Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: Session One ~ The Anointing: Established and Empowered

What a fantastic first week we had at both the Thursday Abide and Abide PM Tuesday night, as we gathered around to watch, for most of us, our introduction to the wonderful speaker Priscilla Shirer as she shared with us important principles on knowing Whose we are and who we are.

At the pinacle of David's success in 1 Chronicles 14:2, David understood that all he was and had was because God placed him in the position of King over Israel.  That same power that God used to establish the earth is the same power that God used to establish David in his role as King and us in the places and position God planned for us.  No one can take away what God has established.

One of the amazing things Priscilla shared with us was a long monologue of sorts, I like to call "Who's Your Daddy".  If you're interested in a copy of this unbelievable list of God's attributes and accomplishments to and for us, email me at clarksonabide@gmail.com and I'll send you the word document listing these character traits of our Almighty God and "Daddy".

David was anointed for his role as King at the young age of 15.  According to 1 Samuel 16:13, God wasn't concerned with his outward appearance.  It was his heart that interested God!  The same goes for us.  God doesn't care how tall we are, if we've gained a few extra pounds, if our hair is gray or our face is wrinkled.  He doesn't care if we're married, or have children.  He cares about how we love Him and others.  He cares about how committed we are to Him and the things He loves.

One of the awesome things about anointing is that it happens for us today, the moment we accept Christ into our hearts as our Saviour.  The Holy Spirit comes in and takes up residence in us and at that moment we have ALL of the Holy Spirit and all His power, strength, glory and greatness of God within us.  Doesn't that blow your mind?  He is our anointing and the power within us that gets the job done for God!

Oh, there will be opposition, just like David encountered once his full anointing came into play when he became King over all of Israel.  Those Philistines were ready at the bit to defeat this man because David knew that His power came from God.  He made his first mission as King to bring back the Ark of God which represented God's presence.  The Philistines wanted none of that.  Just as God empowered David (and David sought God's presence and guidance  in every aspect of this battle), He will also empower us to fight our enemy.  No matter what season of life you find yourself in, God has equipped you for this time.  You aren't there by chance, even though it may feel differently.  God longs for us to make Him the central focal point of our lives, whether that's caring for little ones, working for a difficult boss, watching over aged parents, or just driving down life's highway with the convertible top down and the sunshine pouring over you.  God longs for us to have a perpetual "God-consciousness" or "God-awareness" that will make us unstoppable against the forces of evil.

What represents God's presence to you today?  What opposition are you facing as you try to keep a God-consciousness through  your day?  Like David, seek God's face in each aspect of your daily battle and watch Him defeat your enemies!  We serve a Mighty and Awesome God!

Be blessed today my friends.  Oh... and if you want to join in the fun we had at Abide this week, remembering that our appearance doesn't matter to God, take a look at this Anita Renfroe video:

Ready, Set... Abide!

This morning was our exciting kick off to the 2010-2011 Abide season.  We started with a table full of delicious goodies, tea and coffee before getting into our morning program.

We had about 30 women come out for the new Fall session.  As facilitator, I was trying to find a fun way to rally the troops so what could be a better September song than Welcome Back Kotter from the 70's t.v. series that kick-started John Travolta's career as Vinnie Barbarino?  If nothing else, it helped relax me... if only a little!

Welcome Back Kotter Theme Song

This morning was a general introduction morning:  introduction of our new Abide Team for the year ~ Laura, Linda, Melissa and myself, Sue; introduction of our new study; and introduction for some to women they might not otherwise know via our ice-breaker game.

In order for the women to get acquainted with someone they might not know very well, Melissa led the women in a game of "similarities".  Each woman was to find someone to share 5 things they share in common.  For some the similarities were driving the same make of car, wearing glasses, and same number of children.  Some found their similarities were actually their differences.  It was fun to hear a few groups of women share their answers!  

After announcements, Anne came to lead us in a wonderful time of worship.  It was a special time of focusing on God's love.

We ended our morning by introducing our small group leaders, Melissa/Laura, Nirvana and myself and then the women broke off into their groups for a "summer highlight" time and prayer.   It was a fabulous morning of fellowship!  Next Thursday morning we begin our first DVD, led by Priscilla Shirer entitled "The Anointing: Established and Empowered".  Hope to see you there!