Daily Companion  | 27 July

 CONSECRATED

 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. -John 17:15

Consecration is not a strange practice in our daily social life. From exclusively setting apart certain types of dishes for a particular dinner to preseving certain dresses for some occasions, your consciously or unknowingly 'consecrate' certain things. But more importantly is consecrating your life. It will be insane to wear pyjamas to a job interview even as you will not see it appropriate to use bathing bowl to eat. Certain things are just consecrated to prevent being contaminated. So are you in the world.

 To consecrate is to set apart from contamination or pollution; to reserve or preserve exclusively for a certain purpose. Christ prayed for your consecration: keep them from the evil one. Apostle Peter exhorted, save yourself form this untoward generation. Paul admonished “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” All these mean you are to be consecrated. 

Food poisoning from contaminated food can be fatal. If allowed, ungodly relationship brings a ‘hell meat’ rather than help meet. Ungodly dresses, make-up, partying, and idolatry ornaments are few of many contaminations in the world.  "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21). Only the consecrated are preserved for the Master's use.

Even though you can't completely avoid the world as Christ said, you should actively choose your company, keep yourself from sinful relationships. Be a companion of all of them that fear God, and keep His precepts (Psalms 119:63). You must avoid companying with defilers. 

My dear friend, it is never too late to be consecrated. Have you just been born-again? Or are you in any relationship with an unbeliever? Take that brave step, Come out from among them, and be ye separate! Are you in possession of their gifts or property? Return them, “So, none of the accursed things shall remain in your hand” (Deuteronomy 13:17). Leave the sinners and their immoral pursuits behind. You are now a prince and princess with God. How more magnificent and delight would it be to be called the sons and daughters of the Almighty God, the King of kings! 

Today’s Recite: The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:11-12 

Today’s Morning Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank for saving me. I renounce all ungodly relationships. I consecrate myself to be specially used by You. Keep me holy and undefiled. Keep me in Your heavenly dignity and magnificence in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen! 

Today’s Hymn: DRAW ME NEARER 

Today’s ReadMe:  Isaiah 37 - 39