Joshua 23-24; 1 Corinthians 11

"Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the Lord..." Joshua 23:6-8

These are Joshua's parting words to the people. It's his final farewell to his leaders and it's his heart cry for them and I know it's the Lord's. I too share Joshua's heart for all the people I have led and have had the opportunity to shepherd over the yeas. Joshua knew where the people were weak and what they must do to remain in relationship with one another and God. The first thing Joshua tells the people is to (1) follow the written word. The Scripture tells us faith comes by hearing and reading of the word. The enemy knows that if he can get you out or the word or you become lazy in your devotion to the word it's only a matter of time before your faith in the Lord becomes weak. So Joshua goes on to warn them to stay away from any other gods or nations that will lead you astray. We know the activities that are leading us away from the Lord and the Lord is telling us to flee from those activities and make it you life mission statement to fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Make it a constant reminder who you are and what God you serve. I have the words from Joshua posted in my home in my living room to make such a declaration for me and my family. Joshua 24:15 says "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

So today what is being proclaimed on your walls or from you TV? These words are so powerful for me because I come from a family history who do not serve the Lord and the destruction in our family runs deep with a history of alcoholism, divorce, anger, and despair. Jesus has come to to give life and life to fullest that life is found in serving the Lord. The people made a covenant on the day these words were spoken and I suggest we do the same so let's cry out with the people and say"We will serve the Lord our God and obey him"

serving alongside you,

Joe