As I was thinking about God's anointing, I remembered David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16. In 1 Samuel 16, God sends Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king over Israel. Here's a few leadership lessons from this story.
1. Leaders have to forget the past and get going with the future. God is ready to anoint a new king and Samuel is still grieving over Saul. If I want to experience God's anointing for ministry, I need to be living in the present with a focus on the future. Are you focused on the past, the present, or the future?
2. Leaders must have the "right stuff" in their hearts. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that God isn't impressed by outward appearance, he looks at our hearts. Remember the movie, Captain America. Why was he chosen? He had a kind heart! I loved that about that movie. God looks at our heart. Matthew 5:8 says, "The pure in heart shall see God." What about your heart? Do you have the "right stuff"?
3. Leaders are often prepared / trained in "small beginnings". David became a great king, but he began as a shepherd boy out in the field. As a shepherd, David learned of God's faithfulness. Plus he learned to be faithful and to gain confidence and courage in God's provision. Is God preparing you for something bigger by training you in "small beginnings".
4. God's anointing brings the presence of the Holy Spirit. In church ministry, you can do everything right and still not much happens. Why? Because it takes a move of God's Spirit to transform a heart or restore a family to God. The truly important things in a person's life can't be changed without God's Spirit at work. Are you asking God for a new anointing?
I'm looking forward to a new anointing in 2014. I need God's presence to empower me and to direct me. Through him, I can do all things (Philippians 4:13)! Without Him, I can do nothing (John 15:5)! See you tonight or see you Sunday! Pastor Tom
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