Consecration: Embracing Faith and Community Together

Devotional

Day 1: Consecration—Setting Ourselves and Our Loved Ones Apart for God

To consecrate means to set apart as holy, to dedicate something or someone fully to God’s purposes. This is more than a one-time act; it is a continual surrender of our hearts, our children, and our community to the Lord, trusting that He will do what only He can do. When we consecrate ourselves and those we love, we acknowledge that we are not our own, but belong to God, and we invite Him to work in and through us for His glory. This act of consecration is both a declaration and a daily practice, shaping how we live, love, and lead, knowing that God’s plans are greater than our own. [01:20:00]

1 Samuel 1:27-28 (ESV)
“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

Reflection: Who or what in your life do you need to intentionally set apart for God today, trusting Him with the outcome rather than holding on to your own plans?

Day 2: Faith Is Caught, Not Just Taught

The way we live out our faith speaks louder than any words we say. Children, friends, and those around us are watching to see if our actions match our beliefs. Our example—how we love, forgive, serve, and worship—teaches others what it means to follow Jesus. Even when we feel inadequate or when those we love make their own choices, our faithful living plants seeds that God can use in ways we may never see. The community of faith is called to model and pass on a living, authentic faith, knowing that God works through both our teaching and our example. [01:07:40]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally model your faith today so that others—especially the next generation—can “catch” it from your example?

Day 3: Doing What Is Right in God’s Eyes, Not Our Own

In a world where everyone is tempted to do what is right in their own eyes, God calls His people to a different standard: to seek and do what is right in His eyes. This means surrendering our own authority and preferences, and instead submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. When we live this way, we become agents of unity, healing, and transformation in our families and communities, resisting the pull of self-centeredness and division. [54:53]

Judges 21:25 (ESV)
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to follow your own way instead of seeking God’s will, and what would it look like to choose His way today?

Day 4: The Power of Encouragement and Community

We are not meant to walk the journey of faith alone. God gives us one another to encourage, support, and affirm what He is doing in our lives. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend, your words and presence can strengthen others to keep going, to do what is right, and to trust God’s promises. The church community is a place where we remind each other of God’s faithfulness, celebrate what He is doing, and help carry one another’s burdens. [01:14:34]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Reflection: Who can you encourage today with a word or act that reminds them they are not alone and that God is at work in their life?

Day 5: Every Gift Is from God—Living with Gratitude and Surrender

Everything we have—our children, our talents, our opportunities—is a gift from God. Recognizing this truth leads us to live with gratitude and open hands, ready to give back to God what He has entrusted to us. When we see our lives and our loved ones as gifts, we are freed from anxiety and control, and we can worship God by trusting Him with all that we hold dear. This posture of gratitude and surrender shapes our hearts and our legacy, inviting God to do more than we could ask or imagine. [01:11:39]

James 1:17 (ESV)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Reflection: What is one gift in your life that you can thank God for today, and how can you offer it back to Him in trust and worship?

Sermon Summary

On this beautiful Mother’s Day, we gather to celebrate not only the mothers among us, but the God who gives us the gift of family, community, and faith. As we look around, we see the evidence of God’s faithfulness in the lives of our children, our parents, and our church family. The work on Plum Street and the many events and ministries happening in our congregation are reminders that God is always moving us forward, both physically and spiritually. We are called to be a people who pray for one another, support each other in times of need, and rejoice together in God’s goodness.

Today, we reflect on the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, a woman whose faith and dedication changed the course of Israel’s history. Her world was much like ours—divided, everyone doing what was right in their own eyes, lacking unity and direction. Yet, in the midst of that, Hannah’s act of consecration—setting her son Samuel apart for God—became a catalyst for revival. This is a call for us to rediscover what it means to be consecrated: to be set apart, hallowed, and dedicated for God’s purposes. It’s not just about teaching faith, but living it out so that it is “caught” by the next generation.

We are reminded that our children, and indeed all those around us, are gifts from God. Our role is not to control or possess them, but to offer them back to God, trusting Him to do what only He can do. This act of consecration is not a one-time event, but a continual way of living—encouraging one another, supporting each other, and being a community where faith is nurtured and grown. Even when our children or loved ones stray, there is always hope, as seen in the story of the prodigal son. God’s grace is bigger than our failures, and His purposes are not thwarted by our shortcomings.

As we go forward, let us be intentional in setting ourselves, our families, and our church apart for God. Let us encourage one another, celebrate the good we see, and trust that God is raising up new Samuels and Hannahs among us. May we live as people who reflect the light of Christ, bringing hope and unity to a divided world.

