To begin today’s blog entry on the topic of angels, let’s start in Genesis 19 where angels appeared as visible beings to help Lot escape from Sodom.  These angels had the power to strike the men at the door with blindness.  “And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.”  (Genesis 19:11 NKJV)

These angels also gave Lot instructions, escorted him out of town, and then destroyed the city.  God knew Lot could not save himself and would not leave without angelic assistance.  If it had not been for Abraham’s persistent prayer, his family, and these angels, Lot would have been destroyed as well. 

This example shows us that prayer can bring angels to help someone in danger.  In Lot’s case, two angels came.  They had power to deal with the enemy men at the door.  They knew where to take Lot from the...

Mothers of Nations, let’s continue our discussion now on the topic of angels using Scriptures to exemplify several points.  First, angels have been known to appear to men as visible beings. In Acts 10:30a (NKJV) we read, “So Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold a man stood before me in bright clothing….”  Angels are often described as having a bright white color or bright clothing.  Some people who have seen angels say that they are also very tall.

I personally have had experiences with angels on different occasions.  Once while driving my car I felt the hands of an angel move my vehicle to the side of the road and then I heard a voice say, “Stop the car.”  I did exactly that as I yielded to the hands directing my vehicle.  Later that day we discovered there was a collision up the road in which we would have been hit head-on had we not...

I love the topic of angels!  This is probably because I have not only experienced them, but I have also come to realize what an important part they play in our lives as believers.

We see the influence of angels everywhere:  on greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, works of art, clothing, wallpaper, and statues to name just a few.  There are television series and motion pictures based on angels and books written in every language regarding these mystical beings.  New Age and various other religions emphasize angels in their teachings in greater measure than ever before.

No matter where we see, hear, or read about them, the Holy Scriptures tell us that angels are real.  The Bible clearly defines for us that there are good angels and evil angels.  Lucifer was at one time an angel in heaven leading all worship.  He is now known as Satan or the devil.  His fallen angels we call demons.  These evil angels have the ability to disguise themselves...

Have you enjoyed our series of entries on the topic of the anointing?  I certainly have enjoyed sharing with you these past several weeks.  

This will be our final blog entry regarding the topic of the anointing of God.  Let me share some final thoughts with you now.

The relationship of time and the anointing is intriguing. The time element is fascinating, as it appears as though much is involved in how long the anointing lingers.  Sometimes one worship song will keep the anointing flowing.  If there is a change to another song, the anointing may lift. 

Sometimes an anointing will flow in a service from beginning to end.  Other times portions of a meeting are particularly anointed.  I have given up on trying to figure it out! 

It also appears as though prayer enhances the anointing’s flow and reverence keeps it going.  Other than that, God is God, and He does what He wants as He wills.  We may be able to stir up the...

Mothers of Nations, the anointing of God is so precious. It is what makes us so unique, effective, and powerful in God’s kingdom.  Like a river of life or a stream of love, the anointing flows from God to us, from us to God, and from us to others. 

If we want to move in the anointing, there are several things we must know and do. First of all, we must be born again.  The Bible tells us that if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and invite Him into our hearts, we are saved.  We become a new creation in Christ Jesus with the gift of eternal life.

Romans 10:9-10 NKJV “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become...

As we examine this topic of the anointing further, we see that God places requirements and restrictions upon His anointing.  The anointing oil used in the Old Testament had some restrictions on its use.  They were not to use any imitation oil.  They were to guard it and protect it from misuse. As well, the anointing oil was not to leave its designated place. 

I believe those same restrictions apply to the application of the anointing to our lives today.  It is not to be used indiscriminately, but only at the Lord’s request.  We are not to imitate another’s anointing or use it in any way God did not design it to be used. 

For example, if God has given you an anointing to preach in a particular way, you are not to try and preach like someone else you think does it better than you do. “… and the anointing oil and sweet incense for the holy place.  According to all that I have commanded you they shall do.” Exodus...

As we continue our discussion of the anointing today, let’s first look at the term “prophetic anointing.” This term is an anointing where prophetic words come either in a song, from a prophet, or in a message. 

There are even times when instruments take over and start sounding like they are talking or announcing.  I have heard drums when the anointing sounded like a war cry or as introductions to the Lord’s presence in a room.  No matter what word is used to describe it, the anointing is the most wonderful blessing to us all.

The results of the anointing operating in the Believer’s life are endless.  We may experience victory over our enemies, influence over nations or people groups, a glistening countenance, a yoke of bondage breaking, a physical healing, or spiritual insight.  When the anointing was on Jesus’ life, Acts 10:38 tells us that He was able to do good, to heal, and to deliver captives.  “How God...

The great success in ministry throughout the days of the early Church was largely due to the anointing on the lives of the Believers.  We have no power to significantly change lives without the anointing of God.  We can be a remarkable orator, a celebrated singer, or a famous writer, but it is the anointing that brings true, lasting change.

Unfortunately, in our world today there is such an emphasis on psychology, philosophy, anthropology, marketing, and the like that many neglect to pay attention to the anointing of God.  The anointing is not talent, ability, professionalism, external show, great style, emotionalism, acting, dramatic speaking, recognition by others, or goose bumps. It is the absolute presence and power of the Holy Spirit flowing. 

Some say it is the overflow of the Messiah’s life of holiness into a human life.  I have also heard it described as the divine energy of God. The anointing is to the spirit realm as electricity is to the...

Today we will look into Acts 5 and start our discussion with one couple named Ananias and Sapphira who did not understand the power of the Holy Spirit nor the severe consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit.  Do you remember what happened to them?  They dropped dead when they tried to manipulate Peter!  (Acts 5: 1-11)

You see, the land they owned was theirs to keep and sell, but they were trying to impress others by participating in the giving but still keeping some for a rainy day.  They lied when they told Peter that they gave their all. Mothers of Nations, the Holy Spirit cannot be lied to nor manipulated to benefit man. 

What is important to note here is that both Ananias and Sapphira looked at Peter and lied.  Peter was the vehicle the Holy Spirit used to speak through.  When the anointing of God is on a person’s life and they ask you a question, do not lie.  You may find consequences will follow in your own life.  You cannot...

As we move to Acts 4, we see that the anointing on the lives of the apostles and the early Church was now creating quite a stir.  The priests, Sadducees, and the captain of the temple had become extremely upset.  You see, the anointing brought a teaching that to some was new.  How could a dead man be resurrected?  These Sadducees did not believe in any form of resurrection, let alone a man like Jesus raising from the dead.             

But the complaints of the religious leaders did not hinder the Believers and more were coming to Christ daily.  Peter was put in custody with others and kept overnight.  The next day the whole religious contingency of the High Priest showed up in Jerusalem.  They brought Peter and his team out of jail and wanted to know by what power or by what name they had done these things. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power, or by what name, have you done...