DEDICATION = SACRIFICE

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Numbers 6:2-3,8,12-13

“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.“If any of the people, either men or women, take the special vow of a Nazirite, setting themselves apart to the Lord in a special way,

they must give up wine and other alcoholic drinks. They must not use vinegar made from wine or from other alcoholic drinks, they must not drink fresh grape juice, and they must not eat grapes or raisins.

This requirement applies as long as they are set apart to the Lord.

The days of their vow that were completed before their defilement no longer count. They must rededicate themselves to the Lord as a Nazirite for the full term of their vow, and each must bring a one-year-old male lamb for a guilt offering.

“This is the ritual law for Nazirites. At the conclusion of their time of separation as Nazirites, they must each go to the entrance of the Tabernacle


Many desire a special place with God, to display His power and to be His representative.


I desire it, and I believe you do too.


The question then is, what does God want from us? What is the Father's requirements?


The truth is that many who desire are not ready for the requirements. We are not talking about the requirements for salvation. No. We are talking of what it takes to really work with God, to be on assignment and can truly say "thus says the Lord".


There is a popular verse we read so lightly:


Hebrews 11:6

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.


Hebrews 11:6 

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.


Also we have this other popular verse:


Jeremiah 29:13

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.


None of these verses is saying that God is somewhere and has to be reached, No. It is simply saying that you are not tuned to His channel as a first instance then how do we go ahead to "dial his number". There are levels of relationships!


In our reading for today, we see the requirements for being a Nazarite, one thing I love about the verse is:


Numbers 6:2

“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.“If any of the people, either men or women, take the special vow of a Nazirite, setting themselves apart to the Lord in a special way,


You see that it is not a compulsion!


Yes, there are some the Lord calls unto special assignments like Samson, who had instructions before his birth of his being a Nazarite. However, it is usually a voluntary commitment.


That is why I always say that no one is forced into ministry. You are part of the decision, yes, you are called but it is for you to accept. Once you do, the dedication and sacrifice is binding you.


Jesus said:


Matthew 22:14

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”


If you have been called, or have the desire to be in the call. You must be ready for dedication and sacrifice. Know what it takes from the onset. Don't begin and then continue with complain that will lead to a falling away.


Enough of ministers who begin, hyped with purpose but suddenly deviate to what they were not called to. Things like mammon worship, deceits, manipulations and also immorality. Enough of the disgusting things we hear of those who are supposed to be upholders of the faith.


It is a serious business to be in the employ of the Heavenly Father.


. . . must diligently seek Him . . . 


You have no business in ministry if you are not dedicated to it, you have no business in ministry if you cannot sacrifice.


2Corinthians 4:1 (kjv)

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;


1Timothy 1:12 (kjv)

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;


2Timothy 4:5 

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.


We must take our commitment to the Heavenly Father seriously. You are either in or you are not!


Don't play with fire.


Hebrews 12:29 

For our God [is] a consuming fire.


We must stay in the cover of His love.


Remember, if we will do our special assignments, we must be dedicated and ready to sacrifice.


O help us Good Lord.


PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father let me be one of Your called that is chosen, may I profit for You in all things. Glory to Your name forever.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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