You Have an Anointing
Scripture Reading — 1 John 2:20-27
The anointing you received from him ... is real, not counterfeit - [so] just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Years ago, without my knowledge, I was given a counterfeit 20 dollar bill. I didn’t realize it until a clerk eyed me suspiciously while I was paying with cash for something. Because it wasn’t the real thing, I had to prove my innocence. Thankfully, I wasn’t charged with a crime. But for a short time, I felt caught between the forces of truth and lies.
Two forces are at work in the world today: truth is working by the Holy Spirit, and evil is working by the energy of Satan, the devil, the father of lies. We feel this tension in our lives every day. Sadly, many Christians have one foot in the world and one foot in the life of faith. The Bible calls this lukewarm belief (Revelation 3:15-16).
We are living in days that involve a crisis of faith. The spirit of the antichrist is working in this world. It is vitally important to stand strong in the faith and to be able to recognize the lies and deceit of the evil one when they come our way. Having daily devotions and a consistent life of prayer is a beautiful way to carry out your anointing.
This anointing, the Bible tells us, is given to us by God and remains in us. Take comfort in this truth. Satan cannot snatch us away from God’s claim on our lives.
“You have an anointing from the Holy One, and ... you know the truth.”
Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love and constant promises. We praise you that our anointing is real and sent by you alone. Keep us strong, we pray. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Pete Byma
Pete Byma has served as a pastor of congregations in Michigan and in Washington state. Serving now as a pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is also a consultant/coach for churches experiencing conflict, and he enjoys equipping and establishing people in ministry. He is married to Cheri, and they have four grown children and six grandchildren. Pete is also a registered soccer official and enjoys bicycling.
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