Entrusting Our Children to God's Purpose and Care

Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the dedication of children to the Lord, reflecting on the biblical examples of Samuel and Jesus, and the profound responsibility God entrusts to parents and the church in shaping the next generation. Before any of us were conceived, God knew our futures and had a purpose for our lives. As parents and as a church family, our calling is to seek God’s will for our children, to speak words of faith over them, and to trust that their destinies are in His hands. The family is a divine institution, and children are a heritage from the Lord, given to us for a season to nurture, protect, and train for His glory.

Turning to Psalm 19, we are reminded that all of creation testifies to the glory and handiwork of God. The heavens, the sun, the moon, and the stars are daily witnesses to His power and faithfulness. Just as God holds the universe together by His word, He is also holding our lives, our futures, and our needs. There is no situation too great for Him, and nothing escapes His care. We are called to trust Him, to believe that He will supply all our needs, and to value what He values—especially the souls He has redeemed.

The Word of God is our sure foundation. It is perfect, converting the soul, and gives wisdom to the simple. We are challenged to build our lives not on shifting sands, but on the rock of God’s Word, to let it shape our decisions, our desires, and our destinies. The law of the Lord is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey; in keeping it, there is great reward. God’s Word not only warns us but also promises blessing and provision for those who obey.

We must also allow God to cleanse us from secret and presumptuous sins, to renew our hearts, and to align the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts with what is acceptable in His sight. The battle is often in our minds, but God offers us strength, redemption, and a future filled with hope. No matter what we face, God is faithful, and He will do it again. Let us walk in faith, speak words of life, and pursue God’s heart, knowing that He is our strength and our redeemer.

Key Takeaways

- Children and the Next Generation Are God’s Heritage
God knows the future of every child before they are even conceived. Our role as parents and as a church is to seek God’s will for their lives, not to impose our own dreams or live vicariously through them. When we dedicate our children to God, we are releasing them into His hands, trusting that His plans are greater than ours and that He will use them to impact their generation. [23:26]

- Creation Testifies to God’s Faithfulness and Sovereignty
The heavens, sun, moon, and stars are daily reminders of God’s glory and His ability to sustain all things. If God can hold the universe together by His word, He can certainly hold our lives and futures. We are called to lift our eyes above our circumstances, trust in His provision, and remember that we are infinitely valuable to Him—more than all creation. [50:29]

- The Word of God Is a Sure Foundation and Brings Transformation
Building our lives on God’s Word is more valuable than any earthly treasure. His law is perfect, converting the soul, and His testimony is sure, making wise the simple. When we submit to the authority of God’s Word, it brings wisdom, stability, and blessing, transforming our hearts and aligning our desires with His. [01:16:06]

- God Desires to Cleanse and Renew Our Hearts
God is able to cleanse us from secret and presumptuous sins, to remove hardness from our hearts, and to restore passion, love, and purpose. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He writes His law on our hearts, making us sensitive to His voice and leading us into a life of righteousness and freedom. We must be honest before God, allowing Him to do the deep work of renewal within us. [01:29:15]

