Yesterday’s Anointing
The Danger of Yesterday's Anointing: Seeking Fresh Oil in Our Spiritual Lives
In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of profound spiritual connection - times when we feel deeply anointed and empowered by God's presence. These experiences can be transformative, shaping our understanding of who we are in Christ and igniting a passion for His kingdom. But what happens when the fire begins to fade? How do we navigate the subtle drift from vibrant faith to spiritual autopilot?
The story of King Saul serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of living on yesterday's anointing. Chosen by God and initially filled with the Spirit, Saul's journey took a tragic turn as he gradually drifted from obedience and lost the very presence that once empowered him. His tale is not just a historical account, but a cautionary narrative for all who seek to follow Christ.
The pattern is painfully familiar: We start with hunger, encounter God, and are filled and empowered. But over time, we stop depending on Him daily. We begin relying on what was instead of seeking what is. This slow drift can lead us to a place where we still want to do God's work, but without God's presence. We crave outcomes more than obedience, substituting partial obedience for full surrender.
As R.T. Kendall poignantly observes, "What once was a fresh move of God became a monument to what used to be." We remember the fire, but now we're just managing the memory. We're reminiscing instead of renewing.
But here's the critical truth we must grasp: The anointing is directly tied to our level of obedience. God doesn't anoint us simply to validate our call or boost our effectiveness. He anoints us to accomplish His will. When we persistently resist His will, the anointing that once flowed through us will begin to lift.
This principle is vividly illustrated in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul's partial obedience is exposed as rebellion against God. Samuel's words cut to the heart of the matter: "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king." The consequence of continued disobedience is a lifting of God's anointing and, ultimately, His rejection.
It's a chilling reality that one can keep the appearance of spiritual leadership while the spirit has departed. The platform may remain, the ministry may continue, and people may still applaud, but internally, God's hand has lifted. The intimacy is gone, the power is missing, and heaven is silent.
So how do we recognize when the anointing has departed? The answer lies in examining the fruit of our lives. Are we producing love, joy, peace, patience, and humility? Or are we characterized by irritability, insecurity, and jealousy - especially towards those walking in a fresh anointing?
The Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 139 should become our daily petition: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." This humble request for divine examination is the first step towards renewal.
But here's the good news that should ignite hope in every heart: God doesn't want us stuck in the past. His mercies are new every morning, and so is His anointing. We can seek and receive a fresh filling of His Spirit daily.
How do we position ourselves for this renewed anointing?
1. Repent of pride and disobedience. We must come before God with full surrender, no edits, no negotiations - just a wholehearted "Yes, Lord."
2. Release unforgiveness and bitterness. These attitudes block the flow of God's anointing in our lives. We cannot carry fresh oil and old grudges simultaneously.
3. Seek the Holy Spirit daily. The Greek text of Ephesians 5:18 implies a continual filling: "Be [continually] filled with the Spirit." This is not a one-time event but a daily dependence on God's empowering presence.
We must put ourselves in a position to receive, moving beyond comfort zones and taking steps of faith that say, "God, I want to encounter you in a new way. I need a fresh filling of your Spirit."
Remember, God fills the hungry. He pours oil into empty vessels. But we must bring our dry wicks to Him for rekindling, our flickering flames for His breath of life.
One author beautifully captures this truth: "God is more willing to anoint you afresh than you are willing to ask for it." This is the astounding grace of God - always available, always inviting us back to His presence.
We don't have to settle for memories of past encounters or try to fake spiritual vitality. There is fresh oil, a new anointing available today. Psalm 92:10 declares, "I have been anointed with fresh oil." This is not merely poetic language; it's a promise waiting to be claimed.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves:
- Are we living on yesterday's fire, or are we seeking fresh oil daily?
- What areas of disobedience or partial obedience might be hindering the flow of God's anointing in our lives?
- How can we position ourselves to receive a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit today?
The invitation is clear: Don't settle for a lingering memory of God's presence. Don't try to do His work without His power. Instead, come with open hands and hungry hearts, ready to be filled anew. For in His presence, there is fullness of joy, and in His anointing, there is power for the journey ahead.
May we be a people who continually seek fresh oil, who walk in the vibrancy of today's anointing, and who bear the unmistakable fruit of lives fully surrendered to the Spirit's work. For it is in this place of renewed dependence and empowerment that we truly become effective witnesses of God's transforming love to a world in desperate need.
