As we enter the year 1998, we realize that this leaves us three years short of completing Anno Domini (in the year of our Lord) 2000. Only God knows what these three years will be like! So, in order to make the most of this time we must think like Him. Therefore, I encourage you to move into 1998 with the mind of Christ. We must not be encumbered with or restricted by past experiences, the ungodly knowledge of man’s wisdom or vain thoughts. We must move into the future with God walking before us and opening doors for us, especially doors of His ministry. Today, there are so many people being short changed in life because they think of themselves as unworthy to take on the mind of Christ. This should not be!

The Apostle Paul wrote about the attributes of Jesus and then he added, Let this mind be in you. which was also in Christ Jesus: [Paul continued as he told about Jesus taking on the body of a man and becoming a servant.] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ... (Philippians 2:5-7). In this form, as a servant, Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit. Even though He was reduced to the body and mind of a man, this anointing gave Him the mind of His Father. This is why He said, ... Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what soever he doeth, those things also doeth the Son likewise (John 5:19).

Today, God is preparing people, those that will allow Him to think like Him and operate under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In 1998, this will cause many more people to call Jesus their savior, and then their Lord. When Jesus becomes lord of one’s life that person becomes a servant also. Think about this! In this state we are called Sons of God.

God desires to anoint His Sons with the Holy Spirit. By this power they take on the mind of Christ and express His attributes. We, as children of God, must not think it robbery to become like Jesus as He is like the father. Jesus prayed this for you! He, in a prayer to His Father, said, And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they [my disciples] might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. ... Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; ... That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: ... (John 17:13-21). If we relate this to today’s work of the Lord we must say, "I can do nothing within myself that can be called the works of God. On the other hand, those things done by the Holy Spirit through me can be called the works of God.:"

This brings us back to the two oils, the story first offered in our August 1992 letter. The same story was expanded in our letter of July 1994. (Both letters can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.knowledgeofjesus.org.) The first oil that one receives from God is lamp oil, something that must be replenished daily (Re: Exodus 27:20). Old Testament lamp oil relates to the New Testament spirit of Christ, or Messiah, meaning "The Anointed One" (Re: Romans 8:10). The second oil is the anointing oil mixed with sweet spices (Re: Exodus 30:22-23). This relates to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, sent by The Anointed One (Christ Jesus) via the Father (Re: Romans 8:11 & John 14:16). Obviously, the anointing oil of the New Testament is mixed with Spiritual gifts (Re: 1 Corinthians 12). This replaces the sweet spices of the Old Testament. The lamp oil of The Anointed One is given for salvation. His Anointing (the Holy Spirit) is given for the purpose of allowing a servant of God to do the works of God, something that cannot come from the mind of man.

We cannot live in the past, or judge our future by the past. This would limit the works of God in our lives and through our lives. With God all things are possible (Re: Matthew 19:26). So, in 1998, go for what man thinks is impossible. Study the Word of God, leave carnal thinking behind and live in the mind of God. Seek Him first and all things will be added. Have a great year in the LORD!

We Love You,
Dean and JoAnn Hubbard