2 Corinthians 1:21-22

I like the amplified version of these verses:

But it is God who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]. He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by putting His seal upon us and giving us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee of the fulfillment of His promise.

I love the reminder that we have been anointed with the indwelling Spirit's presence from the day of our salvation . . . Your task is to rely on the power of God who indwells you so you can be empowered to do what you cannot do on your own. (page 38)

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am always trying to do things on my own. I like to blame it on my family genes, but I truly have to take responsibility for my independence. This lesson was such a good reminder that we are anointed with the Holy Spirit. That means we are NOT to do on our own, but to trust God to do the work in us. 2 Corinthians 5:5 tells us:

Now He Who has fashioned us [preparing and making us fit] for this very thing is God Who also has given us the [Holy] Spirit as a guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].

I looked up this verse on www.blueletterbible.com and checked out the David Guzik commentary. He says: "guarantee is arrhaben--in modern greek it means engagement ring". How neat is that! God says that the church is His bride, and here we are given our promise, or engagement ring. When I think of a couple that is newly engaged, I see 2 people who are enamoured of each other, who light up when they hear their beloved's name, and who cannot bear to be away from each other for long periods of time. Is that the picture God has of me and my relationship with Him? Do I have that joy that a newly engaged couple has permeating my Christian life? Do I really feel anointed with the Holy Spirit. Actually, I don't have to feel it. God tells us it's a fact. The Holy Spirit is in me. Am I ready to step aside and let the Spirit do the work that needs to be done in me? This is the challenge, or call, that I am hearing in these lessons. Am I going to surrender and let God shine through me?