Key Takeaways

1. Consecration: A Lost but Vital Practice To consecrate means to set apart as sacred, to dedicate wholly to God’s purposes. In a world that values autonomy and self-direction, we are called to remember that our lives—and the lives of those we love—are not our own. True consecration is an act of surrender, trusting God with what is most precious to us, and allowing Him to shape our future in ways we cannot foresee. [61:04]
2. Faith Is Caught, Not Just Taught The most powerful lessons of faith are not those we speak, but those we live. Children and those around us learn what it means to follow Christ by watching how we respond to challenges, how we love, forgive, and serve. Our example, more than our words, will shape the faith of the next generation—so let us be intentional in living out what we believe. [64:00]
3. Community Is Essential for Spiritual Growth None of us can walk this journey alone. We need encouragement, accountability, and support from others who are seeking to follow God. The church is a place where we can adopt and be adopted, where spiritual mothers, fathers, and friends help us grow and persevere in faith, especially when our own families fall short. [74:34]
4. Encouragement and Affirmation Change Lives It is easy to focus on what is wrong or lacking, especially in our children or those we mentor. But intentional encouragement—pointing out what is good, affirming growth, and celebrating faithfulness—can transform hearts and strengthen relationships. Let us be a people who build each other up, reminding one another of God’s work in our lives. [76:45]
5. God’s Purposes Prevail Despite Our Imperfections Even when we make mistakes, or when those we love make choices we wouldn’t have chosen, God’s grace is sufficient. The story of Hannah, and even the story of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus for a time, remind us that God is always at work, redeeming our failures and using them for His glory. Our job is to trust, consecrate, and keep moving forward in faith.

** [81:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:32] - Announcements and Community Updates
[12:01] - Upcoming Events and Opportunities
[14:40] - Rummage Sale and Volunteer Needs
[22:06] - Worship: Revive Us Again
[28:32] - Children’s Bells and Special Music
[36:43] - Prayer Requests and Community Care
[41:32] - The Role of Children in Our Faith
[44:46] - Introduction to the Message
[52:11] - Hannah’s Story: Consecration and Faith
[54:03] - The World of Judges: Doing What Is Right in Our Own Eyes
[57:00] - The Need for a New Focus
[59:19] - Rediscovering Consecration
[70:30] - Hannah’s Prayer and God’s Gift
[73:47] - The Power of Encouragement and Community
[77:56] - Ongoing Faithfulness and Generosity
[80:00] - Raising Up a New Generation
[83:13] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[87:10] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In 1 Samuel 1, what specific actions did Hannah take to show her faith and dedication to God regarding her son Samuel?
According to Judges 21:25, what was the spiritual and social climate of Israel during Hannah’s time?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the meaning of “consecration” and how does he relate it to Hannah’s actions? [[01:01:04]]
How does the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 connect to the theme of hope for families, as mentioned in the sermon? [[01:10:30]]

Interpretation Questions

Why might Hannah’s act of consecrating Samuel to the Lord be considered counter-cultural in her time—and even in ours? [[54:03]]
The pastor says, “Faith is caught, not just taught.” What does this mean in the context of family and church life? [[01:04:00]]
How does the idea that “our children are gifts from God” challenge the way we think about parenting, mentoring, or even friendship? [[01:10:30]]
The sermon highlights the importance of community in spiritual growth. Why is it necessary to have others encourage and support us in our faith journey? [[01:14:34]]

Application Questions

The sermon calls us to “consecrate” ourselves, our families, and our church to God. What is one area of your life that you have been holding back from God? What would it look like to set it apart for Him this week? [[01:01:04]]
Think about the phrase “faith is caught, not just taught.” Who in your life is watching how you live out your faith? What is one practical way you can model Christ to them this week? [[01:04:00]]
The pastor shared that encouragement and affirmation can change lives. Who is someone in your family, church, or community you can intentionally encourage this week? How will you do it? [[01:16:45]]
When you see someone (a child, friend, or church member) making choices you wouldn’t have chosen, how do you typically respond? How can you better trust God’s grace and purposes in their lives, as seen in the stories of Hannah and the prodigal son? [[01:21:21]]
The sermon mentions that community is essential, especially when our own families fall short. Is there someone in your church family you can “adopt” or support as a spiritual parent, sibling, or friend? What step can you take to build that relationship? [[01:14:34]]
The pastor encouraged celebrating the good we see in others, especially children. Share a recent example of something good you noticed in someone else. How did you (or could you) affirm them? [[01:16:45]]
The world around us often says, “Do what is right in your own eyes.” What is one way you can intentionally choose God’s way over your own this week, even if it’s counter-cultural? [[54:03]]

Sermon Clips

Though this is a commentary on Israel, I believe it's a commentary on us today. We all do what is right in our own eyes. And how dare Alex tell me that what I'm doing is not right. His eyes just need to be changed. You know, that's why he wears glasses, you know, and vice versa. But the reality is, that leads us down a really bad path. [00:54:36]

