“Therefore, fear the Lord and worship Him in sincerity and truth.  Get rid of the gods your fathers worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship Yahweh.  But if it doesn’t please you to worship Yahweh, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship: the gods your father worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living.  As for me and my family, we will worship Yahweh.”   Joshua 24:14-15 HCSB

This statement was made by Joshua to the Israelites.  He had reviewed their history since leaving Egypt under the direction of Moses.  He had spoken of all the things that God had done for them.  He let them know that they have a choice.  They could worship God or they could choose to worship idols or foreign Gods.

Moses had angered  God just before the Israelites crossed into the promised land.  God’s punishment was that Moses died and was never allowed to enter into the land that God had promised the Israelites.  Joshua took Moses place as leader of the Israelites.  He is letting them know quite simply that they have a choice.  They can worship the God that has taken good care of them or they can worship the idols that their father’s worshipped.

Now I grew up with a mother that made sure that I was in church every time the doors were open.  For me, this gave me a firm foundation.  I learned at an early age what I was supposed to do.  As I got older I did drift from that strict church attendance, but I have since returned.  I have tried it both ways and I choose to keep the sabbath holy.  I choose to devote my Sunday to Bible study and praise and worship.  I choose to honor God by going to His house to worship Him on Sunday.

Now lastly, Joshua makes a declaration.  This is seen on plaques in many homes.  I have two such plaques in my house.  This famous verse says, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”.

We all have a choice to make each and every day.  We can serve the Lord or we can serve some idol. Maybe you serve that house that you have to work every Sunday to pay for.  Maybe you serve that nice new boat that you have to work every day but Sunday to pay for.  Maybe Sunday is the only day you can take it out on the water.

Now if you choose to serve God, know that people will come against you.  Perhaps even those living in your household.  Your spouse may not agree.  Your children may make it all but impossible to get to church on Sunday morning.  Understand that the devil wants you anywhere but in church on Sunday.  He will use anything or anyone to stop you.

So you choose.  You choose whether you will worship God or your nice warm bed this Sunday.  Perhaps you will worship that big screen tv and stay home on the sofa watching movies.

But as for me, I choose the Lord.  Just like the Israelites, I spent my time in the desert.  I have wandered around aimlessly.  I have lived with God by my side and I have strayed away.  On August 22, 2010 it got to  be too much, so I promised God that I would focus on Him if He would take care of me. So now, I do and He does.  I choose God.  I choose to worship Him.  I choose to serve Him and I choose to place Him above all others.  He gets first place in my life.

You must make that same choice.  Know that your choice affects those you love.  Joshua committed to serve the Lord.  Joshua was a great leader.  He committed his family to serving the Lord.  He didn’t just lead the Israelite nation into the promised land, but he committed to leading his family in a life of serving the Lord.  Ultimately leading them to the mansions in glory that God has promised us.

You must make your own choices when it comes to God.  I pray for your sake that you choose wisely.

Have a great day!