- Faith-Filled Words and Thoughts Shape Our Destiny
The words we speak and the meditations of our hearts matter deeply to God. We are called to reject the lies of the enemy, to speak words of faith, and to pursue God’s heart above all else. When our words and thoughts align with God’s truth, we walk in His strength and redemption, and we position ourselves to receive His reward and fulfill His purpose for our lives. [01:30:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:55] - Baby Dedication: Entrusting Our Children to God
[21:12] - Biblical Examples: Samuel and Jesus
[23:26] - Releasing Our Children to God’s Purpose
[25:29] - The Family’s Divine Calling
[27:17] - Trusting God with Our Children’s Future
[28:29] - Parental Covenant and Prayer
[29:35] - Prayers of Blessing for Henry and Evelyn
[31:30] - Celebrating the Dedication
[45:48] - God’s Faithfulness in Our Church and Building
[47:24] - Psalm 19: The Heavens Declare God’s Glory
[50:29] - God’s Handiwork and Our Trust
[59:26] - The Power of God’s Word in Creation and Our Lives
[01:16:06] - The Law of the Lord: Foundation and Transformation
[01:25:14] - God’s Provision and the Value of His Word
[01:29:15] - Cleansing from Secret and Presumptuous Sins
[01:30:58] - Words, Thoughts, and Pursuing God’s Heart
[01:38:01] - Responding in Faith and Prayer
[01:47:41] - Speaking Faith and Blessing Over One Another
[01:52:47] - Closing Worship and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Psalm 19 (entire chapter)
- 1 Samuel 1:20-28 (Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord)
- Luke 2:22-40 (Mary and Joseph dedicate Jesus at the temple)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 19, what are some specific ways that creation “declares the glory of God”? How does the psalmist describe the heavens and the sun?
2. According to 1 Samuel 1:20-28, what did Hannah do after God answered her prayer for a child? What was her attitude in dedicating Samuel?
3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the church and parents’ responsibility when it comes to children? [[25:29]]
4. What does Psalm 19 say about the law of the Lord and its effect on a person’s soul and life?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the psalmist spends so much time talking about creation before talking about God’s law? What connection is he making between the two?
2. The sermon says, “Children are the heritage of the Lord. And they've been committed by God to us as parents into our care for the protection, for training, and for his glory.” What does it mean for children to be a “heritage” from God? [[25:29]]
3. The pastor mentions that God’s Word is “more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.” Why is God’s Word described this way, and what does that mean for how we value it in our lives? [[01:26:40]]
4. The sermon talks about God cleansing us from “secret and presumptuous sins.” What is the difference between these two, and why is it important to ask God for cleansing in both areas? [[01:29:15]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges parents and the church to “seek God’s will for our children, not to impose our own dreams or live vicariously through them.” If you are a parent, grandparent, or mentor, are there ways you might be pushing your own dreams instead of seeking God’s purpose for the next generation? How can you shift your prayers and actions to trust God’s plan? [[23:26]]
2. Psalm 19 says that all of creation is a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness. When you are facing a difficult situation, do you tend to focus on your problems or on God’s power? What is one practical way you can remind yourself of God’s faithfulness this week? [[50:29]]
3. The pastor said, “Building our lives on God’s Word is more valuable than any earthly treasure.” What are some “shifting sands” you might be tempted to build your life on? How can you make God’s Word a more central foundation in your daily decisions? [[01:00:57]]
4. The sermon talks about God’s ability to “cleanse us from secret and presumptuous sins, to remove hardness from our hearts, and to restore passion, love, and purpose.” Is there an area in your life where you need God to do a deep work of renewal? What would it look like to invite Him into that area this week? [[01:29:15]]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of the words we speak and the meditations of our hearts. Are there any negative or faithless words or thoughts you’ve been speaking over yourself or others? What is one way you can begin to speak words of faith and life instead? [[01:30:58]]
6. The sermon encouraged the church to “speak faith and blessing over one another.” Who is someone in your life that needs encouragement right now? How can you intentionally speak a word of blessing or faith to them this week? [[01:47:41]]
7. The pastor said, “No matter what we face, God is faithful, and He will do it again.” Can you share a time when God came through for you in the past? How does remembering that help you trust Him for your current needs? [[45:48]]

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Devotional

Day 1: God’s Sovereign Plan for Our Children’s Lives
Before any child is conceived, God already knows their future and has a purpose for their life. As parents, our highest calling is to dedicate our children to the Lord, seeking His will above our own dreams or ambitions for them. When we release our children to God, we acknowledge that they are His, entrusted to us for a season, and we commit to raising them in His ways, trusting that He will fulfill His plans through them. Our words and prayers over our children matter, shaping their destiny and inviting God’s blessing and protection. [23:26]

1 Samuel 1:26-28, 1 Samuel 2:21 (ESV):
And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 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. ... Indeed the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the Lord.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can pray over your child (or a child in your life) today, releasing them to God’s purpose rather than your own expectations?



Day 2: The Heavens Declare God’s Glory and Care for Us
Every sunrise and sunset, every star in the sky, is a testimony to the greatness and faithfulness of God. Creation itself is a daily reminder that God is in control, holding all things together by His word. If God so masterfully orders the universe, how much more will He care for you, provide for your needs, and guide your steps? Let the beauty and order of creation build your faith that your future is secure in His hands, and that you are deeply valued by the Creator. [50:29]

Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV):
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun.

Reflection: The next time you see the sky, pause and thank God for one way He has shown His care for you recently—how does creation remind you of His faithfulness?



Day 3: The Transforming Power of God’s Word
God’s Word is a perfect foundation for life, able to convert the soul, give wisdom, and bring true joy. When you build your life on His Word—reading it, obeying it, and letting it shape your decisions—you receive wisdom beyond your own understanding and a sure hope for the future. The Word of God is more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey, offering both warning and great reward to those who keep it. [01:16:06]

Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV):
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let God’s Word guide your next decision? How can you intentionally seek His wisdom today?



