Daily Reading: Joshua 24
Scripture Focus: Choose this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15)
Devotional Thought: Joshua 24, contains a phrase that has become a well-known, cross-stitched ornament in many Christian homes: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
In its context, this verse contains even more meaning. Joshua had just recapped everything the Lord had done for the Israelites, all of the reasons they could put away their false gods and idols and trust solely in him. He then gave them something of an ultimatum: "Choose this day whom you will serve" (vv. 14-15). In other words, you cannot serve both the true God and false gods. There was a choice to be made.
In the same way, we must also choose whom we will serve. It is becoming increasingly “evil” to serve the Lord. The world sees Christians as mindless, irrational, misogynistic, intolerant, backwards-thinking bigots. Some Christians have been pulled away from God’s truth as it is revealed in scripture, to a twisted version of the truth which is actually the enemy’s lie. This lie is disguised as progressive thinking, inclusiveness, tolerance for all. In reality, it is a normalization of sin.
We all must choose whom we will serve. Every person on earth must decide who Jesus is/was. As Paul says in Romans 1:20, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
His existence is cross-stitched on creation. Is serving him cross-stitched on your heart?
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, our hearts ache for the lost around us, even as they mock us for our most dearly held beliefs. Help us to show love and forgiveness towards those who see us as foolish, and use us to draw unbelievers to yourself. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 44.1-8
1 O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old: 2 you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free; 3 for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.
4 You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob! 5 Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us. 6 For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. 7 But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. 8 In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah
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