Aligning with God: A Call to Consecration

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning with God's Will

The story of Joshua and the commander of the Lord's army in Joshua 5 challenges us to shift our perspective from asking if God is on our side to ensuring that we are on His. This alignment requires a heart of obedience and a commitment to live according to His purposes. It is a call to examine our lives and see if our actions, decisions, and desires are in line with God's will. This means surrendering our own agendas and seeking to understand and follow God's plans for us.

In our daily lives, this can be a challenging task as we often have our own ideas of what we want to achieve. However, true consecration involves a willingness to let go of our own plans and trust that God's ways are higher and better. It is about seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives and being open to His direction, even when it leads us down unexpected paths. [01:08]

Joshua 5:13-14 (ESV): "When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us, or for our adversaries?' And he said, 'No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 2: Reviving the Church's Fervor

Leonard Ravenhill's observation about the church's shift from agonizing in prayer to organizing in comfort challenges us to seek a revival of genuine spiritual fervor. The early church was marked by a deep commitment to prayer, repentance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Today, we are often more focused on programs and activities, sometimes at the expense of true spiritual depth.

Reviving the church's fervor means returning to a place of deep repentance and a renewed focus on the Holy Spirit. It involves prioritizing prayer and seeking God's presence above all else. This revival is not about external changes but about a heart transformation that leads to a renewed passion for God and His purposes. [01:53]

Acts 2:42 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Reflection: Think about your current prayer life. How can you make more room for genuine, heartfelt prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit in your daily routine?

Day 3: Historical Significance of Consecration

Our movement's history of consecration, particularly the significance of the 40-year intervals, calls us to recognize the importance of periodic spiritual renewal. The number 40 holds biblical significance, symbolizing a period of testing and renewal. We are now entering a new season of consecration, which is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to God's call and seek a deeper relationship with Him.

This season of consecration is divided into three phases: personal consecration, church consecration, and movement-wide consecration. Each phase requires intentional effort and a willingness to seek God's guidance and direction. It is a time to reflect on our spiritual journey, identify areas that need renewal, and commit to living a life set apart for God's purposes. [03:25]

Deuteronomy 8:2 (ESV): "And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not."

Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual journey over the past few years. What areas of your life need renewal and recommitment to God's call?

Day 4: Generational Unity in Consecration

The involvement of all generations in the consecration process is vital. Older believers have a crucial role in mentoring and supporting the younger generation, ensuring the continuity and health of the church. This generational unity brings together the wisdom of the elders and the vigor of the youth, creating a strong and vibrant community of faith.

Spiritual fathers and mothers play a significant role in guiding the next generation. Their experience and insights are invaluable in helping younger believers navigate their spiritual journeys. This mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and continuity within the church, ensuring that the faith is passed down and strengthened across generations. [28:15]

Titus 2:3-4 (ESV): "Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children."

Reflection: Identify a younger believer in your church or community. How can you intentionally mentor and support them in their spiritual journey?

Day 5: Intimacy Over Ritual

True consecration is not about following a set of rules but about cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with God. It is about seeking His presence and allowing His Spirit to transform our hearts and lives. This intimacy with God goes beyond mere rituals and religious practices; it is about a genuine desire to know Him and be known by Him.

Living a life of consecration means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. It involves spending time in His presence, listening to His voice, and allowing His love to shape our actions and decisions. This intimacy with God leads to a life that reflects His holiness and brings glory to His name. [56:15]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

Reflection: How can you create more space in your daily life to seek God's presence and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him? What specific steps can you take to prioritize intimacy with God over religious rituals?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the profound call to consecration, drawing inspiration from Joshua 5, where Joshua encounters the commander of the Lord's army. This encounter challenges us to shift our perspective from asking if God is on our side to ensuring that we are on His side. The essence of consecration is about aligning ourselves with God's will and living a life set apart for His purposes.

We reflected on the state of the modern church, contrasting it with the early church's fervor and commitment. Leonard Ravenhill's poignant observation that the church began in the upper room agonizing and is now ending in the supper room organizing serves as a stark reminder of the need for genuine spiritual revival. The call to consecration is not about superficial changes but about a deep, transformative commitment to live in the light of God's glory and presence.

Historically, our movement has experienced four significant periods of consecration, the last being 40 years ago. This number holds biblical significance, symbolizing a period of testing and renewal. We are now entering a new season of consecration, divided into three phases: personal consecration, church consecration, and movement-wide consecration. This journey requires us to engage all generations, ensuring that the wisdom of the elders and the vigor of the youth are united in this holy pursuit.

The sermon also emphasized the importance of spiritual fathers and mothers in guiding the next generation. Many seasoned ministers may feel unfulfilled, but their role in mentoring and supporting younger believers is crucial for the health and continuity of the church. The call to consecration is a call to intimacy with God, where our hearts are wholly His, and our lives reflect His holiness.

In closing, we were reminded that true consecration is not about following a checklist but about a burning desire to be close to the Lord. It is about seeking Him above all else and allowing His Spirit to transform us from within. As we embark on this journey, let us commit to living lives that are fully devoted to God, seeking His face, and walking in His ways.

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Key Takeaways

1. jLb8&t=68s'>[01:08]
2. Reviving the Church's Fervor: Leonard Ravenhill's observation about the church's shift from agonizing in prayer to organizing in comfort challenges us to seek a revival of genuine spiritual fervor. We must return to a place of deep repentance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

3. Historical Significance of Consecration: Our movement's history of consecration, particularly the significance of the 40-year intervals, calls us to recognize the importance of periodic spiritual renewal. This season of consecration is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to God's call.