Day 4: Cleansing the Heart—Letting God Transform Our Inner Life
God desires not only outward obedience but a heart that is pure and fully surrendered to Him. He alone can cleanse us from secret faults and presumptuous sins, replacing a hardened heart with one that is tender, passionate, and responsive to His love. When we invite God to search us and cleanse us, He writes His Word on our hearts and empowers us by His Spirit to live uprightly, free from the dominion of sin. [01:29:15]

Psalm 19:12-13 (ESV):
Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

Reflection: Ask God to reveal any hidden attitudes or sins in your heart today—what is one step you can take to bring this into the light and invite His cleansing?



Day 5: Aligning Our Words and Desires with God’s Will
The true test of a transformed life is when both our words and the meditations of our hearts are pleasing to God. The battle often begins in our thoughts, but as we submit our desires and speech to the Lord, He becomes our strength and redeemer. Pursuing God’s heart, not just following rules, brings blessing and favor into our lives. When we trust Him with our future and speak words of faith, we walk in the confidence and authority of His children. [01:30:58]

Psalm 19:14 (ESV):
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Reflection: What is one way you can change your words or your focus today to better reflect trust in God and a desire to please Him?

Quotes

It matters what we speak over our children. That daddy prophesied before the son was even born and said, his words are going to come to pass. I believe God knows our future before we're even conceived in the womb. Hallelujah. Before these children were conceived in the womb, God knew what he was going to do. In their lives and through their lives. [00:22:50] (00:00:36 seconds)  #SpeakLifeOverChildren Edit Clip

The family's a divine institution. It's ordained to God. It's not ordained by man. It's not something we created. This is something God created. Children are the heritage of the Lord. And they've been committed by God to us as parents into our care for the protection, for training, and for his glory. [00:26:10] (00:00:25 seconds)  #FamilyDivineHeritage Edit Clip

There's no fear like the fear of wondering what's going to happen to your child. When you have nothing you can do but pray and say, God, that's your baby. Their future's in your hands. I trust you. And I've watched God come through time and time again. Hallelujah. They're not ours. We're just entrusted with them for a season. They belong to God. [00:27:59] (00:00:30 seconds)  #TrustGodWithChildren Edit Clip

When God created the heavens, he was just testifying of how great he was. Hallelujah. Anybody believe God's glorious? Anybody believe God can do anything? I believe God's got a word for you today that's going to build your faith and help you recognize you're right where you're supposed to be in the middle of the will of God. And we're going to see greater things than we've ever seen. You got to believe it today. [00:48:41] (00:00:27 seconds)  #FaithInGodsPlan Edit Clip

You're valuable to god because the bible says that one soul is worth more than the earth and everything in it one individual person in this room is worth more than everything in this world to god and if he clothes the lily and he feeds the sparrow how much more is he going to take care of you oh you of little faith i think there's some hope in that you can have a little bit of faith and he'll still take care of you [00:56:31] (00:00:38 seconds)  #YouAreValuedByGod Edit Clip

You don't have to worry about tomorrow. God's got tomorrow in his hand. Just worry about right now. Give praise to God. Just worry about right now. God, I give you glory because everything's going to be all right. Amen. I give you praise because you're going to do it just like you said you would. [00:57:33] (00:00:18 seconds)  #TrustGodForTomorrow Edit Clip

If you'll open up your ear, you're going to hear a testimony to the glory of God. If you'll open up your eyes, you're going to see the glory of God on full display. Every day that sun rises, it's saying, look what the Lord has done. It's another day for you to give him glory. It's another day for you to rise and shine and give God the glory, glory, children of the Lord. [00:58:25] (00:00:24 seconds)  #GloryInEveryDay Edit Clip

He can create a fusion fireball in the sky that's going to burn out when he says it's going to burn out. Amen. It's going to burn until he says it's over. Amen. But God is holding everything together with the power of his word. He says, we know by faith that the worlds were framed by the word of God. You don't see physical framework. You don't see the sticks that hold the sun to the earth. You don't see the tension that God says, I put it all together and my word's holding all of it together. [00:59:47] (00:00:34 seconds)  #GodHoldsItTogether Edit Clip

You got to learn how to tell yourself you got to learn how to speak with authority and make a declaration self you're gonna praise god today whether you feel like it or not i will rejoice and be glad in it i don't care how i feel today i don't care what the message of the day is i don't care what the news is saying i don't care what the stock market is doing i don't care what my job or my boss said i will get my joy back [01:06:00] (00:00:32 seconds)  #DeclareJoyDaily Edit Clip

What you've been worrying about? Let God handle it. What you've been fretting about? You can't do anything about that. Quit worrying about it. Take your hands off of it and give God the glory. Say, God, you're going to take care of this. [01:24:44] (00:00:19 seconds)  #LetGoLetGod Edit Clip