Was It Really Anointed?

I know this picture isn't the most attractive shot but it fits today's topic. In the picture I had been on one of my favorite pieces of cardio gear, the stair climber. After so many flights you begin to sweat and as you keep going, guess what happens. You sweat even more.  If you are in the mood to go even further and longer, you sweat even more. The same is true when it comes to the anointing of God.

If I had to put a percentage on it I'd say about 95% of what believers label as "anointed" truly isn't. Instead most folks toss that term out when they "feel" God in some way.

 We have replaced the term "anointed" to mean something that touches us emotionally instead of something that really has God's direct touch on it.

There is a wonderful verse over in Isaiah 10 that says the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing. I contend that to really test something to see if it was honestly anointed, the best test is in how many yolks are still left in place after it runs it's course.  This undermines our preconceived idea that the anointing is given to tug at our emotions.

I'm a good example of this idea of yokes not being present after the fact as I used to weigh 500 pounds. (For my weight loss testimony in detail click here.) I'm here to tell you I am anointed for health, exercise, nutrition and weight loss.   How do I know? The two primary things that make something anointed are both present.  First God Himself has to decree it or give an instruction to a human to follow.  Once that word leaves the lips of God, the other "proof" is in how many yokes are around after it is said and done. 

God spoke to me with a series of unusual instructions telling me point blank He was going to freshly anoint my choices.  Today by every measurable physical determination, I am a walking billboard to the anointing of God in those areas.  From over 240 pounds of weight loss to incredible blood pressure, perfect cholesterol numbers, and so on.  I am anointed for health, weight loss, and such... but watch this... I have days when I don't FEEL anointed.  You need to read that again.. I have days when I do not FEEL anointed. That doesn't change anything.

Countless times I have been discouraged, disheartened or lacked motivation over the years. But again I say that doesn't change the anointing.  My emotions are not required for my obedience to God's instructions! Let me say that again in bold type as that is one of the big takeaways from today's blog...

My emotions are not required for my obedience to God's instructions! ... and neither are yours.  


In churches we see this play out on a regular basis where emotions get worked up and a soul based euforia falls and most folks call that "anointed" yet when they leave the meeting, nothing is really different. No previous yokes are broken off of their life. The obvious conclusion is that it wasn't anointed at all.  It was good, it was powerful, but it was something based in the soul or in the "natural realm", not in the spirit.  I have personally seen in the spirit at times when entire churches will be shouting rebukes at the devil while demons sit and chuckle at them.  They shout as if they have won a great victory, yet they go home and overeat some more, or mistreat their spouse, or remain in a state of bitterness and unforgiveness with others.  

Friends, victory through the anointing comes when what used to bind you no longer does. 

Now listen.. I enjoy me some emotional style worship just as much as the next guy. I like being touched in my soul and in my emotions and that is indeed the realm most of the body of Christ functions in, on and around. I have noticed that most truly anointed things happen outside of the realm of emotions in the moment. In fact, in most cases it is not until the results are seen after the fact when a person is free of their yokes that the emotions come into play.

I want to challenge you today with this concept and thought that perhaps God has surrounded you with truly anointed people for given areas of your life but you have not discerned them properly.  Maybe they have given you an instruction you didn't care for.. or maybe they just rub you the wrong way. Either way you have puled back and away from them when they may well be the very answer to your prayers. God heard you in the Spirit and answered you in the natural yet your emotions are ruling over your Spirit and keeping you from connecting with the one's God is truly on to help you.

I run into this constantly with others as they are fast to ask for help with health, weight loss and even earning extra income from home. I am absolutely anointed in these areas (and others) because God called me into them and yokes are destroyed in the lives of those who apply what I say. When i start to lay out what will be required, emotions creep in and everything from simple laziness to all sorts of evil spirits  push a person to shy away.

How many people do you think God has brought into your path in His attempts to bless you, prosper you, help you with better health, and ultimately bring you closer to Himself that you have not properly discerned? Finding that answer really isn't nearly as important as taking a fresh look with Spirit Eyes at those currently in your life.  


If I want to get better at my keyboard skills, do I consult a drummer? No, I consult a keyboard player that is better than I am and I approach them with a teachable attitude ready to make changes. If I need advice for my marriage, do I consult the man on his fourth wife.. or the man who has been married to the same woman for forty years? In both cases they know something I do not yet know so its going to require me to change a bit.  


So let me ask you... Who has surrendered to Jesus and has the results in the natural that you want? They are likely anointed in that area. They probably will rub you wrong, at least at first. Truly anointed people bring others to a place of decision and choice by their very presence and actions.  If you have no desire to grow or mature, anointed people will irritate you to no end... so check your own heart first and foremost, then take a fresh look at who it is around you in your life. Study their results. 

I dont have to walk around carrying a sign that says "I'm anointed for weight loss". My heart for Jesus and my before and after pic says all that needs to be said.  For those who truly discern me, it is obvious. For those who are ruled by their emotions, they will find an excuse masquerading as a valid reason to avoid my council. 

What are you anointed for my friend?  What results are you being known or remembered for? What is your difference from others? Inventory your current relationships and dont be afraid to call people and set appointments. Ask for opinions and help. Make your needs known to each other because no one can solve a problem with or for you that they don't first know that you have.  Gravitate toward truly anointed people, they are who God will use to bring His very best into your life!

More soon...

Mark

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