“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. Joshua challenged the Hebrews to choose their future. A made-up mind should not be confused with a closed mind or stubborn pride. Firm decisions should be rooted in the moral clarity that comes from God’s influence on our decision-making process. The most crucial step is to accept that God is in charge, so the only right choice is His choice. The decision to obey is a powerful, power-filled choice. Once a decision is made it unleashes the power to adjust to anything that comes along, while simultaneously transforming everything that must change. LORD, I choose to obey Your will. Open wide the floodgates of grace and wisdom that I may faithfully and accurately serve You.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
Amen, 1000 times, Amen.
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