Well the price of oil is still up and down, so the question is, what does it matter if we follow Jesus?

Now if we are following Jesus, the price of oil is truly somewhat irrelevant. The only thing that really matters is that we are following the One who has an endless supply of oil.

Actually, Jesus the Christ is the "Oiled One". This Messiah Jesus could be seen as the one who is smeared or anointed with oil. That is what the word "Christ" actually means. Makes some sense that the one who is anointed would grant us the same anointing, that is the lubrication from heaven. Hence, the Christ anoints the Christians, who are anointed with the sweet oil of his presence.

My perception of the mission field is that we need more anointed travelers. We need more folks who have more of the stuff that makes Him the Christ. More of Christ, more of the anointing, less of us, less of me. The trips get sweeter when He flows out of us, makes us smell sweet, and changes lives as we go and serve while we carry His anointing.

My tip for the month to my mission minded friends is: ask, seek, and believe for the anointing!

Mark Van Deman