January 12th, 2026
Read Joshua 3:5 NIV
Spiritual Movement starts with Spiritual Preparation
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
Who doesn’t want the Lord to do amazing things among them? I know I sure do! Sign me up! However, if I am being fully honest, I am not 100% clear about what this word “consecrate” truly means. I am familiar with the definition of the word, but I guess the actual application of it leaves me a bit confused. Reading this verse in Joshua today excites me to get clear on the intended meaning of the command to “consecrate yourselves” because I know that I sure would love for the Lord to do amazing things in and through me. Let’s get clear on the meaning of consecration together!
In the Bible, to consecrate means to “set apart or dedicate something or someone for a sacred purpose.” Great…there it is! But what now? What does this mean for us today?
So, for us, to consecrate ourselves to God really means to give Him our heart and to be willing to set ourselves apart for His purposes. Still unclear? This can mean offering yourself to Him through daily prayer, surrendering your plans and desires to what He would ask of you. It can mean reading Scripture regularly. Consecration, in daily application, means making a conscious choice to allow the rhythms of your life to be for His use, and not your own satisfaction. This is not meant to be a one-and-done thing. In practical terms, it means making a fresh commitment to God each day. Consecration is a process for us. But it is a process that draws us closer to the heart of God!
This is what Joshua is asking of the Israelites in verse 5. He is instructing them to take time to intentionally choose to allow their life to be for God’s plans and to consciously choose to draw closer to Him! He is inviting them to GET READY! Joshua knew that the Lord planned to do amazing things through His people the very next day. So, he was calling them to get ready before the MOVE!
Spiritual movement starts with spiritual preparation.
Questions:
What spiritual preparation can you begin today?
What would it look like to begin to “consecrate” yourself daily for God?
