E256 - Faith, Hope, Love

How to be a Mother that Impacts the World
Pastor Kong 11 May 08

1 Samuel 1
Here we have the story of a wonderful mom, Hannah. In 1 Samuel, the society was leaderless and in a mess. Hannah’s husband had 2 wives and so there was serious trouble in her family and relationship. Also, Hannah was infertile. So she had an imperfect family, a rival and was barren.

Peninnah often looked down up on her. But amidst this madness, Hannah did 3 things that changed her situation. Let’s look at how to be an ultimate mother, how to be a mother that can change the world.

When God wants to rise up a great man or woman, He will use mothers.

1. Hannah was dedicated to God.

She was a woman of prayer. She spent quality time in His presence
V7: “So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord…” Hannah would go to the house of God. She was a lover of God’s house.
She prayed that God will look over her. God not my will but your will be done. God I trust in your goodness. You know my needs, but it is not my agenda but your agenda. I am not angry with you, I put my life in your hands. What a beautiful and spiritual woman she was! What a beautiful attitude!
She made a vow to God to not forget her, that if God were to give her a son, she will give her son to the Lord. She wanted a child for the right reason, to glorify God.

2. Hannah was dedicated to her husband.

Hannah did not have a perfect relationship or marriage, but she tried to make it work
V5: “But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah”
She forgave her husband, she traveled with him, she ate with him, she worshiped God with her husband (V19). The love of God in her heart moved and impacted her husband. Worship and prayer builds intimacy! Slowly, she was able to win her husband’s heart. A genuine love relationship was built.
The key of making a relationship work is to pray and worship together, just husband and wife.

3. Hannah was dedicated to her child.

Hannah became pregnant and named her son Samuel.
For the first 3-5 years, she groomed and mentored him.
Family experts say that 50% of a child’s personality is build by 5 years old. By 8 years old, 80% of a child’s personality is build.
Thus, the early years of a child are important.
1 Samuel 3:1 “Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli.” As a little boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. Samuel learnt to love and worship God, learnt to be so sensitive to God from his mother.
Mothers’ examples of their attitudes towards God are important in impacting the nation.
Hannah had her relational priority right: God first, then her husband, then her child. As a result, she brought forth a boy that became the greatest judge in history.
God wants to do the same for every mother. He wants every mother’s child to be a world shaker and history maker!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO PEI EN OUR SPIRITUAL MOTHER! Ahhaa.
(Wah! The Body Shop products! Our church knows how to treat mothers well!!!)

ANYWAY, I AM BACK. Tsk tsk. If I don't upload service sermons then no one else going to do it?! :(

I didn’t catch Saturday's service. Pei En, did you do that mothers appreciation thingy!!! Your mum touched anot!! Omgosh I was so touched by the JAMS church member and Joseph (ex-convict)’s appreciation (for Sunday's service lah)!

Btw, did Pastor Aries change his hairstyle? Like his fringe?

Oh and if you reply me by tagboard I can't read it. ~~I can't read ANY blogspot blogs, but can update. So it also means that Michelle I can't read your blog as well, so you better msn me lots. haha.~~ On msn mon-fri, 9am-6pm always (at least for now).