Thank You for those who joined last week’s Consecration Study Time.
For those who missed out, Click the Link Below for a Study Guide.
 
24
Jan '20

What Consecration Really Means…

Posted on Jan 24, 2020 in Consecration, Quarterly Journal | 2740

24
Jan '20

Consecration is a special time for Shiloh. We not only see a brand-new year of our lives, but we also have the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the ministry in which we were assigned.  However, what does it really mean? What does it mean to be consecrated to the ministry and work of the church?

The Old Testament references the example of Aaron and his sons who were consecrated to “minister unto God in the priest’s office (Exodus 28:41).  In this act or ceremony, God gave specific instructions to consecrate priests for this work (Exodus 29:1-44).  But is this enough?  Is the attending of a ceremony the only thing required of us as leaders in ministry? The answer, of course, is no. The act of consecration is far more than ceremony.  The ceremony is the outward showing of our rededication.  But each of us must personally rededicate and commit ourselves to the work and ministry of the church. You’ll notice that in the New Testament, that the word, consecration is not mentioned at all.  Let’s examine why this may be. 

Consecration is defined as to make holy or to dedicate to a higher purpose.  You are being set aside for a specific purpose.  It is simply a declaration.   In the Old Testament, to note this, sacrifices were made.  Animals, were set apart and sacrificed as part of the consecration ceremony.  The sacrifice was something given to God for Him to use as He pleased. However, Paul said in Romans 12:1 that we all should “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service”.  We are the sacrifice that are set aside and given to God for Him to use us as He pleases.   Our Pastor has been teaching from the book of Romans and emphasizes the rededication and the giving of ourselves to the Lord.  This act is personal and if done sincerely and whole-heartedly, the real rededication of our hearts and lives will have already taken place and when we stand before the church the outward ceremony will truly be representative of what God has already done in our hearts.

To this end, let’s re-examine ourselves and more specifically – our own hearts.  Let’s rededicate and recommit ourselves to the Lord and to the ministry to which we have been assigned.  Let’s be leaders that are representative of God.  Let’s be that “living sacrifice” – set apart for the work of ministry – “holy, well pleasing to God”.
 
 
Submitted By Sis. Shonna Washington

22
Jan '20

Focus on Consecration

Posted on Jan 22, 2020 in Consecration, Quarterly Journal | 2510

22
Jan '20
The Separation of Oneself from things that are unclean, especially that would contaminate one’s relationship with a perfect God. Transformation by renewing your mind; A Living Sacrifice
 
“Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but but transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:1-2 KJV 
 
Every year in the month of April, my gardener begins Spring clean up. He cleans the yard from all the debris and remaining leaves from the Fall, turns over the dirt and seeds the yard to prepare for a new season. It’s probably my favorite time of year because I look forward to the grass getting greener and picking new flowers for the yard. The trees have grown and provide a little more shade than last year, so there is some pruning that needs to be done. I love to get up early in the morning, while everyone is still asleep, with a cup of coffee and just to sit in silence in the yard, just to listen. That is transformation in its purest form. The activity in the yard goes through a metamorphosis, and it dramatically changes right before my eyes. I begin to see God’s hand in creation in a new and exciting way. The Bible says, “The Earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1). It is in those moments that I reflect on who God is and how my life has changed since I began to really study His Word. I notice a change in me. 
 
January is our time corporately each year that we set aside as our time of Consecration. During the month, for one week, we spend time together fasting, praying and studying God’s Word. This time is critical in our relationship with God and to the world as Paul reminds us that we are called to be different than the world, and transformation comes by renewing our mind. It’s a time when we reflect on who God is, and who He has been in our lives. I quiet myself from the everyday norm of life and hear what the Spirit is speaking to me about God’s will for my life. There is nothing more powerful than a renewed mind with new thoughts and new visions. I begin to think differently and recognize God’s hand in my life. I begin to understand that all things have worked together for my good, and I begin to glorify Him. I start to love differently and to understand that love requires patience, and being kind to those I love. I begin to forgive people around me, and not hold a grudge because I begin to understand that I too, am flawed and God still loves me; and forgives me every time I do things my own way. It’s a time of self-reflection. I start acing like the child of God that I was called to be, I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. This is a time to be still, pull away, and just to be with Him. This is the place of renewed foundation. I begin to reflect on what my fundamental beliefs are, and who God is and who I am in Christ. 
 
I reflect on what I know about God and me; and I am sure that He is a healer, because He healed me. I am sure He is a provider, because He provides for me. I am sure He is my God, and I am among the called. I am sure that He has purpose for my life. I begin to understand that I am nothing without Him and through Him all things are possible, if I only believe. 
 
Consecration is your time with God. It is in our time of fasting and prayer that we seek God’s voice. I encourage you not to let this time of transformation and renewal pass you by. If you want a different result, you have to do something different.
 
 
Submitted By Sis. Aretha Vaughn