The Oil...

Then the angel that had been speaking with me returned and roused me, as if he were waking someone up from being asleep, and asked me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I've been looking at a menorah; it's all of gold, with a bowl at its top, seven lamps on it, and seven tubes leading to the lamps at its top. Next to it are two olive trees, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left." I then asked the angel speaking with me, "What are these, my Lord?" The angel speaking with me said, "Don't you know what these are?" I said, "No my Lord." Then he answered me, "This is the word of Adonai to Z'rubavel: 'Not by force, and not by power, but by my Spirit,' says Adonai-Tzva'ot. What are you, you big mountain? Before Z'rubavel you will become a plain; and he will put the capstone in place, as everyone shouts, "It's beautiful! It's BEAUTIFUL!"'

This message from Adonai came to me: 'The hands of Z'rubavel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will also finish it.' Then you will know that Adonai-Tzva'0t sent me to you. For even someone who doesn't think much of a day when such minor events take place will rejoice at seeing the plubmline in the hand of Z'rubabvel. So these seven are the eyes of Adonai that range about over all the earth."

I replied by asking him, "What are those two olive tress on the right and left sides of the menorah?" Then I asked the question again: "What are those two olive branches discharging gold(-colored oil) through the two gold spouts?" He replied, "Don't you know what they are?" I answered, "No, my Lord." He said, "Those are the two who have been anointed with oil; they are standing with the Lord of all the land." - Zechariah 4:1-14

During this time of year when the Hanukkiah's are fully lit, we remember that the oil of the menorah represents the Holy Spirit in Zechariah 4. The Holy Spirit is the oil in our lives that produces the fruit of the Spirit. With certainty it is not by power, nor by might, but by HIS SPIRIT in us that we are compelled to be changed in the image of the SON of God who gave himself for us.

I challenge you to ask yourself how is your oil level...

How much have you surrendered to the HOLY Spirit?

Would you have enough oil to last 8 days?

Do we struggle in our sanctification process (surrender) to the Holy Spirit to just make it through one day, with nothing left for those around you to see your light.

Today, surrender another portion of your life so the Oil of Gladness and Joy comes forth and your light begins to shine brighter for Him. Truly, it is beautiful that we are now the Temple of God that He chooses to reside in.

Yes Hanukkah is over historically, but we are all living temples and menorahs for our great KING of KINGS and Lord of Lords.

Blessings from Thompson Station,

Todd