Read: Joshua 24: 14-15

Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Reflect:

Here at the beginning of a new year, how many of us want to move to a better place in life? What does that look like for you?

When Joshua addressed the nation of Israel he gave some clear direction that required the people to make a clear choice – one that they would have to make every day.

Sincerity and Faithfulness

In the verse above, Joshua begins with a call of sincerity and faithfulness. How do you feel about insincere people?  Joshua provides them a picture of what it means to be true to your faith. Put away the things (gods) that get in the way of relationship with God and then serve Him alone,

The writer of Hebrews tells us much the same when he tells us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1b).

Respond:

Joshua gives us a choice and then he leads by example – “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Likewise, we have a choice to make today and everyday.