2019 Theme
God Anointed: In this Season, for this Purpose!
I Samuel 16:13 – Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Luke 4:18 – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Esther 4:14 – For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Galatians 4:4 – But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Acts 26:16 – But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
Can you believe it’s already 2019? I preached a message a few weeks ago about time. Without question time waits on no man.
In the past, our usual practice has been to seek the Lord for direction and focus for our local congregation. This year He has provided again. For 2019, the theme for Holiness Tabernacle is, “God Anointed: In this Season, for this Purpose!” The supporting scriptures are provided above.
I must add our Presiding Bishop has given another powerfully motivating theme for our denomination, “God’s Unlimited Power Makes Unlimited Accomplishments Possible” (Ephesians 1:15-23). I invite you to read more on this at www.cogic.org.
During one of my devotional times, the Lord reminded me that He had anointed me. Not only had He anointed me, but He had called me to minister in this generation and for this season. The practice of anointing originated in the Middle East. Shepherds were known to concoct a mixture of oil and smear it over the heads of sheep. This would protect the defenseless animal for insects and parasites that attach themselves to the area around the hosts eyes and eventually cause blindness. Later, the practice took on another meaning.
Oil was poured on people as a sign of elevation or selection by a supreme being. Both applications are for the believer today! God has declared that we belong to Him and He will protect us from all weapons formed (Isaiah 54:17). He has also selected and elevated us into ministry, no matter where we are.
I have been called “Old School” and many have labeled me as conservative. I still believe in fasting, praying, living holy, respecting those in authority, honoring my parents and all seniors, loving and being devoted to my wife, supporting my children and preaching an uncompromising Gospel. However, who gave holiness an expiration date? I contend that holiness is the same yesterday, today and will be forever. God placed you and I exactly where He intended. We are just where He wanted us to be so that we may work His will.
Queen Esther was faced with a dilemma: her people were on the brink of being annihilated because of an arrogant and ungodly man – Haman. Her cousin, Mordecai, advised her that she had been elevated to the position of queen for exactly this time and purpose. He further warned her that if she did nothing, her entire household would suffer; and she would as well.
My friends, God has called us to assume our places of authority. When the Lord saved us, He gave us everything we needed to be successful. After Samuel anointed David, there is no record of David ever being anointed again. That anointing he received was enough to handle the bear, the lion, Goliath, King Saul, the Philistines, Absalom, and more.
Finally, keep your spiritual ears attuned to God’s voice. A few years ago, Pastor Rick Warren made headlines when he spoke about purpose. God doesn’t do anything haphazardly. Before the foundations of the world were formed, He had plans for us. Seek Him this year as we prepare to accomplish those tasks He has anointed us to do!
I bless you in the name of the Lord!!
Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Holiness Tabernacle COGIC, Founder & Pastor