessed is he who hungers and thirsts after righteousness, for they shall be filled."  (Matthew 5:6).  If you desire an increase of the anointing in your life, then you must have a heart that seeks after God!

2.  Develop a love for the Word of God.  The Word of God is life to you and as you grow in the Word, the Word will grow in you. The Word of God nurtures the anointing and the anointing will perform the Word.

3.  Learn respect for leadership.   We will always have people over our lives.  There is a natural blessing that comes with developing a respect for leadership.  The anointing can't flow where there is strife and division.  That's why it is so important to respect and follow the leadership God has placed in your life.

4.  Develop a personally pure lifestyle.  The anointing in your life will not increase if your are living a life that is contrary to the Word of God.  You have to follow the things of God, not the things of the world.  The world will drain the anointing from you.  If  you want the anointing in your life, you must be willing to pay the price by living a pure life.

5.  Learn how to worship.  We are to have "no other God" before Him and our worship of the One True God, must come from our heart.  Be careful what you worship.  God only wants you to worship Him, not your stuff!  The anointing will never be effective in your life without the true worship of God.

6.  Activate your faith.  An active faith lifestyle is another way to increase your faith.  The reason is, faith is the language of the supernatural!  When you speak in faith you speak the language understood in the supernatural.  Don't let people speak doubt and unbelief around you.  If you do, it will diminish rather than increase your faith.

7.  Walk the love walk.  Don't hold on to things that will destroy your love walk.  You have to learn to let go of the past.  As you walk in love the anointing will grow in your life.  When we walk in love, what we are doing is showing God's love to the world.  Allow the anointing to increase in your life, by walking in love.

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 6)

This is my final post on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.  In this post I want to answer some of the common questions people have with respect to the Holy Spirit and how He operates in the believers life.

1.  What is the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit?
When someone refers to the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit, what they are referring to is the "presence and power" of the Holy Spirit.  Just prior to Jesus' ascension back to the Father, He told His disciples in Acts 1:8 that "ye shall receive 'power' after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." When the Holy Spirit "indwells" the believer, they receive power and can begin to operate in the "anointing."

2.  Do you have to have the anointing to have the power?
When Jesus emptied Himself of all His Godly attributes and took upon Himself the form of humanity, He had to have the Holy Spirit anointing in order to accomplish what He did.  Prior to the Holy Spirit descending upon him at His baptism in Luke 3:22, Jesus hadn't performed any miracles.  Everything He did after that point was with the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.  The answer to the question is "Yes," we have to have the anointing if we are going to have the power of the Holy Spirit operating in our life.

3.  How does the power of the Holy Spirit demonstrate itself?
First of all, He demonstrates His power by being the inner Witness, Comforter, Teacher, Counselor, Leader, and Guide in the life of the believer.  His Spirit, bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.  He also demonstrates Himself through the anointing.  Acts 10:38 says "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."  It's God's desire for all believers to have this anointing in their lives for the purpose of doing good and operating in the power of God.

4.  Is the power of the Holy Spirit to be demonstrated today?
Absolutely!  There is not one scripture in God's Word that would indicate otherwise.  If we are to accomplish what God has called us to do, we must have the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.  This is not the time to be "powerless."  It is time to rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit and do what God has called us to do.

The question is not "Is the power and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to be demonstrated today?" but the question is "Are we willing to allow Him to demonstrate His power and anointing through us?" 

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 5)

The Holy Spirit is responsible for so many different works in the life of the Believer that we must understand how He operates and what He does for us.  The Spirit's work begins with how the Believer presents the Gospel to the world.

How The Gospel Is To Be Presented

1 Thessalonians 1:5 tells us how the Gospel is to be presented: "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake."  So the Gospel is to be presented:

1. In Word--in other words the Gospel is to be preached!
2. In Power--with the anointing!
3. In the Holy Ghost--we have to have the Holy Ghost or we are helpless!
4. In much Assurance--with faith!

What The Power Of The Holy Spirit Will Do For You 

The power of the Holy Spirit will do more for you than you can imagine, if only you will allow Him to have control.  