4. Generational Unity in Consecration: The involvement of all generations in the consecration process is vital. Older believers have a crucial role in mentoring and supporting the younger generation, ensuring the continuity and health of the church.

5. Intimacy Over Ritual: True consecration is not about following a set of rules but about cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with God. It is about seeking His presence and allowing His Spirit to transform our hearts and lives.

### [01:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Aligning with God's Will
[01:53] - Reviving the Church's Fervor
[02:39] - Called to Be Set Apart
[03:25] - Historical Significance of Consecration
[04:24] - Prophetic Call to Consecration
[26:52] - Theological Perspective on Consecration
[27:36] - Three Seasons of Consecration
[28:15] - Generational Unity in Consecration
[36:38] - Role of Spiritual Fathers and Mothers
[38:09] - Healing Generational Links
[55:51] - Intimacy Over Ritual
[56:15] - Seeking the Lord's Presence
[57:27] - Personal Testimony of Revival
[62:09] - Call to Devotion and Holiness
[66:21] - Final Prayers and Blessings

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Joshua's initial question to the commander of the Lord's army, and how did the commander respond? (Joshua 5:13-14)
What action did the commander of the Lord's army instruct Joshua to take, and why? (Joshua 5:15)
According to the sermon, what is the critical question we should ask regarding our alignment with God? [01:08]
What historical periods of consecration were mentioned in the sermon, and what is their significance? [03:25]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the commander of the Lord's army responded with "Neither" when Joshua asked if he was for them or their enemies? What does this imply about our relationship with God? (Joshua 5:13-14)
How does Leonard Ravenhill's observation about the church's shift from "agonizing" to "organizing" challenge our current spiritual practices? [01:53]
What does the 40-year interval of consecration signify in the context of the sermon, and how should this influence our current spiritual journey? [03:25]
How can the involvement of spiritual fathers and mothers impact the next generation in the church? [38:09]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are you more focused on asking God to be on your side, or are you ensuring that you are on His side? How can you shift your perspective to align more closely with God's will? [01:08]
Leonard Ravenhill mentioned that the church began in the upper room agonizing and is now ending in the supper room organizing. In what ways can you personally contribute to reviving the church's fervor and commitment to prayer? [01:53]
The sermon highlighted the importance of periodic spiritual renewal. What steps can you take to engage in personal consecration during this new season? [03:25]
How can you actively seek out and build relationships with spiritual mentors or become a mentor to someone younger in the faith? What practical steps can you take this week to start this process? [38:09]
True consecration is about intimacy with God rather than following a checklist. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to cultivate a deeper relationship with God? [56:15]
The sermon emphasized the need for generational unity in consecration. How can you encourage and support the younger generation in their spiritual journey? What role can you play in fostering this unity within your church community? [28:15]
Reflect on a time when you felt a deep sense of God's presence. What changes did you notice in your life during that period, and how can you seek to experience that intimacy with God again? [56:52]

Sermon Clips

1. "He's not on your side. He's asking, are we on his? That's what the spirit of the Lord calls us. Are we going to line up with the commander of the armies of heaven? Or are we going to still keep going to him every now and again when we want a little bit of protection or provision?" [01:08] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

2. "And as you and I witness plenty of public scandals in the church, where I feel deeply grieved that we're not seeing many incidents of public repentance, a generation is watching and they're wondering, is there anyone they can trust? And the Lord has not called us to be a watered-down church. He's called us to be full of the Spirit's power." [01:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

3. "We're called to do even greater things than we saw Jesus do. But we are called to be set apart, to stand out and not blend in. We're called to be his people. We're called to live in our lives for his kingdom. Set apart, consecrated as holy to the Lord." [02:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

4. "I sense the Lord is about to reveal his awe, the fear of the Lord, where we are living our lives in light of his glory, not PR, not social media imaging, not reputation among our colleagues, but first and foremost in the light of his presence and his glory." [03:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

5. "I can say this to some of my older colleagues in the room because some of you have heard references to kids and young people over the years and you thought I've passed it and I want to let you know every time you hear the word children or young people mentioned it should cause a leap in your spirit not because you're past it but because they need fathers and mothers that what you have is a part of the healing of the generations." [36:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

6. "Stop it be a father be a mother impart yourself into future generations some of my retired colleagues we love you please stop measuring how loved and accepted you are by how many preaching invitations you get please get hold of the yearbook phone up some younger ministers and say I want to be your friend anything I can do can I pray for something for you it will change the satisfaction that you have in your ministry it will heal the generational link and there needs to be some repentance around some of that stuff." [38:09] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "There's no formula for this though there's just intimacy this is not a checklist this is not a series of things to go down and to mark off we get very pharisaical very quickly if we see it as that it has to come from a place of a burning desire to be close to the Lord." [56:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Holiness, consecration is us saying above everything else in my life I am yours and you are mine and the call of the spirit of the ages has been I long to be their God for them to be my people he calls us and it's a call of mercy." [01:03:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "In our lives whenever we're faced with challenge and trial and difficulty the call of the prophet is to look up I see the Lord friends, colleagues church leaders church teams call to consecration is a call to look up in devotion." [01:04:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )

10. "Those who know their God will be mighty and will do great exploits it's not formulaic we don't get to know him so that we can be mighty and do great exploits when we get to know him we can't do anything else because that's what he does and we become like him so we don't call you to a time of formula we call you to a time of devotion." [01:05:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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