Consecrated to God

We come to this MOther’s Day and I hope to share this message in a way which honors the ladies of our life but also challenge us to live out the faith our world desperately needs in a counter-cultural way.

Judges 21:25 NIV

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

Though this is a commentary on Israel I also believe this truly applies to our current world—inside and outside of the church. We all have a as a goal to do what we think is right in our eyes. We need a change of focus.

It is not about US!

Meaning it is not me, myself, and I. It is not what I think is best but there is someone greater than all of us. Jesus Christ the Lord. The nation of Israel and we as the people of God today can easily be seduced and buy the lie that we are important.

We need to re-learn “consecration”.

I titled the message “Consecrated to God” and realized the word consecrate is not used much anymore. Maybe this is part of the issue. Consecrated is similar to the following words according to AI: sanctified, hallowed, anointed, declaring sacred, ordained and dedicated.

Faith is caught not just taught.

This is one of my favorite sayings and statements. It is also important for those of us who are parents to remember. For those of us who are trying to disciple others who will disciple others it is also key.

Parents you are influential!

As I have read this passage and studied it this week I am convinced the power of Samuel is only because the legacy of faith of his parents. This does not mean if you did not have Christian parents, or good parents, you are doomed. NO, God works in miraculous ways.

All we have is a gift from God.

To deeply understand this we must realize that what Hannah did was to give back to God what was already His. My role as a dad is to remember my kids are not my own but they first and always belong to God.

We need others.

Hannah never did this alone. Moms, you cannot do it alone. Church, we cannot do it alone. Another one of my statements is this, “we are better together than we are a part.”

Giving to God is powerful.

If you flip to 1 Samuel 2.19-21 to see this truth in action.

Consecrate yourself to God, today!

If we want to change the world, and I hope we want to change the world, it all starts here. Set yourself apart for the Lord. Set your families apart for the Lord. Love others well!