Today's Passage - Joshua 3:5

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Joshua 3:5   Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."    Obedient is one of the most important messages in the Book of Joshua. It brings an important result: Holiness. Indeed, the reason God wants us to be obedient is not only to show his authority, but also to make our lives more complete, just like that of Jesus. As such, Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves. It can be seen that consecration prepares for God's work. We often believe that God likes to use those who are talented or gifted, but actually God likes to use those who are obedient.   Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:20: "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble." I used to believe that precious vessels must be those of gold and silver. Those are the ones with great blessings. We are merely wood and clay, lowly vessels. But Paul continues, "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes" In other words, whether noble or humble is not a matter of silver or gold, but whether it is clean. Would you use a gold vessel if it is oily and filthy inside? I believe not. You'd rather use a clean wooden vessel, don't you? Holiness indeed prepares the way for God's work, and only when a man is holy before God will God use him!   When God uses a person, that person does not necessarily have to be amazingly gifted or eloquent; instead, God needs obedient people. An obedient person will surely walk on the path of holiness because this is God's will. Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Prayer is the way to obtain freedom, release, and also the path to make a person humble and clean. Through prayer, God's work will surely be fulfilled!   Pray with Pastor Tong     Lord, may you give us soft and obedient hearts; let us gladly be clean vessels before you so that we may be used by You.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!