In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of profound spiritual connection - times when we feel deeply anointed and empowered by God's presence. These experiences can be transformative, shaping our understanding of who we are in Christ and igniting a passion for His kingdom. But what happens when the fire begins to fade? How do we navigate the subtle drift from vibrant faith to spiritual autopilot?
The story of King Saul serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of living on yesterday's anointing. Chosen by God and initially filled with the Spirit, Saul's journey took a tragic turn as he gradually drifted from obedience and lost the very presence that once empowered him. His tale is not just a historical account, but a cautionary narrative for all who seek to follow Christ.
The pattern is painfully familiar: We start with hunger, encounter God, and are filled and empowered. But over time, we stop depending on Him daily. We begin relying on what was instead of seeking what is. This slow drift can lead us to a place where we still want to do God's work, but without God's presence. We crave outcomes more than obedience, substituting partial obedience for full surrender.
As R.T. Kendall poignantly observes, "What once was a fresh move of God became a monument to what used to be." We remember the fire, but now we're just managing the memory. We're reminiscing instead of renewing.
But here's the critical truth we must grasp: The anointing is directly tied to our level of obedience. God doesn't anoint us simply to validate our call or boost our effectiveness. He anoints us to accomplish His will. When we persistently resist His will, the anointing that once flowed through us will begin to lift.
This principle is vividly illustrated in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul's partial obedience is exposed as rebellion against God. Samuel's words cut to the heart of the matter: "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king." The consequence of continued disobedience is a lifting of God's anointing and, ultimately, His rejection.
It's a chilling reality that one can keep the appearance of spiritual leadership while the spirit has departed. The platform may remain, the ministry may continue, and people may still applaud, but internally, God's hand has lifted. The intimacy is gone, the power is missing, and heaven is silent.
So how do we recognize when the anointing has departed? The answer lies in examining the fruit of our lives. Are we producing love, joy, peace, patience, and humility? Or are we characterized by irritability, insecurity, and jealousy - especially towards those walking in a fresh anointing?
The Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 139 should become our daily petition: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." This humble request for divine examination is the first step towards renewal.
But here's the good news that should ignite hope in every heart: God doesn't want us stuck in the past. His mercies are new every morning, and so is His anointing. We can seek and receive a fresh filling of His Spirit daily.
How do we position ourselves for this renewed anointing?
1. Repent of pride and disobedience. We must come before God with full surrender, no edits, no negotiations - just a wholehearted "Yes, Lord."
2. Release unforgiveness and bitterness. These attitudes block the flow of God's anointing in our lives. We cannot carry fresh oil and old grudges simultaneously.
3. Seek the Holy Spirit daily. The Greek text of Ephesians 5:18 implies a continual filling: "Be [continually] filled with the Spirit." This is not a one-time event but a daily dependence on God's empowering presence.
We must put ourselves in a position to receive, moving beyond comfort zones and taking steps of faith that say, "God, I want to encounter you in a new way. I need a fresh filling of your Spirit."
Remember, God fills the hungry. He pours oil into empty vessels. But we must bring our dry wicks to Him for rekindling, our flickering flames for His breath of life.
One author beautifully captures this truth: "God is more willing to anoint you afresh than you are willing to ask for it." This is the astounding grace of God - always available, always inviting us back to His presence.
We don't have to settle for memories of past encounters or try to fake spiritual vitality. There is fresh oil, a new anointing available today. Psalm 92:10 declares, "I have been anointed with fresh oil." This is not merely poetic language; it's a promise waiting to be claimed.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves:
- Are we living on yesterday's fire, or are we seeking fresh oil daily?
- What areas of disobedience or partial obedience might be hindering the flow of God's anointing in our lives?
- How can we position ourselves to receive a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit today?
The invitation is clear: Don't settle for a lingering memory of God's presence. Don't try to do His work without His power. Instead, come with open hands and hungry hearts, ready to be filled anew. For in His presence, there is fullness of joy, and in His anointing, there is power for the journey ahead.
May we be a people who continually seek fresh oil, who walk in the vibrancy of today's anointing, and who bear the unmistakable fruit of lives fully surrendered to the Spirit's work. For it is in this place of renewed dependence and empowerment that we truly become effective witnesses of God's transforming love to a world in desperate need.
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