REFRESHING ANOINTING

1. Introduction

a) How many of us feel weak each day? No energy to go on; tired of all things, about to give up the things we desire to do; lethargic, no strength physically and the list goes on….

b) Some of us will pop vitamin tablets. Others will pump iron in the gym (fitness centre). We need some "extras" to keep us going. We need the re-vitalising energy to keep us healthy. The list goes on...

c) We need the "Refreshing Anointing"!

2. ​What is "Refreshing Anointing”?

a) It is God-given power that gives us strength (makes us feel stronger and more energetic than before).

b) It is the power that renews (makes new), revives (comes to life), restores (makes whole) and makes us fresh (cool & enliven) again.

3.​ What can this “Refreshing Anointing” do for us?

a) Gives us strength (makes us feel stronger & more energetic than before).

i) 1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 NIV)

@1. In the face of total destruction, the Bible is very clear – God is our refuge and provide strength in any circumstances.

ii) 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

@1. Can we do all things? The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. As we live out our faith, we will face troubles, pressures, and trials. As they come, Christ will strengthen us.

b) Renews us (makes new our spirit / strength / mind).

i) 10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (firm, fixed, settled, not changing, fickle or wavering) spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 NIV)

@1. Do we know we are born a sinner? Our natural inclination is to please ourselves rather than God. David followed that inclination when he took another man’s wife. We must ask God to clear our hearts and spirits for new thoughts and desires. As God to create a pure heart and spirit in us.

ii) 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV)

@1. It is easy to lose heart and quit. We all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Don’t let fatigue, pain, or criticism force us off the job. Our very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen us moment by moment.

iii) 31but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

@1. Waiting on the Lord is expecting that his promise of strength will help us to rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. It is also means trusting in God. Trusting helps us to be prepared when he speaks to us. Then we will be patient when he asks us to wait and expect him to fulfill the promises found in his Word.

iv) 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

@1. Christians are called to “not be conformed to this world,” with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Our refusal to conform to this world’s values, however, must go deeper than the level of behavior and customs – it must be firmly planted in our minds – “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.

c) Revives us (comes to life our love for Him).

i) 6Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6 NIV)

@1. The psalmist was asking God to revive his people, bring them back to spiritual life. God can pour out his love on us, renewing our love for him. Ask God to give us a fresh touch of his love.

d) Restores us (makes whole our soul & joy).

i) 3he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3 NIV)

@1. When we follow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our shepherd knows the “green pastures” and “still waters” that will restore us. Don’t we know that rebelling against the shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests?

ii) 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:12 NIV)

@1. Do we ever feel stagnant in our faith, as though we are just going through the motions? Has sin ever driven a wedge between us and God, making him seem distant? David felt this way. He had sin with Bethsheba and had just been confronted by Nathan the prophet. In his prayer he cried, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.”

4. Prayer focus

a) Pray for the refreshing anointing of the Holy Spirit to make (give) us:

i) Feel stronger & more energetic than before.

ii) Renew our spirit, strength and mind.

iii) Revive our love for him.

iv) Restore our soul (mind, will emotions) and joy.