Anointed for service

"See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftmanship...."

Exodus 31: 2-5

I wrote a post on the anointing a few years ago and I defined the anointing as being 'empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out a certain task.' It is not for people to accord us with titles, it is not for notoriety or popularity, it is not to create a gap between the 'anointed' and those we feel are not, for we are all anointed just that we have been anointed to do different things. I think we church folk really need to learn this.

Moses was anointed to be a leader. God gave him clear, specific instructions regarding how the tabernacle should be built, I mean it doesn't get more specific than this and I thought I was a perfectionist...lol! However when it came to the actual work, God anointed and thus appointed someone else. I believe this is another example of godly leadership, freeing people to serve God with their God given ability and not trying to stifle their creativity.

The most important point for me to reflect on in this passage was the balance. God says I have filled this man with the Spirit of God but He didn't end there, He also gave him skill, ability and knowledge. Our anointing comes to ignite our natural skills, abilities and knowledge. Its isn't an either/or, either the Spirit or ability but a both/and both the Spirit and ability. The Spirit just makes our talents go into high definition! All these factors need to work together and I believe this is what makes believers relevant, especially in the times we live. We can speak in tongues and we can also make artistic designs, sing, teach, manage the church's accounts, clean, cook a meal, give elderly folks in church a ride to church. Outside the tabernacle we can also be relevant and show the world that our God is great by providing excellent customer service, meeting deadlines, getting work done, writing great reports etc.

I believe that just like Bezalel, God has chosen each and every one of us to do something. Something special, something unique. Whatever it is, it was given that we may bless others with it. And in blessing others, we ourselves will be blessed. Blessing others doesn't have to mean doing work for free but meeting needs in people lives, some needs which they will happily pay you top dollar for but that is another post.

I am filled with the Spirit of God and will bless the world with the skills, abilities and knowledge He has given me.

ZoeB

iWorship Wednesdays: God is all around us

Hi people,

I must apologise, this song was originally by the group Anointed but couldn't get any videos of them on Youtube. I think this group did a good job of presenting the song, meditate on the words if you can. In a world of transient relationships and quickly changing circumstances, I'm glad that there is a constant in my life which is that God is around. The word says that 'He is a very PRESENT help in the time of need'...He is 'always there'. Be blessed.

God is all around us

Consider the kindness of a stranger

That passes by your way

For there are ties that bind us

Together, forever

Touching the broken-hearted friend

Brings healing to the soul within

There’s evidence everywhere

Of His love, sweet love

Chorus:

God is all around us

Even when we feel we’re all alone

I can hear Him whispering my name

Telling me that I’m His own

God is all around us

Even when we feel all hope is gone

God is all around

God is all around

They’re so many lessons yet to learn

And I don’t know where the road will turn

He always finds a way

To guide me, remind me

That if I should fall into the night

He will be there, a shining light

For all the world to see

With open arms for you and me

Chorus

God is all around (He’ll hear your prayers)

If you just reach out (He’s everywhere)

God is everywhere

God is all around us

When you feel all alone

Can’t you hear Him whispering your name

Telling you that you’re His own

For God is all around

God is all around