YOU are anointed. It’s true! God wants to use you. His Spirit is upon you to continue the ministry of Jesus, one person at a time. 
We live in a very “me” centered culture. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve others. Your salvation isn’t just about you. It’s also about the lives God wants to touch through you.
Everyone isn’t called to a full-time “career” in ministry, but we are all called to minister. When I was younger I thought this meant going out and preaching to anyone who would listen. Don’t get me wrong, there is a need for evangelism, but people are more likely to listen when you are serving them. Before you try to feed them spiritually, feed their need. Today’s verse gives us four areas of service:
- Proclaim good news to the poor: If you are poor, the good news of salvation is a wonderful message, but it doesn’t fill your belly or put clothes on your kids. People need to know that God isn’t just concerned with the hereafter, He cares about the situation you are in right now! He knew you before you were born, and will know you long after your life on earth is over. We can’t feed/clothe everyone but we can feed/clothe someone. God wants to bless you by allowing you to be a blessing to others. Jesus said whatever we do for others, we do for him. (Matthew 25:40) If you look into the eyes of a hurting man/woman and see Jesus it will change how you view them. His anointing will overwhelm you with compassion and love.
- Proclaim liberty to the captives: I have been blessed to be part of a jail ministry for a couple of years now. While I love the work we are doing, we are very limited. We are not allowed to give the inmates any handouts, books, etc. We are not allowed to have one on one ministry with them, or develop personal relationships with them. This is for our protection, but heartbreaking none the less. We get one hour a month to speak life and truth into them. They are hungry for so much more! They desperately need discipleship, to prepare them for life outside of prison. If God lays it on your heart, contact a local prison chaplain and ask if there is a way for you to write or have one on one visits with an inmate. However, I STRONGLY encourage you to stay away from any misperceptions of a romantic interest. Also, remember, there are many people who are held captive without the constraints of four walls. People can be held prisoner to addiction, abuse, etc. Pray for God to open doors for you mentor those needing intervention.
- Recovery of sight to the blind: Jesus still heals. I believe this with all my heart. He heals physically, emotionally, financially and most important spiritually. Everywhere Jesus went He healed people. Are you sharing this good news with others? There are two kinds of blindness. There is physically blindness, and there is spiritual blindness. My prayer is that God will use us in the recovery of sight for both.
- Liberty to the oppressed: Oppression can be physical or emotional. For example, human trafficking is a real issue that few people want to see or acknowledge. People are still enslaved, even in America. Educate yourself on the civil issues in your area, and get involved in relief efforts. From an emotional standpoint, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders are rampant in our culture. People often neglect to seek help due to the stigma attached to mental illness or the cost of care. When you see someone struggling emotionally, step in. Do some research and become familiar with the resources available to them. Minister to them on a spiritual level. LOVE them where they are and be an encouragement to them.
““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’”
Matthew 25:34-36 NLT
YOU are anointed. It’s true!
Deb Wilson 