Embracing God's Anointing: Faith Beyond Feelings
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, I want to share a message that has been heavy on my heart, and I believe it will resonate deeply with many of you. Sometimes, we feel the presence of the Lord in powerful ways, and other times, we may not feel anything at all. But remember, some of the greatest miracles happen when we least expect them. I recall a time in Mexico City when I was exhausted and just wanted to go home. Despite my fatigue, God moved mightily. On the third night, the church was packed, and a woman who had been paralyzed from birth was miraculously healed. Her hand unfolded like a flower, and she stood up for the first time in her life. This experience taught me that God's power is not limited by our feelings or circumstances.
In the book of Judges, we see a cycle of rest, rebellion, retribution, remorse, repentance, and restoration. Each cycle got progressively worse, and the periods of rest became shorter. This was because the people did what was right in their own eyes instead of following God's Word. There was no open vision, and the voice of the Lord was silent. But then, a woman named Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord. Samuel grew up in the tabernacle and learned to recognize God's voice. This is a powerful reminder that we must be attentive to God's voice and respond when He calls.
Samuel is a significant figure in the Bible. He is the father of the school of the prophets, and his ministry had a lasting impact. When Saul pursued David, he encountered a group of prophets, and the spirit of prophecy fell upon him, rendering him powerless. This event illustrates the power of the prophetic anointing. Samuel had a "breaker anointing," which means he had the ability to break through spiritual barriers and create new pathways for God's work. This anointing was passed down to many spiritual sons, and the school of the prophets lasted for over 400 years.
The concept of commissioning is crucial in our walk with God. When Samuel anointed David, he poured a horn of oil over him, signifying a powerful impartation. Similarly, when Elisha received Elijah's mantle, he inherited a double portion of Elijah's anointing. This teaches us that servanthood is the path to receiving a greater anointing. We must be willing to serve faithfully before we can receive the fullness of what God has for us.
In the New Testament, we see the continuation of this prophetic anointing. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, and the church received a prophetic anointing. This anointing is not limited to a select few; it is available to all who believe. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and be willing to step out in faith.
Today, I want to commission you to walk in the prophetic anointing. God has called each of us to be His vessels, and He wants to use us to bring healing, deliverance, and prophetic words to those around us. As we lay hands on the sick, they will recover. As we prophesy, we will see visions and dreams. The anointing is not limited to the pulpit; it is for every believer. So, let's step out in faith and allow God to use us in powerful ways.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Power is Not Limited by Our Feelings or Circumstances: Even when we feel nothing, God can perform miracles. In Mexico City, despite my exhaustion, a paralyzed woman was healed. This teaches us that God's power transcends our physical and emotional states. We must remain open and expectant, knowing that God can move mightily at any moment. [03:16]
2. The Importance of Recognizing and Responding to God's Voice: Samuel learned to recognize God's voice as a young boy. This is a reminder that we must be attentive and responsive to God's call. When we hear His voice, we should say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." This posture of humility and readiness allows us to receive divine guidance and direction. [29:03]
3. The Breaker Anointing and Its Lasting Impact: Samuel's breaker anointing allowed him to break through spiritual barriers and create new pathways for God's work. This anointing was passed down to many spiritual sons, and the school of the prophets lasted for over 400 years. This teaches us the importance of spiritual legacy and the impact of a powerful anointing. [37:57]
4. Servanthood as the Path to Greater Anointing: Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's anointing because he served faithfully for ten years. This illustrates that servanthood is the path to receiving a greater anointing. We must be willing to serve and remain faithful in the small things before God entrusts us with more. [49:26]
5. The Universal Prophetic Anointing: On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, giving the church a prophetic anointing. This anointing is available to all believers, not just a select few. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and step out in faith, knowing that God wants to use us to bring healing, deliverance, and prophetic words to those around us. [57:06]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [03:16] - God's Power Beyond Feelings
3. [04:48] - The Mexico City Miracle
4. [29:03] - Recognizing God's Voice
5. [37:57] - The Breaker Anointing
6. [49:26] - Servanthood and Anointing
7. [57:06] - Universal Prophetic Anointing
8. [01:20:04] - Commissioning and Impartation
9. [01:29:26] - Healing and Activation
10. [01:33:52] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 2:10-19 - The cycle of rest, rebellion, retribution, remorse, repentance, and restoration in Israel.
2. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 - Samuel learning to recognize God's voice.
3. Acts 2:1-4, 16-18 - The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and the prophetic anointing available to all believers.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the cycle that the Israelites went through in the book of Judges, and how did it affect their relationship with God? (Judges 2:10-19)
2. How did Samuel initially respond to God's voice, and what did Eli instruct him to do? (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
3. What significant event happened on the day of Pentecost, and how did it fulfill the prophecy of Joel? (Acts 2:1-4, 16-18)
4. In the sermon, what miracle occurred in Mexico City despite the pastor's exhaustion? ([10:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the periods of rest became shorter and the periods of retribution longer in the book of Judges? How does this reflect on the spiritual state of the people? (Judges 2:10-19)
2. What does Samuel's experience teach us about recognizing and responding to God's voice? How can we apply this in our daily lives? (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
3. How does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost demonstrate the universal availability of the prophetic anointing? (Acts 2:1-4, 16-18)
4. The pastor mentioned a "breaker anointing" that Samuel had. What does this term mean, and how did it impact Samuel's ministry and those around him? ([37:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can you remain open and expectant for God to move in your life, even when you don't feel His presence? ([12:42])
2. Samuel learned to recognize God's voice as a young boy. What practical steps can you take to better recognize and respond to God's voice in your life? ([29:03])
3. The pastor shared a story about a miraculous healing in Mexico City. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle? How did it affect your faith? ([10:33])
4. The concept of servanthood as the path to greater anointing was emphasized. In what ways can you serve faithfully in your current situation to prepare for greater responsibilities? ([49:26])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of the prophetic anointing being available to all believers. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's leading and step out in faith in your daily interactions? ([57:06])
6. The pastor mentioned the importance of spiritual legacy and the impact of a powerful anointing. How can you contribute to building a spiritual legacy in your family or community? ([37:57])
7. Reflect on the commissioning to walk in the prophetic anointing. What specific steps can you take this week to be a vessel for God's healing, deliverance, and prophetic words? ([01:20:04])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Power Beyond Our Feelings
Sometimes, we may not feel the presence of God, but that does not mean He is not working. God's power is not limited by our physical or emotional states. Even when we are exhausted or feel nothing, God can perform miracles. In Mexico City, despite the speaker's exhaustion, a paralyzed woman was healed. This teaches us that God's power transcends our circumstances. We must remain open and expectant, knowing that God can move mightily at any moment. [03:16]
Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt spiritually or physically exhausted. How can you remain open and expectant for God to move in your life despite your feelings?
Day 2: Recognizing and Responding to God's Voice
Samuel learned to recognize God's voice as a young boy, which is a powerful reminder for us to be attentive and responsive to God's call. When we hear His voice, we should say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." This posture of humility and readiness allows us to receive divine guidance and direction. Being attentive to God's voice requires us to quiet our hearts and minds, making space for Him to speak. [29:03]
1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's voice? What steps can you take to ensure you are attentive and responsive when He calls?
Day 3: The Breaker Anointing and Its Lasting Impact
Samuel's breaker anointing allowed him to break through spiritual barriers and create new pathways for God's work. This anointing was passed down to many spiritual sons, and the school of the prophets lasted for over 400 years. This teaches us the importance of spiritual legacy and the impact of a powerful anointing. The breaker anointing is about creating new opportunities for God's work and leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. [37:57]
Micah 2:13 (ESV): "He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king passes on before them, the Lord at their head."
Reflection: What spiritual barriers do you feel called to break through in your life or community? How can you contribute to creating new pathways for God's work?
Day 4: Servanthood as the Path to Greater Anointing
Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's anointing because he served faithfully for ten years. This illustrates that servanthood is the path to receiving a greater anointing. We must be willing to serve and remain faithful in the small things before God entrusts us with more. True servanthood requires humility, dedication, and a willingness to put others before ourselves. [49:26]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: In what small ways can you serve others faithfully today? How can you cultivate a heart of servanthood in your daily life?
