As for me and my house...

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15 NIV

This selection of scripture has been one I would consider a favorite. The older I've gotten the more pleasure I take in it. Becoming a husband it began to be more impactful. As I became a father it meant even more. There is something about declaring your home for God. Joshua does it in such a powerful way.

This chapter in the book of Joshua documents Joshua's final charge to the people of Israel. After this exchange, he will pass away at the age of 110 years old. At this time , he is asking the people of Israel to renew their covenant with God. This agreement is their declaration as God as their Lord, and not some other god or some king.

I find myself envisioning Joshua standing before this massive crowd. Addressing them in a way that a WWE wrestler might antagonize their opponent. Trying to get to the inner core of the person with words that may rattle them to action.

Then I realize this is a 110 year old man. He is not a young man simply saying, "Me and my couple of young kids who can't decide for them selves will follow God." Instead he is saying, "I've lived my life and I know that my ancestors will follow God.". His statement is generational. It's a declaration that his immediate family, their children, and their children, and their children will serve God. He will be their Lord and master. His allegiance and his family's allegiance is to the one true God, I am.

Decide today who or what you will serve. Will you serve fame, or power, or money? Will it be the world's definition of success? Or will you serve a God whose grace covers each and everyone of us. A God who sent His son to walk this earth and pay the price required to restore each of us in His Kingdom.

If you choose God, then ask yourself, "what does that look like in my life? If I declare my house to serve God, what must my walk on this earth look like?

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt

Comments

Anchor House Week 2: Have a nice forever

The second week at Anchor House concluded with my return to State College of Florida for a very special event. I had the great honor of overseeing the celebration of life services for Robert C Wynn. Coach Wynn was the first baseball coach and athletic director at then Manatee Junior College. Under his leadership, they won championships, expanded the athletic department by adding other new sports, and were pioneers and champions for women in sport. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, coach, teacher, mentor, and friend. The fact is, he built a legacy. However, that legacy wasn’t just what occurred on the baseball field, athletic department, or within his family. It was about people's forever. Coach Wynn was one of the most passionate soldiers for Jesus I have ever known. He was more concerned about people's salvation in Jesus than anything else. It was the focal point of all of his relationships and decisions. His unashamed passion for s...

A New Command

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 NIV I don't know how many times I have read this verse. Today it hit me differently. Part of it jumped off the page. If there's a new commandment, what makes this different than the old ones? They must have love in them, right? Nine of the ten commandments have "No" or "Not" contained in them. They tell us what we cannot do rather than providing us with positive direction. This new commandment couldn't be a more drastic change from the ten commandments. Jesus doesn't say don't do this instead He says DO THIS! Jesus could have easily followed the format of the commandments and said don't hate others or don't ignore others. Instead He gave direction and said LOVE others. This raises the question, what does it mean to love each other as Jesus loved us and how can we do that? Be blessed and be a blessing Matt Ennis

Bold Like Stephen

I've always admired people who aren't afraid to be bold in their convictions. It is the kind of boldness that allows them to stand out in the crowd. There is just something different about how these people view and engage the world around them. The movie “Hacksaw Ridge” portrays a man that exemplifies what I mean by bold. He was drafted to serve in World War II but refused to bear arms because of religious reasons. Yet, he still managed to receive the Congressional Medal of honor. Without a weapon in his hand, he saved 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite his objection to violence, he still served his country. Despite his objection to war he found a way to love his neighbor. He was bold. When I think of bold in the Bible, I think of Stephen. Acts 6:8 says, "Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people." Stephen faced opposition to his teachings. Those that opposed his teachings couldn't ...

Matthew TwoSix:ThreeNine

Search This Blog