5I will live among the people of Israel, and I will be their God. 46They will know that I am the Lord their God who brought them out of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God.
Consecration = Dwelling of the LORD
con·se·crate
[kon-si-kreyt] verb, con·se·crat·ed, con·se·crat·ing, adjectiveverb (used with object)1.to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity: to consecrate a new churchbuilding.2.to make (something) an object of honor or veneration; hallow: a custom consecrated by time.3.to devote or dedicate to some purpose: a life consecrated to science.4.to admit or ordain to a sacred office, especially to the episcopate.
Why do we always long for the dwelling of the LORD? Because we could have already forgotten the importance of consecration - the declaration of sacredness, devotion, and dedication. We desire God's presence and grace to be upon us but we are not willing to dedicate, devote or consecrate our daily activities and plans to the Lord. Hence, no question, the presence of God does not dwell in us by virtue orf our own freewill - not wearing the self-denial attitude and only taking things for granted.
Definitely I know that when I pray in 'vain' - or seems that's God's presence isn't there, is because I also am not totally sold out to my dedication, the sacredness and the consecration of what I am doing for Him. I always pray that God would bring revival, yet I am just doing things out of obligation and routine. It must be changed. Practically speaking, I must declare my days sacred for the Lord - consecrating it to Him daily and devoting, dedicating that to the Lord - THEN expect that God's presence would be there just cause 'he is welcomed!'. The Lord is always present - but it is us who does not welcome him. He cannot be in the same place as sin because He is perfect and knows no sin. Therefore, in order for God to 'dwell' in our endeavors, we must simply consecrate - DEDICATE, DEVOTE, DECLARE SACRED the things that we do for His glory and name! That is what I need to do. Every single action I do - whether it be for ministry, my personal life (ie. diet, exercise, relationships, family, Julia, friends, etc.), work, career, etc.. let it be consecrated to the Lord.
// Lord, thank you for such an amazing reminder and rebuke of totally consecrating my life to You in all aspects of this life. I pray that You would help me to remember this - that life is all about YOU and having YOUR presence dwell. I entrust to you every endeavor that I've done, every work that I am doing... I pray that You will be pleased with them that I am not laboring in vain. I DEDICATE MY LIFE, I DEVOTE MY LIFE, I DECLARE THIS LIFE SACRED all for the glory of Your name. Thank you so much Lord! In Jesus' name, amen.
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