If there is a desire for God’s anointing, favor and protection upon one’s life, there is a way that is right in the sight of the Lord - it’s called consecration. When an individual sets themselves apart to walk in the ways of the Lord, instead of the ways of the world, the Lord takes notice.

Josiah, a young king at eight years old, decided the evil ways of his father were not for him. He chose to fear the Lord instead, as his ancestor David did, not veering to the right or to the left. One can say Josiah’s life honored God. This saved him in future days. For when God’s judgment was proclaimed upon the land, this word came to him: “… because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard what I spoke against this place … you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you, says the Lord… you shall be gathered to your grave in peace and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place.” (2 Kings 22:19,20) Josiah obtained God’s favor and his life was spared.

God looks for the pure in heart, for they shall see Him (see His heart). (Matthew 5:8) When an individual chooses to pursue what is right before the Lord’s eyes; when he/she begins to want what He wants, their desires become one with the Lord. (Psalm 37:4)  

It is this consecrated vessel that is one of honor, fit for the Master’s use. (2 Timothy 2:20-22)

There are no shortcuts. An anointed life is a consecrated one. There are times when one will stand against the tide of this world and its ideologies. But when an individual does what is right and good before the Lord, God will honor that life. It will go well with them. (Deuteronomy 6:18)

Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13,14)   

Be the few.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I offer You praise and honor for Who You are and for the love You have for me and those I love. You have been ever faithful to me, even when I have not reciprocated. I come to You today and ask that you soften my heart toward You and Your ways and make my heart pliable so that I may weep and repent over what makes You weep. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

There is something about weeping in repentance before our Heavenly Father that makes the heart soft, pliable, and tender toward Him. Whatever is a hindrance to your walk with Him can be released when you release them to Him in broken repentance.