Choose You This Day--Posted 03/26/2006
Quoted in the book by the same name, Joshua said in chapter 24 verse 15,"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose
you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the
gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua was a true servant of the Most High God.
He had determination that was unheard of in his day. He was a faithful man, to his people, and to his Lord. A military man this
Joshua. Very little could shake him or sway his beliefs.
Sadly, there are few modern-day Joshuas.
Sure, there are many that believe a lot of things. Lots of folks are "set in there ways".
But it will only be man's faith and complete surrender to God's ways that will bring about the desired result, which is a heavenly
reward.
Joshua said,"...if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord...".
Many in today's society label "Full-Gospel/Evangelical/Holiness" Christians bigots or judgemental. Some say the messages that
are preached are "hate crimes".
I will admit that some "so-called-Christians" have taken advantage of many people. These hypocrites have tarnished the
Pentecostal Movement almost beyond repair.
But this does not change God's views concerning His word and it's requirements.
Joshua saw the problems even in his day. "..it is 'evil' to some to serve God..."(paraphrased)
The Gospel message has been perverted by society into a message of hate and bigotry.
"You mean to tell me that only the people who are 'born again or saved' are the ones going to heaven?", I've been asked. The
same people who question this will call you judgemental or "holier-than-thou".
Joshua realized there were those who reacted to the call of God this way. "Is it evil to serve God?", he asked.
Man can only serve one master. PERIOD.
Jesus himself addressed this subject in Matthew 6:24,"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,and love
the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon(riches)."(explanation mine)
So, Joshua puts out the question.
"Who will you serve?"
Simple yet profound.
Make your decision said Joshua. What's it gonna be? Pick one.
You say,"That sounds awfully pushy to me."
God is a jealous god.
He tells us "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."(Exodus 20:3)emphasis mine
You say, "I don't worship other gods."
Is that right?
God challenges you to analyze your heart and see if that is really true or not.
Try these few simple questions.
Do you pray every day?
Do you attend church regularly? (not just on Easter, Christmas, and Mother's/Father's Days)
When was the last time you read the Bible?
Those are the very basic and simple elements of serving God.
This world will offer you what seems like an attractive deal...popularity, money, relationships with "no-strings-attached", just to
name a few. But scripture tells you that there is only pleasure in these things for "a season(a little while)".
Joshua asked the children of Israel, "...will you serve the...gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell...".(paraphrased)
The worldly ways are attractive to many. Even those who name themselves "Christians or Believers" can be found doing the
same things as everyone else. They enjoy the same activities as their "unbelieving" friends. Their appearance is identical to the
dress and styles of their "sinner" friends.
My friend, this is not what God considers a "sold-out" Christian.
I John 2:15 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is
not in him."
But what is the "world" you ask?
The very next verse gives the answer. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of
life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."(emphasis mine)
Who or what are you serving?
It's not me that wants to know, but God.
Joshua makes the statement, "...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
A made-up-mind.
Joshua simply said, "I will not go the way society wants me to go. I refuse to give place to Satan's devices. God is who I will live
my life to please. This world is only temporal, but I know God is eternal. What He says stands when all else falls. I will give my
entire soul, heart, and mind to the Lord."
Will you...?
II Corinthians 6:2 says,"...behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation.)” (emphasis mine)