Psalm 92:10 [Amplified] But my horn [my emblem of strength and power] You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil [for Your service].
Luke 11:11-13 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
As my wife and I have been redeployed to the United States for a season we’ve traveled over 150,000 miles since 2020. Vehicles which deliver the kind of distances we travel need regular oil changes to stay reliable. So, our vehicles have enjoyed innumerable pit stops.
In the Scriptures the terms “oil” and “anointing” are common representations and/or invocations of the Spirit of God. The Amplified Bible’s rendering for Psalm 92:10 says that David was “anointed with fresh oil” for YHVH’s service.
The Gospels reveal that Yeshua (Jesus) often spent all night in prayer. No doubt, in addition to pouring out His heart to the Father and seeking wisdom, the Lord was also receiving fresh anointing, a holy “oil change” if you will, for the next day’s labor.
The famed preacher, D.L. Moody once said, ““Before we pray that God would fill us, I believe we ought to pray Him to empty us.”
During this month of Elul, our focus on repentance may involve emptying ourselves through deep confession and pouring out our hearts. It may also be a time of acknowledging our weakness and frailty and realizing again, our spiritual poverty. But the goal of all this is a deep and fresh infilling of holy “oil”; a renewed and wonderful apprehension of resurrection life, from God’s Holy Spirit. Without Him we can do nothing, but in and with Him we can do all things. Pour out your heart before Him, and be replenished with a fresh anointing for loving service in His power.
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]The first thirty years of my life were spent in Baltimore, Maryland, and I have many fond memories there. One of these is a trail in the woods by the Patapsco River. I used to go fishing there with my dad and spent many a weekend hanging out with my friends, wading in the water.
Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, "Certainly the preacher won't think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this." Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, "We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this."
As we continue in our study of the parable of the Prodigal son, let's focus on the central figure in the story -- the father. The father is much like the helpless parent whose unending love is neither understood nor appreciated by either son. He allows his sons to make their own decisions, despite how bad those choices may be. No matter what terrible wrong they may commit, he loves them -- a perfect picture of the love of our Heavenly Father has for his children.
Most people overlook a very significant part of the parable of the prodigal son, which is – the elder son received his inheritance as well! (Luke 15:12b) According to the custom of the times, the older son's inheritance would have been twice that of the younger son. In that light, his response to his younger brother's initiative, a response of silence...speaks volumes.
I'm sure we all have heard the parable of the Prodigal Son [Luke 15:11-32], but I want to spend some time this week really dissecting this particular parable so we can gain deeper insight into this message of Jesus (Yeshua).
Many believers have a special place, a quiet place where they go to spend time with the Lord. This is a very important thing. But how many believers have actually 'prepared a way' for the Lord?
An organization in Montana offered a bounty of five thousand dollars for every wolf captured alive. Two hunters decided to head for the hills and make some money capturing wolves. Day and night, they scoured the mountains and forests searching for their valuable prey. Exhausted after three days of hunting without success, they both fell asleep.