Consecrated Preparation

"Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"
Joshua 3:5

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Devotional Thought For The Day
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"Consecrate yourselves."  A footnote reads, "at Sinai this had involved washing all their garments as well as their bodies, and also abstinence from sexual intercourse." Though they didn't know the "amazing thing" that God was going to do for them [stopping the Jordan River so that they crossed over on dry ground], they were instructed to "consecrate" themselves in preparation.

Some probably balked.  The sinful flesh reacts negatively to the promises of God, and to discipline.  The believers probably consecrated themselves with great joy and anticipation!

We know the amazing things that God does for us in Worship.  He speaks to us in His Word.  He absolves our sins by His Word in the mouth of our pastor.  He gives us His body and blood for our forgiveness.  He hears and answers all our prayers!  There is a place for consecration [serious preparation and anticipation] even today, as we prepare for the amazing things the Lord does for us each Sunday morning!

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Prayer For The Day
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O Lord, fill me with amazement at Your gracious gifts given to me in Worship - Your presence, Your forgiveness, Your instruction, Your blessing!  Fill me with such awe and reverence for this encounter with You, that I too may joyfully prepare to receive Your amazing gifts.  Amen.

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