Opposition to the Anointing Week 2 Day 2

It's enevitable, with anointing comes opposition. Isn't it interesting, Priscilla points out that "no record tells of the Philistines attacking David until he began to walk in the full appointment of his calling." Just as you start to build up your walk with God, just as you are getting excited in your relationship with your Creator, just as you are walking fully engaged in your anointing, ...the enemy attacks.

Recently I read, The Noticer, by Andy Andrews. This is an excellent read, by the way. If you haven't read it, I know there are a couple of copies going around (I think JoAnn may have it right now) or you can find it at the book store. Anyway, a favorite lesson of mine (there are many) from the story is when one of the characters points out that we are usually either coming from a crisis, headed for a crisis, or in a crisis. The point clearly illustrates the need not to become complaciant, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to doevour." 1 Peter 5:8

It is my hope and prayer that during this study we all begin to feel confident in standing firm against the threats and schemes of our enemy, Satan. I pray that we learn to seek God first in learning how to handle the situations of each day, that we can look the enemy in the eye rather than run in fear and defeat,so we can walk in confidence of victory. Yet at the same time, remember to love your enemies and bless those that curse you (Matt 5:44). Today's lesson was so good...they continue to build this week. I loved Day 3 and then Day 4 got better, then Day 5 was great too! I encourage you to dig deeper, the results are life changing!

What did today's lesson say to you?

The Anointing Day 1

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward 1 Sam 16:13

Wasn't this lesson exciting!? If you haven't read 1 Samuel 16: 1-13, I highly encourage you to do so. God sent Samuel to anoint David, a shepard boy...the youngest of several brothers. He wasn't chosen because of the way he looked, the way he carried himself, etc. He was uniquely called and divinely appointed by God. As the lesson points out, "When Samuel anointed David, the Spirit of God rested on him in a new way from that day forward to empower and strengthen him for the particular task at hand. " The anointing is a "divine enablement to accomplish a divine task or a supernatural empowering to accomplish supernatural goals."

Waahoooo, do you realize what this means! It is evident when one does something in his/her own strength rather than with the anointing. "To fulfill the supernatural purposes of these natural activities demands an anointing by God's Spirit."

I am so thankful for this gift. We can be joyful....regardless. I hope you read through the list from Chuck Swindoll on page 39. Isn't it amazing!!! are you living it? or denying it's existence?

Let's pray together for each other as we learn and grow. We are anointed for Miraculous living!

Tell me what difference this means for you.

(By the way, I found some controls on the links for leaving a comment that hopefully will make it easier for you. You can leave a comment without having a Blog account...give it a new try!)

Right After Class

Don't you just love this study? I just got home and can't seem to settle down. There were so many good points; maybe I just need to write them in my journal so I won't forget.

What were some of your "ahhh-haaa" moments? I'd love to hear from you. There was so much said in class; I really didn't want it to end. Didn't you leave with the feeling of wanting more?

Prayer is sometimes our greatest weapon!

Those who know Him will also know His voice.

These were just a few of the things I walked away with tonight. What about you?

Positioned for a Purpose Day Five!

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matt 5:16

Priscilla encourages us to realize that people have been strategically placed in our life so our obedience will cause them to see Christ more fully and personally. God has a specific purpose for my life. With that purpose comes the anointing from God to carry out His purpose. Yet, sometimes my "God-consciousness" needs a tune-up.

What do you do when you need a tune-up? I would love some helpful hints.

Priscilla Shirer

Simply click on the arrow located in the center of the picture to enjoy a message from Priscilla Shirer


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Established by God Day 4

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: ( 1 Cor 15:10)

Do you believe God established you to handle the purposes He gave you?

What is one thing in your life right now that you feel least equipped to handle?

I know that God established me to handle me to handle a few things. The least (or maybe the greatest) of these is to be a mother and a grandmother. I am not a perfect parent; yet when I allow God to equip me, the task is much different than when I try to do it on my own.

David realized that it was God at work in him. We are so blessed to have God at work in us. Yet, do we realize how blessed we are?

"Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant" 2 Cor 3: 5-6

1. David was chosen and established by God.

2. As a chosen vessel, the mantra of David's life was the ark of the covenant (the presence of God). Likewise, the mantra of my life must be God's presence. I do this by living each day with a God-consciouseness.

3. David recognized God as the source and sustainer of His life and therefore the weight of the kingdom did not rest on His shoulders. Likewise, God is the source and sustainer of my life.

Sustained by God Day 3

Then David knew for sure that GOD had confirmed him as King over Isreal, because of the rising reputation that GOD was giving his kingdom for the benefit of his people Israel. I Chron 14: 2



David 1) knew for sure (The Message)

2) realized (NAS)(NLT)

3) percieved (KJV)

4) knew (NKJ)

that God established him as King....and remember the video from Thursday discussed the meaning of established as the same word used when describing how God placed the stars, the sun, and the planets in the solar system.


David totally trusted God to take care of the details; he knew God didn't need help to fulfill his promise. I can't help but think of Abram and Sari. Sari just knew she was too old to have a baby; yet she wanted the promise of God. She wanted it so much that she felt is might be necessary to help this promise come to life. In the long run, her intrusion on God's work caused her own misery. I can honestly say that it's easier for me to relate to Sari than it is to walk in the steps of David.


Did you love the quote in our lesson from George Muller? The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith. The beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." Knowing God and His awesome strength, wisdom, and love, ....why would I think HE needs my help?

I encourage you to search "Total Praise by Richard Smallwood" on Youtube.. I tried to embedd the video, but it wouldn't work for me. This song, as Priscilla mentions, it a beautiful praise song; you are sure to be inspired by it.

What touched you in today's lesson. I'd love to hear from you.

"God-Consciousness" Day 2

Recently, I received an interesting email that compares your cell phone with the Bible. At first, I thought it was an odd comparison. That was only until I read through the passage.

Cell Phones vs Bible

Ever wondered what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to our kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of an emergency? Yet, unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about dropped calls, no signal, or being disconnected because Jesus is our connection and He has already paid the bill!

When listing the "pivotal times" in your life, did you notice He never failed you; God was always there. In times of adversity or in times of blessing and prosperity? God never leaves us. Yet, I generally hit the panic button when tough times prevail. Looking back, it seems silly. God is always in charge, He knows what is best for me. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

David seemed to know that we need a "God-consciousness". With that awareness comes a different way of thinking. For example, participation in a Bible study...I could be in it for the right reasons, yet when it comes to the lessons I might just check it off the list of things to do. The difference of a God-awareness brings me to pray for God to prepare our hearts and to plant seeds of growth.

This lesson seemed to have so much in it. What did you learn or gleam from it?

Praying for each of you,

Nancy

Week 1 Day 1

Did you realize that you were chosen, elected, and picked for a purpose?

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you" John 15:16 I hope we all let that sink deep within our heart, mind, and soul. Does that change anything? For me, it says I am worth something to God. God...in all His infinite wisdom and power, He loved and wanted me. WOW!

When someone else treats you in a way that makes you feel less, do you realize that GOD finds worth in you? ...That God chose you so it really doesn't matter if man treats you as less? Wow, it really means a lot to me.

Today's lesson brings about new feelings and realizations of ourself. What did you learn? Do you have questions? Let's share and grow together.

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