The Jordan River Rules: Week 6

We are thrilled to have you join us! Every Tuesday morning at 9:00, now until August 6, we'll gather for a Summer Book Club-Style Bible Study. As a community of like-minded followers of Jesus Christ, we'll share our journeys, support each other, and find encouragement together.

Our focus will be on studying 10 God-given strategies for moving forward, as outlined in "The Jordan River Rules." Each week, we’ll explore one rule and discuss it in the comment section. If you haven't yet grabbed the book, you can get your copy here.

Can't make it on Tuesday mornings at 9:00? No problem! You can participate anytime during the week at your convenience. Simply read the week’s chapter and the corresponding blog post, then join the discussion in the comments. Don’t forget to invite a friend to join us! We look forward to growing together in faith!

​WEEK 6: Prepare Today for Tomorrow’s Wonders

“Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'” Joshua 3:5

Living Royally—Aligning Position and Condition: Have you ever stood in a grocery line, casually flipping through a magazine, only to stumble upon stories of a young prince causing turmoil in his royal family? Born in opulence, destined for the crown, yet entangled in scandals and prodigal living. It's a familiar narrative. But before we judge, let's introspect. As Christ-followers, we too are part of a royal family, representing a Heavenly Kingdom. If angels had tabloids, would they be reading about us, questioning if our habits match our divine calling?
 
Crossing the Jordan—A Call to Consecration: Imagine standing with the Israelites at the swollen Jordan, their wilderness journey concluding. Joshua sends a message through the ranks: “Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow” (Joshua 3:5). This call to consecration is profound. It beckons us to holiness, to be set apart for sacred use. As Christ's representatives, our condition must reflect our exalted position in His Kingdom.
 
Position vs. Condition—A Crucial Duality: Our journey toward aligning position and condition commences with embracing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. In Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul reminds us that, though we were once immersed in imperfections, through Christ, we are washed, sanctified, and justified. Our position in Christ is one of holiness, irrespective of our past.

Growing Into Christ-likeness—Bridging the Gap: While our position is established through faith in Christ, our condition is a dynamic process—sanctification. Ephesians 4:1 urges us to walk worthy of our calling. Romans 6:19 underscores the need to offer ourselves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. It's a transformative journey of shedding the old self, renewing our minds, and embracing the new self in God's likeness.
 
Proactive Holiness—Nipping Rot in the Bud: Reflecting on a basket of apples susceptible to decay, the analogy extends to our lives. A single rotting apple can spread decay rapidly. If a bad habit threatens, be proactive. Repent. Change. Seek God's help to overcome temptations. Take Joshua 3:5 seriously, consecrating yourself daily, anticipating that the Lord will work wonders through you tomorrow.
 
The Promise of Wonders—Faith in Action: The promise is clear, friend, consecrate yourself, and the Lord will do wonders with you! This isn't a distant hope but a ever-present, daily reality. This testimony from Myanmar exemplifies this truth: A Christian named Koko fervently prayed for an open door policy in his homeland. Despite discouragement, he persisted. The unexpected occurred—Myanmar underwent political reform, and Koko witnessed the transformation of his nation.

So what is our role in God's grand design? In the tapestry of God's grand design, your consecration plays a vital role. As Daniel 11:32 states, "The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits." Consecrate yourself today, aligning your spiritual condition with your position in Christ. Let the Lord work wonders through you. Your prayers, your growth, and your holiness contribute to the unfolding of God's divine plan. Don't underestimate the impact of consecrated living. In a world that often mirrors tabloid headlines, let your life be a testament to the wonders God can accomplish through those who wholeheartedly consecrate themselves to Him.

“A holy God needs holy people if He’s going to do great things among them.... Daniel 11:32 says, 'The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.' Consecrate yourself today, and let God use you as He will tomorrow.” —Robert Morgan

How can we consecrate ourselves daily to align our lives with our calling in Christ, as the Israelites did before crossing the Jordan?

Read The Jordan River Rules: Week 7 here.

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