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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


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