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Consecrated for the Summer
Following the Shepherd to Higher Places
As summer begins to unfold with longer days, blooming flowers, and the warmth of the sun, many of us are making plans for vacations, family gatherings, and outdoor adventures. But what if God is inviting us into something even deeper this season? In this week’s episode of the You Are My Witnesses Podcast, we explore the biblical call to consecration and why preparing our hearts before a new season begins may be one of the most important things we do.
A Season of Drawing Near
The current season of Pentecost serves as a powerful reminder that God desires His people to draw near to Him. Just as Israel journeyed to Jerusalem during the appointed feasts, we are invited to ascend spiritually—to leave behind distractions and pursue a closer relationship with the Lord. Yet the path upward is not without challenges. Throughout Scripture, we see how easily God’s people became distracted, allowing fear, compromise, and misplaced desires to pull them away from His presence.
Learning from Israel’s Summer Struggles
As the Hebrew month of Tammuz approaches, we are reminded of one of Israel’s greatest failures: the creation of the golden calf. While Moses was receiving revelation on the mountain, the people turned to a counterfeit source of security and worship. Their story challenges us to ask a difficult question:
What “golden calves” might be competing for God’s place in my own life?
The summer months also carry the sobering memory of Israel’s refusal to enter the Promised Land. These biblical events serve as warnings and invitations, urging us to examine our hearts, realign our priorities, and remain faithful to God’s voice.
The Shepherd’s Invitation to Higher Ground
Drawing from Philip Keller’s beloved book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, this episode explores how summer was the season when shepherds led their flocks to the high mountain pastures. These rich grazing lands required sheep to leave familiar fields behind and follow the shepherd through valleys, steep climbs, and unfamiliar terrain.
The lesson is profound: consecration often requires us to leave what is comfortable so God can lead us somewhere greater. Before the sheep ever arrived at the summer pastures, the shepherd had already gone ahead, preparing the way and removing dangers. In the same way, God prepares places of provision and growth before He calls us into them.
Hidden Distractions and Fresh Anointing
One of the most powerful insights from Psalm 23 is the image of the shepherd anointing the sheep’s head with oil. During the summer months, irritating flies and parasites could torment sheep to the point of destruction. The shepherd’s oil brought protection, healing, and peace.
Spiritually, many of our greatest battles are not dramatic crises but subtle distractions that slowly pull our attention away from God. Consecration is not merely about giving things up—it is about receiving the protection, comfort, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit so we can stay focused on the Shepherd’s voice.
Trusting God More Than Our Own Understanding
We conclude with a deep dive into Proverbs 3:3-8, a passage that calls believers to bind steadfast love and truth around their necks, trust in the Lord with all their hearts, and resist leaning on their own understanding. In a culture overflowing with opinions, information, and endless voices competing for our attention, God’s invitation remains the same: trust Him, acknowledge Him, and allow Him to direct your path.
Sometimes the greatest act of consecration is surrendering our own plans and allowing God to rewrite them.
Questions for Your Summer
Where is the Good Shepherd asking you to follow Him this season?
What comfort, distraction, fear, or familiar pasture might He be asking you to leave behind?
This episode is filled with biblical insight, practical encouragement, and a heartfelt challenge to enter the summer with a fully surrendered heart. If you’re longing for deeper intimacy with God and greater clarity for the season ahead, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Listen to the full episode and discover how consecration can lead you into the rich places God has already prepared for you.
Discovering the Hebrew Months Newsletter
Understanding the Times and Seasons
Become a Steward of Time
Discovering the Hebrew months helps you see how the Old Testament points to Jesus and discern God’s timing, so you can stay aligned with His Spirit.
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Now My Eyes See You
When pain becomes an invitation to encounter God face-to-face
If this episode has stirred something in you, Janell invites you to go deeper with her. Explore her devotional Now My Eyes See You. In it, she shares how suffering, though disorienting, can become the place where we encounter God’s redeeming presence. Like Job, we are not alone in the ashes. Jesus steps in and leads us into healing. The devotional is available on Amazon in all formats. And Janell has a free Bible study to accompany it, link is below.
Grab Your FREE Bible Study!
Click above to join Janell’s Substack for a Bible Study on the Book of Job
Download the pdf notes and all seven videos. You can use it forever! Whether you have questions about suffering, this resource will help. If you know of people in your life that do, this resource will be a rich and meaningful addition to your faith toolbox.
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Janell Kremer 
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