1. It will change your life and empower you!  Just as the lives of the disciples were changed on the Day of Pentecost and Peter preached the Gospel with power, so too will your life be changed and empowered.
2. It will give you a new perspective for life and ministry.  Most Christians don't know where they fit in the Body of Christ.  But God has something for each Believer to do, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life will help you discover your ministry and gifts!
3. It will give you a heart and desire for ministry.  God didn't place you here on earth for no reason.  He wants you to have the same heart as He does for His creation!  When a Believer realizes they have a ministry, and allows the Holy Spirit to direct their life, then that ministry will become important to them and God will effectively use them.
4. It will give you the confidence you need for ministry.  The Holy Spirit gives the Believer a boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  We need the Holy Spirit boldness in our life.

Begin today to pray and ask God to open your heart, mind, soul, and spirit to the working of the Holy Spirit in your life.  God is ready are you?

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 4)

This is the fourth in a my series on "The Work of the Holy Spirit."  Without the Holy Spirit we will never be able to accomplish what God has called us to.  During the infancy of the Church in the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was essential to the expansion of the Gospel and really it is no different today.  We still need the working of the Spirit to be effective in the Great Commission!

Why Some Are Afraid Of The Holy Spirit And His Power

It's unfortunate, but many people are fearful of the Holy Spirit.  Often this is because of a misunderstanding, but there are several reasons that people are afraid to allow the Holy Spirit to move in their lives.  Some of them include:

1. They see what "ignorance" has produced in the past.
2. They are afraid of "emotions."
3. They are fearful of any kind of "demonstration" of the Spirit.
4. They are uncertain if "miracles" still happen today.
5. They don't want to change.  They choose to remain ignorant of the Holy Spirit's work.

God Established The Church On The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Throughout the Book of Acts we see the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit to assist in helping the Church get established and grow.

• Acts 1:8 -- The believers are promised to be endued with the power of the Holy Spirit
• Acts 2:1-8 -- The coming of the Holy Spirit is a miracle in itself
• Acts 2 -- The lives of the Apostles were changed completely after receiving the Holy Spirit.
• Acts 3 -- Every impossible situation begins to look possible
• Acts 4 -- Unusual things begin to happen
• Acts 5 -- Signs and wonders become common place

Why You Need The Power Of The Holy Spirit

1. So the church can experience the power of God.  God works through the believer!  We are a channel for God's power to meet the needs of the world.
2. So God can manifest to us, who He is. Many people don't believe in God because they don't see a "demonstration" of God and His power.  We need the Holy Spirit actively working in our lives so people can see who God is.
3. So the Body of Christ can be edified, comforted, and exhorted.  It's not enough to just have a "church service."  We need the power of the Holy Spirit to be so magnified in our lives, so that every time we come together souls are being saved, bodies healed, and needs being met. 

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 3)

The Holy Spirit has so much to offer the believer, it is vital that we take advantage of all He does for us.  Second only to learning who Jesus is and what He has done, the study of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important subjects you can learn about.  After you accept Jesus, it is imperative that you understand that you do not stand alone!  But the Holy Spirit is going to be in you to help you in your Christian walk. In this post I want to continue with a list of the functions the Holy Spirit has in the life of the Believer.

1.  He Teaches Us And Brings Things To Our Remembrance

John 14:26 -- "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."  It is the job of the Holy Spirit to help us "remember" things that have been revealed to us in the Scripture.  That is why it is so important to read, study, meditate, and even memorize passages in the Bible.  How can the Holy Spirit bring something to your remembrance that was never there?

2.  He Gives Us Victory Over Sin

Romans 8:1-5 -- It is the "...law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (that) hath made me free from the law of sin and death."  You need to begin to look at yourself as someone who has victory over sin!  As a Child of God, you no longer are bound or a servant of sin!  "Whom the Son has set free, is free indeed!"

3.  He Flows Out Of Us

John 7:37-39 -- There was a time when the Holy Spirit dwelt "with" the people of God, but now he dwells "in" God's people (John 14:17).  After the resurrection of Jesus, He returned to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in the lives of the Believers.  This amazing event happened on the Day of Pentecost when the Spirit descended upon the disciples of Christ in Acts 2.  This same Spirit fills the lives of all Believers today.

