Choose For You This Day

July 18, 2023

From Pastor Eileen States

In April of 2022 I said goodbye to my father for the last time on this side of heaven. I was asked to write up the memories from all of those closest to him. I found it extremely meaningful to hear the impact he had made on so many. My dad left a legacy of love and spiritual leadership for many in his sphere of influence.

I think it is important for us to pause and listen to words of wisdom from those who have lived a long life. We can learn from their regrets and their successes.

We are privileged to have Joshua’s final words to the people of Israel found in Joshua chapter 24. As I read through this chapter I asked myself why would Joshua spend the time recounting Israel’s history? Was it because people just like to hear about their roots? Was it to remind them of God’s mighty acts? Was it to challenge their commitment to God? Was it to give them hope for the future? Yes to all of the above?

Joshua knew how easy it would be for his people to follow after the gods of the other nations. His challenge is for me today. For each of us today. Choose for you today whom you will serve. Spend time recounting God’s mighty acts in your life just as Joshua did for Israel.

Israel quickly chose the Almighty God that day and promised in word that they would remain faithful to Him forever. How soon they forgot their commitment. Is this our story as well? Do we often forget God’s mighty acts of deliverance in our life? Do we follow after the gods of pleasure, security and entertainment? Do we allow the stress and worry of our lives to overwhelm us and cause us to doubt God’s love, power and goodness?

I would like to commit today, that through the good times and the bad, through the times when God is ever present and in the times where it seems God is silent, through the joys and the struggles of family life, through financial prosperity or financial crisis, I choose to remain faithful to the One true God.

“Choose for you this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (24:15) It is a daily choice that needs to be made not just in word alone. Act on that choice and pass on your faithful legacy for generations to come. I have my dad to thank for his legacy of faithfulness.

Keep the faith!

Pastor Eileen