I haven't written a post in a while but I have been in deep thought about what I should write about.
About two weeks ago a guest pastor did a sermon on Joshua 24 as apart of the wrap up of a family conference. Knowing that this speaker would deliver the message I came to church that sunday wondering whether the message would have any relevance to me. I realized (as I have done in the past) that messages that look to the Word of God are always applicable to every individual.
I was truly moved by the message and I considered blogging about it but I decided against it. Oddly enough, since I made that decision the very same passage has come my way two more times and both times have convicted me anew! This has led me to decide that I will indeed spend some time discussing how this passage has blessed me.
Joshua 24:14-22 (it's a long passage so please open your Bibles)
Joshua gathered Israel together and demanded that they make a choice that day as to whom they would serve. He did this only after he went through the history of the Israelites and the way in which God had blessed them abundantly throughout their journeys. I was moved by Joshua's convicting demand for a choice to be made. Often times we delay our choices in certain situations. We proclaim God but the decision is really not played out in our lives. It was the same situation with the Israelites, they claimed allegiance to God but always delayed submitting their lives to Him.
When Israel responds that they will indeed serve God, Joshua rejects them! He reminds them that following God will not be easy and will not be possible by their own might. And with this warning the Israelites persisted in putting their faith in God. I thank God for the constant reminder that following Him CANNOT happen by my strength and willpower alone. It is so important to know that only God can save and because of that only God, by His grace, can cause us to continue steadfastly in our walk with Him.
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
This verse will always cause my heart to swell with a mix of pride, gratitude and pain. This verse will always be linked to my house. The house...the home, that consisted of my grandmother, mother and I. This verse rings true to the people of my household. They had served the Lord. They spent their lives in service to the Lord. And I carry my household with me. Whenever I hear or read this verse I earnestly pray that I may be able to live the rest of my days for God as my household did.
Lord, I pray that the desire of Joshua's heart would be the desire of Your people. That in this world there would be people who desire to spend their life in service to You. And from that individual desire there might be couples, families... households that are built and run by that same desire.
How different the world would be if homes were made with Christ's love and grown in God's wisdom.
How different relationships would be if they were all centred around glorifying You. There would be less heartbreak and more commitment and perserverance.
There would be less broken relationships and broken households.
Fathers and mothers would contemplate their influence before teaching anger and hatred.
Children would not experience broken homes and grow to perpetuate such experiences.
Families would be thankful for one another instead of hating each other.
Lord, heal the families of this world, the households of this world.
Bring Your name into these relationships and homes.
Bring about healing and reconciliation.
Cause Your glory to fill this earth.
I pray that people would choose, TODAY, to serve the Lord!
Amen.
About two weeks ago a guest pastor did a sermon on Joshua 24 as apart of the wrap up of a family conference. Knowing that this speaker would deliver the message I came to church that sunday wondering whether the message would have any relevance to me. I realized (as I have done in the past) that messages that look to the Word of God are always applicable to every individual.
I was truly moved by the message and I considered blogging about it but I decided against it. Oddly enough, since I made that decision the very same passage has come my way two more times and both times have convicted me anew! This has led me to decide that I will indeed spend some time discussing how this passage has blessed me.
Joshua 24:14-22 (it's a long passage so please open your Bibles)
Joshua gathered Israel together and demanded that they make a choice that day as to whom they would serve. He did this only after he went through the history of the Israelites and the way in which God had blessed them abundantly throughout their journeys. I was moved by Joshua's convicting demand for a choice to be made. Often times we delay our choices in certain situations. We proclaim God but the decision is really not played out in our lives. It was the same situation with the Israelites, they claimed allegiance to God but always delayed submitting their lives to Him.
When Israel responds that they will indeed serve God, Joshua rejects them! He reminds them that following God will not be easy and will not be possible by their own might. And with this warning the Israelites persisted in putting their faith in God. I thank God for the constant reminder that following Him CANNOT happen by my strength and willpower alone. It is so important to know that only God can save and because of that only God, by His grace, can cause us to continue steadfastly in our walk with Him.
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
This verse will always cause my heart to swell with a mix of pride, gratitude and pain. This verse will always be linked to my house. The house...the home, that consisted of my grandmother, mother and I. This verse rings true to the people of my household. They had served the Lord. They spent their lives in service to the Lord. And I carry my household with me. Whenever I hear or read this verse I earnestly pray that I may be able to live the rest of my days for God as my household did.
Lord, I pray that the desire of Joshua's heart would be the desire of Your people. That in this world there would be people who desire to spend their life in service to You. And from that individual desire there might be couples, families... households that are built and run by that same desire.
How different the world would be if homes were made with Christ's love and grown in God's wisdom.
How different relationships would be if they were all centred around glorifying You. There would be less heartbreak and more commitment and perserverance.
There would be less broken relationships and broken households.
Fathers and mothers would contemplate their influence before teaching anger and hatred.
Children would not experience broken homes and grow to perpetuate such experiences.
Families would be thankful for one another instead of hating each other.
Lord, heal the families of this world, the households of this world.
Bring Your name into these relationships and homes.
Bring about healing and reconciliation.
Cause Your glory to fill this earth.
I pray that people would choose, TODAY, to serve the Lord!
Amen.
wow sarah.. im so glad you posted this. it really spoke to me.. i have faith that one day me and MY HOUSEHOLD will serve the Lord!
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteI am in prayer for the same. =)
That was lovely Sarah. A much needed reminder for all of us. There really is no time like the present to worship God. In fact, what other time do we have?
ReplyDeleteI couldnt agree more about how different relationships would be if they were centered around the worship of God. Its truly amazing how different they can be.
How powerfully God works through you!!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to realize that the small decisions made in yesteryears in Christs name are producing 30, 60 & 100fold yield today!
ReplyDeleteAs for me and my house, we had, have & will serve the Lord.