4.  He Empowers Us For Service

Acts 1:8 -- The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the Believer is so they can be witnesses for Christ and carry on the work He began.  God knew we couldn't fulfill the Great Commission without the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are  you taking full advantage of the Spirit's working in your life?  Are  you allowing Him to "flow" out of you and empower you for service?  If not, then begin doing so today!

The Work Of The Holy Spirit (Part 2)

The Holy Spirit has several functions in the life of the Believer.  It's important to remember that the Holy Spirit is described as our "Comforter," "Advocate," and "Helper."  If the Believer really expects to move in the power of God, then they must learn to be guided by the Holy Spirit rather than what they see, feel, and sense.

The Holy Spirit has four functions in the life of the Believer:

1.  He Reveals Things To Us

 

I Corinthians 2:9-12 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have enter into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

It is the Holy Spirit who reveals to us the "deep" things of God!  As we read the Word of God, His Spirit shows us what we need to know.

2.  He Quickens Us

John 6:63 - It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Too many people are "quickened" by their emotions rather than by the Spirit!  This kind of "quickening" is more soul and flesh rather than spirit.  It's the Spirit that quickens us or makes us alive!

3.  He Leads Us And Guides Us

 

Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Don't allow emotions, hearsay, or feelings to lead you!  All these can be deceptive and possibly lead us in the wrong direction.  The Holy Spirit is the only dependable guide in your life.  Allow Him to lead and guide your steps.

4.  He Bears Witness With Us

  

Romans 8:16 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

As Believers the Holy Spirit will always bear witness with our spirit that we are the Children of God!  

Be aware of the work the the Holy Spirit in your life.  Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you? To quicken you? To lead and guide you?  He is ready, are you?

 

The Mission Of A Father

This past week, Father's Day was celebrated in millions of homes.  Unfortunately, there was also many children across America who didn't see their dad on Father's Day and in fact haven't seen them for years.  Fatherless homes have become a real problem in our society.  Since the creation of Adam, men were ordained by God to be spiritual leaders in society and in the home, unfortunately, too many are ignoring this role.  Fathers have God's calling and mission to pass on Biblical truths to their children but before you can pass something on you must first possess it.  You first need God's Word in your life so you can help your children.

Provide A Foundation For True Spirituality

The main mission of a father is to provide a foundation for true spirituality in the lives of their children.  This is done by reading, listening, and following God's Word. The very foundation for spirituality is having a relationship with God and that comes by knowing the Word of God.  Our mission in being a good father is being the spiritual leader God has called us to be.  As fathers we have an awesome responsibility to our children and it doesn't end when they leave home.

Obstacles We Face In Our Mission

As we provide this foundation, there will be many obstacles we will face.  Some of them include:

• Spiritual Warfare -- Satan will do all he can to keep you from carrying out your Godly mission as a father.  Be aware of that and expect opposition in the form of spiritual warfare with the enemy.
• Not Making Teaching Our Children The Truth Of God A High Priority -- God teaches that parents are to make teaching the truths of God a high priority in the home, but parents are so busy with their own agendas and life that they neglect the number one calling.
• Lack Of Time Management -- Lacking time management to the point where we believe we don't have the time to spend with God or our children.  We find time to do whatever we want, TV, internet, entertainment, etc.  Take the time  for God and your children.
• Lack of Self Discipline -- This is perhaps one of the most dangerous obstacles.  A lack of self discipline will cause us to to allow other things to take the place of spending time in God's Word.
• Lack Of Commitment -- More people are committed to gaining material things than to the things of God.  Parents are not totally responsible for the choices their children make, but it is helpful when dad and mom live a God honoring life and teach their children by their example and by their words what it means to live a life of integrity.

The Three "R's" Dad's Are To Practice

1. Recognize the enemies purpose in his obstacles 
2. Reorganize your life to include God's Word
3. Revitalize your relationship with God 

Our mission as a father, is extremely important.  It isn't "mission impossible" but it is "mission critical."  What do you plan to do about it, and what kind of legacy are you going to leave your children?  You may say a lot of things, but the life you live and what you value speaks volumes.  Live your life based on Biblical truth!