We all want to do what is right in our own eyes, as if we are the sole authority on all things. And the reality is, we are not. And this sets up troubles for all of us. We need a change of focus. [00:55:13]

If we want to see the world become a better place, if we want the world to be changed, then we go to stories like what Hannah shows us, because her world is very similar to our world, where they were not in a very good spot. [00:55:32]

We need a new movement of God. We need to be revived again. We need a change of focus, and that focus is this. It's not about us. It's not me, myself, and I. I am not the sole authority on my life. [00:57:18]

There is a supreme authority that is not created. There is someone greater than ourselves. I believe Scripture teaches, and the absolute truth is this. It is Jesus Christ, the Lord, who gets final say. [00:58:16]

We need to relearn the word consecration. That's like an old school word, okay? ... To be honest with you, many of us probably don't even really know what that word is. Some of you who have been around, you may remember it, but you're not quite sure because some preacher probably said it. But what does it really mean? [00:00:00]

I want us to relearn and restart using in words and in action this idea of being...consecrated because it sums up all of those words it talks about something is not their own something is set apart for someone greater it is declaring in this case our kids and in other ways declaring it sacred. [01:01:04]

Paul would say it this way we have been bought with a price we are set apart for God and that changes everything I believe believes it changes the way we interact with one another because I can see that you have been bought with a price that you are declared sacred not because of something you do but because of who Christ is and so how I treat you ought to be different. [01:01:34]

There will be times that with my own kids I have to consecrate them to the Lord they are not here for my purpose for what I want of them now I don't want I don't think anything bad for them you know I think my motives are pretty pure with what I want from them but in the end it's not what does dad say for them and in the end I have to take the viewpoint of Hannah's we will learn what does the Lord want for them. [01:02:05]

Faith is caught not just taught. Faith is caught not just taught. I can't just teach my kids all about Scripture and hope they get it they will but what they will also get is how do I live out Scripture how do I live out this faith that I say we proclaim what does that look like and this is important for all of us as parents to remember how we live out our faith is where our kids will live out our faith. [01:03:36]

It's also important for us as we try to be disciples who disciple others people aren't gonna just get our teaching by what we say they're gonna look and say how do you do it so one of the ways you do it is you just bring them along this is kind of how I do things this is what it might look like and so again and again it is not just what you say but it is what you live and what you do that will matter. [01:04:33]

You are influential now let me say this some of you do not have Christian parents some of you if we're honest didn't have good parents does this mean you're doomed no God works in miraculous ways church this is why we're called into community so that those of you who haven't had Christian parents or those of you who your parents maybe aren't the best you can adopt others. [01:08:48]

One of the reasons I like second Timothy so much is because it says to older ladies teach the younger ladies anyone can be adopted by anybody else in the faith and sometimes we just need a little bit older mature people of the faith to teach those of us who are younger in the faith what it might look at and at the same time I've already alluded to it but I'll say it more explicit those of you who are Christian parents and you mourn because your kids haven't haven't caught the faith that they were taught you don't lose heart. [01:09:32]

All we have is a gift from God. You are a gift from God to your parents. And you are a gift of God from God to others. And our kids are gifts from God. And if we get this mindset, we start to get the idea of consecration, because they're a gift. I didn't produce them. I did, but I didn't. [01:11:10]

Here's the truth. We need others. Moms, you need somebody else. You need somebody else to say, just keep moving. You know, just keep going. You need someone else to say, yes, do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. That's what her husband was saying. Do what is right in God's eyes. [01:13:42]

We are better together than we are apart. That's why church community is so important. The fact that you are here is so important because you can't do it alone because there is going to be a time when you need somebody else to speak into your life. [01:14:46]

What if we encouraged our parents? You got this. You're doing the best you can. How can I help you? And so we read that Hannah does. It comes time for him to be weaned. And she gives him back to God. [01:17:24]

Giving to God is powerful. Because Eli, I know they were there every year, and I know Samuel was the son, but Eli remembers them. Consistent, faithful generosity to the Lord and to others makes sense. An impact. [01:18:45]

Consecrate yourself to God today. Parents, consecrate your kids to God today. That's hard. Those of you who are aunts and uncles. Consecrate your nephews and nieces. Consecrate people. Give them to God. And you know what? God will do what only God can do. [01:19:42]

We realize that we are not the sole authority of our lives. That Jesus Christ is. And we live out our faith as honestly, as authentically as we can. Yes, we will mess up. There is no parent that is perfect. [01:20:38]

Consecrate yourselves and your kids and your families and this church to the Lord. Set it apart as holy unto the Lord and then start living that out. And when you do, at some point in time, I'm convinced there will be another Samuel. There will be another kid. There will be another Hannah. [01:22:03]

May you walk out in confidence of he who has called you being able to give you the strength to do what he is calling you to do and may you do that with your heart soul mind and strength. [01:28:11]

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