Day 5: The Universal Prophetic Anointing
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, giving the church a prophetic anointing. This anointing is available to all believers, not just a select few. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and step out in faith, knowing that God wants to use us to bring healing, deliverance, and prophetic words to those around us. The prophetic anointing empowers us to be vessels of God's love and power in the world. [57:06]
Acts 2:17-18 (ESV): "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.'"
Reflection: How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life? What steps can you take to step out in faith and allow God to use you in powerful ways?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Some of the greatest miracles I've ever seen, I didn't feel a single thing at all when they happened. For instance, and I'm going to be very careful here, what I'm doing because we have a purpose here this morning that is God ordained. But I remember I was in Mexico City and we had traveled through the Caribbean. Another brother and myself, and he was assisting me and he was basically at that time our business manager and all of that. And I was tired. I was really tired." [03:16]
2. "If you feel hungry and you're longing, blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. So when you feel hungry, you're thirsty, and you're desperate, you are standing at the front of the line where God is doling out the blessings. And if you feel hungry for a thing, pray for that thing. And I'm talking about spiritual gifts now, I'm talking about spiritual things, I'm not talking about a new Cadillac or brick home. God will give you that. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these other things will be added unto you." [21:10]
3. "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Say it with me. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hallelujah. Jesus has never stopped being Jesus. He's not diminished in any way, and he's still doing the same stuff. The only difference is now he's doing it, doing more of it in more places. That's why he went away, so he could receive the anointing of the Holy Ghost, and that we could carry the power and presence of God wherever we go." [14:00]
4. "The truth is, don't let what you are feeling or not feeling keep you from receiving from the presence of the Lord. How many understand? I've seen God open blind eyes, deaf ears. I've seen God heal people that had multiple sclerosis and were paralyzed. Same kind of situation with a woman in Mexico. I've seen God heal people that had multiple sclerosis and were paralyzed. I've seen God heal teeth and give gold crowns. I've seen gold fall through the atmosphere and cover the people. I've seen all kinds of things. And I want to tell you that God is the same yesterday, today and forever." [13:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Samuel was standing in the midst of the prophets. There was no open vision, but now after several years, maybe several decades of Samuel's ministry, there are prophets coming down from the mountains. There are prophets at this place, and they're standing around David and Samuel, and Samuel is not prophesying, but all the prophets are prophesying. And when the soldiers get there, a spirit of prophecy falls on them, and they fall down. They're powerless." [37:57]
2. "Every man was doing what was right in his own eyes instead of following after the Word of the Lord, so there was no open vision. The voice wasn't speaking to a Gideon. The voice wasn't speaking to anybody. Of the Lord, and so what happened is a woman by the name of Hannah had a son. She dedicated him to the Lord. He grew up in the tabernacle in Shiloh with Eli, and while he was a small boy, the Lord spoke to him, and he didn't even know what was happening to him." [29:03]
3. "Elisha had served Elijah for 10 years and finally, when they crossed over the Jordan or the brook, Elijah turned and said, in effect, you've been a really good help to me. What can I do for you? And he'd been waiting for 10 years. He said, I want a double portion of what you got. Now, what happened is Elijah originally came back from the cave in the wilderness, stopped by Elisha's house where Elisha was, was plowing with oxen. And he just brushed up against him with the mantle that was on him." [49:26]
4. "The day would come, the day would come when it would be difficult to know who the prophets are, because there are so many of them. And that day is now. That day is now. Now, what is a prophet? Very quickly, what is a prophet? And if you have a prophetic anointing or unction, I hope you're taking notes, but it's on CD so you can get it. There are two modes of prophetic anointing. One is a seer anointing. And the Bible actually says before Samuel, if there was a prophet, a prophetic person, they were first called seers." [55:19]
5. "Samuel is the father of the school of the prophets. Let me say that again. Samuel is the father of the school of the prophets. If you look in, 4 Samuel 19, 12 through 24, you'll find the story of Saul in his pursuit of David. Saul in his pursuit of David heard that David and Samuel were at a certain place in Ramah. So he sent some soldiers and messengers to go get them. And when they came there, the spirit of prophecy fell on them, and they fell down. They're powerless." [36:04]
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