Notes of Faith June 7, 2025

Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.

1 Samuel 2:11

Elkanah and Hannah were blessed with a son in answer to Hannah’s prayers. When we read the story in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel, we usually focus on Hannah. But Elkanah is described as a man who faithfully traveled to the tabernacle in Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:3). He loved Hannah (1:5) and sought to comfort and encourage her (1:8). And the day came when Elkanah and Hannah took their son, Samuel, and dedicated him to God’s service in Shiloh. Samuel became a champion for his people and a hero in the Bible.

It's important to dedicate our children to the Lord. Some people do that in a public worship service. It’s done in various ways in different churches and denominations. But the central truth is that God blesses a child whose dad is devoted to the Lord and gives Him all he has, including his children.

Elkanah’s home wasn’t perfect (1 Samuel 1:1-6), but Elkanah served a perfect God. When we ask the Lord to have His way with our youngsters, they will be blessed.

God is the one who gives children; they belong to Him.

Coty Pinckney

God gives life to all creation. Every child born in the world began in the mind of God before the foundation of the world. (Thank you Larry Clark) Since all begin with God, it would seem that all would have an intimate relationship with Him. But that is not true. Only some come to God in believing faith and enjoy that intimacy. Let us strive toward that relationship as of first priority and leave a legacy of faith not only in our children but in as many as possible that God places around us!

Love God! Love others!

Pastor Dale