As For You

2 Chronicles 15:7

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

Perhaps people around you are falling like flies. Wherever you turn you see heartache and discouragement. The good fight seems too hard; the journey ahead too long; the mountain in your way too big. The hurt in your heart cripples you and you're too exhausted to try again. You want to give up and lie down.

Jesus knows fully what you face and what you feel. And this is what the Lord says to you:
"But as for you [regardless of the people around you], be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

In the next verse it says that when Asa heard these words, he took courage. I pray that you too find courage in the God who sees all things, and always rewards perfectly.

The Lord is with you. Be strong and do not give up.

Consecrate

2 Chronicles 5:11

"All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions."

From the Chief High Priest to the new little rookie, ALL consecrated themselves. It wasn't about rank or status, but about each of them serving Yahweh, their Almighty God.

The word consecrate means to make holy, to set apart. It means living for God alone, dedicating your life to him. It requires you to be different to those around you, to sometimes say no when the world screams yes.

This scripture shows us that consecration is not just for the big cheese or the most important people. We, all together, are a royal priesthood [1 Peter 2:9] and are ALL called to consecrate ourselves to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit [1 Peter 1:13-16].

Regardless of where you find yourself, you can live a life that is holy and pleasing to God [Romans 12:1-2]. And it can start right now.

Unchanging

Psalm 89:34

"I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered." 

In the midst of an ever-changing, uncertain world of hypocrisy and broken promises, there is a God who is constant, unchanging, faithful and true. 

He is Jesus.