(January 10, 2010)

Let's look at how we receive the anointing. What does that mean? It's hard to ask for something that we have trouble understanding.

The word chrio, from the Greek, means the smearing or rubbing of perfume or oil on some person. An ancient physician would deeply rub oils into the skin of their patient to help heal. Oil was extremely expensive at that time. Therefore, the oil would be poured into the physician's hands first, then rubbed into the skin, so as not to waste any oil. When we say that someone has been anointed, we know that God's Hands have been involved in rubbing oil deeply into the skin of that person spiritually. Being anointed means that one has been given authority, strength and honor.

Jesus is our high-priest. We are part of his priesthood. Why do we need to be anointed? When we accept the anointing that He has in store for us, then we are ready to accept everything that the Lord has for us, regardless of what others believe or think.

We live in a time in which many people are dark and society is grey. When someone has been anointed and they enter an area of dark or grey people, the light shines and the truth is to be known, making many of those people uncomfortable. Why? The truth is hard to some people to swallow.

Oil helps to reduce friction, but it doesn't eliminate it. Churches are no different. All people have the same goal in bringing their church forward in the Name of Jesus. However, people are different and they tend to rub each other the wrong way, thus creating friction. Therefore, having the anointing gives us the spiritual oil to reduce that friction and lubricate the parts of our church body that will help to lead us in the right direction. We need the oil of the Holy Spirit.

We want to have a church that becomes dependent on the anointing. We want to be a people that naturally supernatural. We all have anointing on our lives, but we may be anointed for different tasks. In your area where God anoints you, you'll find that area easier to navigate. If you've been anointed for a certain area and you are in a different area, it's more difficult. Does this mean that those who are in financial trouble don't have to tithe? No, they still need to give. Does this mean that those who have trouble with their speech don't have to pray? Absolutely not, prayer is necessary by all. If people are true in their anointing, God will Bless them.

We have a new stage constructed by some great people and they are to be applauded. Should we applaud the tools they used? Of course not. We are His tools. We deserve no applause, but our job is to give Glory back to God. When we do that, we can receive more Glory and receive His Anointing. We can see God work in miraculous ways! So, do you need an oil change?

- Jon Bruney