Message for April 14, 2019 from Pastor Shirley

  Last Sunday was a day of breakthrough for New Life For The Nations.  As I entered the sanctuary Holy Spirit said, “Anoint the hands of all those that are present today.”  I was just obedient to do what I heard not knowing the significance of what was said to me at the time.  This week as I looked into the significance of what happened Sunday morning I am so excited to share it with you.

   The origin of “anointing” was from a practice of shepherds.  Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep, and when they got near the sheep’s head, they could burrow into the sheep’s ears and kill the sheep.  So, ancient shepherds poured oil on the sheep’s head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep’s ears because the insects would slide off.  From this, anointing became symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment. We have anointed hands, because we are His temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

    The New Testament Greek words for “anoint” is chiro, which means to “smear or rub oil” and by implication, to consecrate for office or religious service” – and aleipho, which means “to anoint.”  Another meaning for the word anointed is “chosen one.”

    The Bible says that Jesus Christ was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and free those who have been held captive by sin.  

Luke 4:18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  After Christ left the earth, He gave us (the Church) the gift of the Holy Spirit.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. John 14:16  Now all Christians are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God’s Kingdom. 1 John 2:20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. The Word tells us 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee”   

The “anointing of the hands” goes along with the message Sunday morning and the Prophetic Word that was given. “There is a new resolve coming to the lives of My people who have chosen to settle into this place, to settle in the gifts I have given you.  A resolve that has said, “We will rise and our voices will be heard.” I have given you the Word of Salvation to this region and beyond. Take up this mantel and go in the “anointing” I have given you as My body of believers. Stand firm in what you have been given.  For this is your time to show forth my Glory.”  DO YOU BELIEVE!