Joshua 22-24, Psalm 69
Joshua 24:14-15 (NLT)
“So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
In Joshua 24:14–15, Joshua challenges the people to serve the Lord exclusively. He tells them they must put away the gods their ancestors once worshiped. Joshua reminds the people that in a covenant relationship there is no coercion. They must make a conscious choice to enter into that covenant and serve the Lord. Surrounded by foreign gods, the people needed to remain vigilant and committed to Father-God. Joshua also highlights that the decision to serve the Lord affects not only the present generation but also those who come after them.
These verses remind me that being in a covenant relationship with the Lord requires a conscious choice each day. A believer must remain in that relationship by choice, not simply out of habit or tradition. I have observed in my own life that for a time I remained in relationship with the Lord mainly because of my Christian upbringing and habit. Even after I became born again, I did not immediately realize that choosing the Lord is something that must be renewed daily.
Whenever my relationship with the Lord became something I followed out of habit rather than intentional choice, I experienced a sense of discontent. But when I made it a daily practice to consciously choose the Lord and remain in covenant with Him, I experienced peace. When you love the Lord, obedience becomes a privilege rather than a burden. As my life became more aligned with the Lord’s plan, I began to see His guidance more clearly, and the Holy Spirit helped me navigate problems with wisdom and direction.
If these verses resonate with you — if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who invites you into a living covenant relationship that brings peace and purpose — this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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