Word for the day "The cost of being anointed"
I Samuel 20:1b (NIV) What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to take my life?
The cost of being one of God’s anointed can be great.
Those whom God has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a special preparation. David was anointed to be the next king over Israel.Shortly after this, while still a young boy, he was brought into King Saul’s service to play music in Saul’s court.While there, the opportunity to stand up against Goliath elevated David for his next stage of development as the future king.As his popularity grew so did Saul’s jealousy. However, even Saul’s jealousy was God’s instrument for molding and shaping David.Saul finally decided he could no longer tolerate David’s success and popularity among the people, so he tried to kill David.The confused young shepherd boy spent many years hiding in wilderness caves before he was able to see the hand of God in all of this.No doubt David thought that when Samuel anointed him, he would be conveniently raised up to be king with all the accompanying benefits of kingship.
Our preparation to be used by the Lord in life often involves multiple tests.
God’s preparation of David involved much persecution, disloyalty, and hardship. These were the lessons necessary to be a godly king.God brought many tests in David’s life, just as He did with Saul. David passed these tests. Saul did not.Please remember most times our preparation will seem as if the Lord has forsaken us, but it actually means the Lord is preparing us.When God anoints us, it often is accompanied by some severe tests. These tests are designed to prepare us for the calling God has on our life.Should we fail these tests God cannot elevate us to the next level. For a workplace believer, these tests often involve money, relationships, and other issues of the heart.When your opportunity arrives for you to go to the next place in your life, remember preparation is what gets you ready for your next opportunity.The Lord’s preparation is what gives you the confidence to do the assignment placed on your life.
Point to ponder
What if God has chosen you for a specific purpose in His Kingdom? Are you passing the tests He is bringing about in your life?These tests are designed to bring about greater obedience (John 14:15). In most instances, it will involve great adversity.Beware of the test God may be bringing before you in order to prepare you for His service opportunity.
Special thanks!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of January 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Apostle James and Pastor Rita Morehead, Ms. Quiana Volney, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mr. Brandon McIntyre, Mrs. Angela Baker Harrison, Pastor Raymond Philip, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Raymond Jenkins, Ms. Crystal Hawkins, Ms. Damaris Torres, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link below to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,