Ambition or Anointing

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16‭-‬17 NKJV

I can recall a conversation with my Aunt over three decades ago regarding the decrease of Christian believers who desired and were actively preparing for Eternal life in heaven [the New Heaven and New Earth]. The question of living a holy and righteous life has evolved into a subjective concept among modern-day Christians. They ask, What is truth? In fact, many have the mindset of Cain, who offered his version of the sacrifice that God required for the sin offering.

The churches have structured their teachings to only include select verses from select chapters in the Bible. And their congregants are happily in agreement that the prosperity message does not require them to study the entire Bible. There is no mention that one needs to pray for the daily anointing of the Holy Spirit or receive baptism by immersion. Witnessing to others is accomplished by an outward show of a smile and peaceful Christian behavior. The most heartwrenching truth is that many Christians believe this lifestyle reflects discipleship, and their minimal effort fulfills God’s requirements.

Still, Jesus Christ safeguards His faithful remnant. There are many baptized prayer warriors diligently studying the scriptures. Yes, we realize that one cannot prepare for Eternal life without total surrender and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We are the commandment-keeping disciples that accept and witness the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Facing another battle with fellow believers proves that our fight is against spiritual wickedness. Due to a lack of scriptural knowledge, many have accepted watered-down versions of the Word of God. And it saddens our hearts to see the number of Christians giving up and turning away from God because “it’s just too hard to go through storms, or to wait on God for answers.” No, we are not boastful. We simply strive to obey and hear “Well done” from Jesus Christ when He comes again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

It takes sacrifice to serve the Lord. All of Jesus’ disciples [John is the exception], including the Apostle Paul, were killed because they were steadfast, courageous, and loyal to God. The Apostle John [who Jesus loved] describes the life of Christ in the Gospel of John. In fact, John was the only Apostle that died a natural death. Though Satan attempted to take his life, he did not die from being boiled in oil. Jesus had divine plans for this disciple. The Book of Revelation provides proof that God uses us even under extreme duress. Although John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos, he received the visions of the New Heaven and New Earth and last-day prophecies.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. Acts 2:17‭-‬18 NKJV

Every person has a choice to make, either we pursue Ambition–following our own desires or we serve and obey God without hesitation. Praying and receiving daily anointing from the Holy Spirit is required to have daily spiritual growth. Sanctification–to become like Christ requires diligent study of the Scriptures, praying without ceasing, fasting, faith, trust, obedience, helping those in need, and witnessing to others.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice. And thank you for being our example of a life dedicated to please God, our Heavenly Father. God, we ask forgiveness for half-heartedly serving you. We desire to dedicate our lives to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry