30 Days of HeartworkSample

Anointed For Mission

HEART //

As today’s verse refers to Jesus, the Messiah, it also applies to us as sons and daughters of God. We are co-heirs with Christ, and he has anointed each of us individually for a specific mission. He has created us to bring his love and hope to those who are in pain, isolation, and bondage. Isaiah 61 says that his Spirit is upon Jesus, and as his followers, Jesus is clear that we carry the same calling. The Lord does not just give a mission and expect us to do it all on our own. He has given us his Spirit to empower us and give us strength and direction as we live out our mission.

Pastor Charles Stanley once said, “Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.” Dr. Stanley is affirmed by Acts 1, which says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

He has given us his Spirit so that we can be his witness to those who do not know him. He has given us his Spirit so that we can be a part of freeing the oppressed. We are anointed by the Holy Spirit to live as Jesus did! He has commanded us to “go make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and he promises us that he “will be with us always.” We are not alone. We have the power of the Holy Spirit with us as we reach our hands out to those in need. We have the power of Christ as we spread the good news to those who don't yet know it.

WORK //

Jesus said it was good for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit would come to believers. What??! Certainly, Jesus' followers had trouble understanding how it could possibly be "good" that Jesus was leaving. Friend, that speaks to the AMAZING nature of who the Holy Spirit is in our lives! Today, make a plan to talk to a mature believer whom you trust and ask them about how they live out this idea of depending on the Spirit for guidance. Ask that parent, friend, or mentor to pray with you that God will help you depend on the power of the Holy Spirit every day. Pray that he will guide you and give you opportunities to show love to others.