Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Psalm 136:1
Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Heb 12:28
Col 3:17 – Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Time to Choose
Read Joshua 24
Joshua recaps all they have been through. Reminding the children of Israel what God has done for them.
Remember Where You Came From
Joshua reminded them of their fathers serving other gods on the other side of the Jordan.
Remember God initiated First
Then God took Abraham and led him throughout the land, multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. Isaac had Esau and Jacob. To Esau God gave mountains of Seir, but Jacob returned to Egypt.
Remember How God Delivered Us
Even when the children of Israel were captives in bondage in Egypt, God used Moses to lead the people out.
Remember Enemies Will Not Prevail
While on their wilderness journey Balak son of Beor sent for Balaam to curse the children of Israel. God would not listen to Balaam and continued to bless the children of Israel instead.
Remember How the Walls Fell
Then there’s Jericho and God’s amazing victory. Finally over the Jordan river, they come to Jericho. God handed over the city to them, after the children of Israel marched around it seven times and shouted.
Remember God Delivers Us from Our Enemies
When faced with yet another enemy, the children of Israel didn’t have to fight for God dealt with the two kings of Amorites before the children of Israel even arrived.
Time for Commitment
After recounting all God had done Joshua says, “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and truth and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of Jordan. Serve the Lord. If it seems evil to you to service the Lord, choose for yourself this day who you will serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”
Choose Wisely
God is faithful to His word. He promises to bless those who follow Him. He also promises to curse those who choose not to follow Him. Joshua reminds the children of Israel all the cursing will come to pass should they decide to walk away from God. “If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do to you harm and consume you, after He has done you good.”
Can I Get a Witness?
They people said, “We will serve the Lord.” Joshua says, “You are witnesses against yourself that you have chosen the Lord for yourselves, to serve Him. “
As I review this account, it resonates loudly; for God has done this for me too. I know all too clearly I am a sinner guilty of death. Yet God took care of that for me. God got my attention and led me out of a life of sin. Every obstacle or roadblock God dealt with to allow me to stay the course. I have made a commitment to serve the Lord. I say with Joshua, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”
Have you experienced a similar pattern in your life? Are you ready to start reaping the benefits of obeying the Lord? Why not start today? Get rid of the cursing and choose this day to follow Him.
Lord thank you for making it possible for us to come to you and be cleansed from all unrighteousness. Thank you for your word. Equip us to be obedient to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade. Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Col 3:15
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