Living Choices

Joshua had led well, and lived well. Now he was getting ready for his final days and once again his strong leadership brought his people to a place of decision. Joshua had already decided who he was following. His faith had certainly never wavered — even in the face of differing opinions and opposition. Joshua knew Who he served — he knew Who he belonged to.

Lots of different circumstances had come his way. Lots of times when

others didn’t keep the faith he held so precious. Yet Joshua remained firm and steadfast. He was someone God could count on to lead His people.

Notice his leadership began somewhere vitally important. It began in his home with his family. “As for me, AND MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord.” The Patriarch of this family claimed them for God with this statement — but not with this statement alone. He paved the way by his own life. His mind was made up, his will was set. He wasn’t turning to the right or to the left. He knew the One and Only God, the true God, and he and his family were following Him.

When Joshua began his journey, the end wasn’t in sight. He didn’t know he would be recorded as one of the two spies who believed. He didn’t realize the phrase he used to declare the position of he and his household would live on for thousands of years, be made into songs, plaques, placed on greeting cards, book marks . . . He had no idea. He was simply continuing to make the right decisions each and every day, and was not afraid to allow those decisions to be made public.

How could he have known the words God spoke to him on being courageous and not being afraid would span the centuries of time to encourage many other followers of His Jehovah—Jireh? The fact is He didn’t know these things. He was simply fulfilling the part of God’s eternal plan that was His to fulfill. Following, listening, talking, communing with His Father in Heaven . . . Acting on pure, sheer, unadulterated faith that His commands followed would produce His will fulfilled.

Earthly parents know one of their greatest joys when their children obey immediately and without question. Our Heavenly Father has a huge plan and eternal will. How we LONG to please Him — because we love Him so much! Nothing can please Him more than when we consistently make living choices to give our all completely, and follow Him fully — by faith — fulfilling HIS will!

Take It With You

“. . . Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

”. . . And the people said to Joshua, ‘We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.’”

Joshua24:24