Every Place You Set Your Foot, Prayer Walking Series: Day 9 - Commit

 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves,

for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

Joshua 3:5

What does it mean to consecrate yourself? The dictionary says it means to, “set apart, declare as sacred, dedicate formally, or devote” something or someone for God’s purposes. So what do you think the Israelites did that night? What was the prevailing attitude in the camp?

What would you and your family do if you were given this command? Would you have a little ceremony? Repeat vows in the Name of the Lord? Draw up a formal document and take turns signing it?

What I picture are awards or military ceremonies, graduations, baptism, weddings—occasions where people make promises or honor those who have shown allegiance to a higher calling. They vow to live for others; to protect them; to make sacrifices that demonstrate their love and loyalty, even in the face of insurmountable odds. There’s an element of seriousness to show they mean what they say.

Why did Joshua prompt the people to do this the night before going to war? I believe it’s because consecration precedes victory. God can do amazing things among those who are wholeheartedly dedicated to Him. That doesn’t mean we always have to be serious, but we do need to mean what we say and back it up with action.

Have you promised God, or yourself, or someone else that you will prayer walk this month? Are you dedicated to keeping that promise? Have you set apart the time so it won’t get squeezed out by other “urgent” demands? Are you willing to do it even when you don’t feel like it, when you’ve had a horrible day, when your prayer buddy bails on you, and when it rains?

If we want God to do amazing things among us, we have to be willing to do our part. The enemy never quits. We need to be just as dedicated if we want to defeat him and save our families and the people around us from becoming his prisoners of war.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

*If you’d like to learn more about Halloween and some possible alternatives for Christians, my book Taking Back October is a terrific resource! Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Back-October-Believers-Pursuit/dp/1502516292/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505868831&sr=8-1&keywords=taking+back+October

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