Reading: 1 Sam. 16:1-13

Devotional: Just as David was overlooked by his family but chosen by God, you too may feel hidden or forgotten. But remember, God sees beyond appearances and into the heart. He often develops us in secret, preparing us for purposes we can't yet imagine.
Today, reflect on the times you've felt invisible or passed over. How might God be using those experiences to shape you? Consider that your current "pasture" - whether it's a mundane job, a difficult season, or a place of waiting - could be your training ground for future impact.

Prayer: Lord, help me trust Your timing and Your vision for my life, even when I feel overlooked or unprepared. Remind me that You're working in my hidden seasons.

Reading: Psalm 89:20-29

Devotional: David was anointed long before he took the throne. Similarly, God often marks us for a purpose before we fully step into it. This anointing isn't just a spiritual ceremony - it's a divine empowerment for the mission ahead.
Consider today: What has God called you to do? What gifts, passions, or burdens has He placed within you? Even if you don't see the full picture yet, how can you start walking in that purpose right where you are?

Prayer: Father, help me recognize and steward the anointing You've placed on my life. Give me courage to step out in faith, even before I see the full manifestation of Your call.

Reading: 1 John 4:4-6

Devotional: The sermon reminded us that "what's in you is greater than what's around you." As believers, we carry the very Spirit of God within us. This means we're equipped to face challenges that seem far beyond our natural abilities.
Reflect on a "giant" you're facing right now - a fear, an obstacle, or a seemingly impossible situation. How does knowing that the Greater One lives in you change your perspective? What would it look like to approach this challenge with divine confidence rather than human limitation?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me afresh today. Help me to live from the reality of Your power within me, rather than being intimidated by the circumstances around me.

Reading: Psalm 23

Devotional: David's anointing as king came long before his coronation. In between, he returned to tending sheep. This psalm, likely written during that time, reveals a heart at peace with God's timing.
Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of our destiny, then sends us back to our everyday lives. This isn't a punishment, but preparation. How can you cultivate contentment and faithfulness in your current "pasture," even as you hold onto God's promises for your future?

Prayer: Lord, teach me to find You in the quiet moments and mundane tasks. Help me grow in character and intimacy with You, trusting that You're preparing me for what's ahead.

Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Devotional: The sermon concluded with a powerful call to "walk like you're marked." As believers, we've been sealed with the Holy Spirit - a divine mark of God's ownership and empowerment in our lives.
Today, consider: How would your actions, attitudes, and choices change if you constantly remembered that you carry God's anointing? In what areas of your life do you need to start "walking in the oil" - living with the confidence and purpose that comes from knowing you're chosen by God?

Prayer: Father, thank You for marking me as Your own. Help me to live today fully aware of Your presence and power within me. May my life reflect the reality that I am chosen, anointed, and sent by You.

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church Community! Here's a short discussion guide based on Pastor Free's sermon "It's Already In Me, I've Got the Real Oil"

Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer asking God for wisdom and open hearts as you discuss the sermon.

Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (Read together)

Discussion Questions:

1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
2. The pastor used the analogy of the Chinese bamboo tree. How does this relate to your own spiritual growth or calling?
3. How do you think David felt being left out of the initial lineup? Have you ever felt similarly in your own life?
4. The sermon emphasized that "oil only flows where there is alignment with destiny." What do you think this means practically in our lives?
5. Discuss the phrase: "You don't have to be informed to be anointed." How might this change our perspective on waiting seasons?
6. How can we discern between "man's choice" and "God's pick" in our lives and ministries?
7. The sermon states, "You've been anointed… not for applause, but for impact." How does this challenge or encourage you?

Key Takeaways:

1. God often develops us in hidden seasons before public reveal.
2. Our value is not determined by others' recognition, but by God's calling.
3. Anointing requires character development and faithfulness in small things.
4. What's inside us (God's Spirit and calling) is greater than any external circumstance.

Practical Applications:

1. Identify one area where you feel "hidden" or overlooked. Commit to remaining faithful in that area this week, trusting God's timing.
2. Write a letter to yourself from God's perspective, affirming your value and calling based on the truths from this sermon.
3. Choose one "sticky phrase" from the sermon to meditate on daily this week. Share with the group which one you chose and why.
4. Practice "walking like you're marked" this week. Share with a partner one specific way you'll do this in your daily life.

Closing Prayer: Have group members pair up and pray the "Declaration Moment" statements over each other, personalizing them as led.
Weekly Challenge: Each day this week, start your morning by declaring out loud: "It's already in me. The oil is on me. I'm walking like it, praying like it, praising like it. This is my oil season!"