In our day and age never has the pull to be overly committed been stronger. I think we would all agree that those things/devices which were supposed to make our lives simpler, easier and less complicated have done the exact opposite. That phone, for example, which went from a landline to a huge car phone in the middle console to an “attached-at-the-hip” thing, has made life difficult. We can’t seem to get away, to find quiet, or to relax.
Tragically, one of the fallouts to that lifestyle is a tendency to forget God is always present. I was recently reading a devotion focused on Joshua’s final words to the people of Israel in Joshua 23. In his speech, Joshua’s words in 24:15 become the focal point: “Choose today whom you will serve…but as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (NLT)
To only focus on that verse does a great disservice to chapter 23, the early part of his final words?sermon. The devotion focused on 23:6-11 and made four observations on how to maintain our devotion to the Lord. I’ll give them to you with my short commentary:
- Give attention to God’s Word (v.6). Fill your mind and heart with Scripture. Don’t allow your time with Him to read and grow to become lax.
- Avoid pagan influence (v.7). Maybe we need to strongly consider what we watch, what we read, what we listen to, or even hang around and see if it a wrong influence.
- Attach yourself to God (v.8). I wonder what would happen if we attached ourselves to God like we have attached ourselves to our phone?
- Cultivate a deep affection for God in every way (verses 9-11). Develop an intimacy with God that grows deeper over time.
I leave you with those thoughts. Jo and I-thanks to the graciousness of a friend-will be leaving today for a week’s vacation to Arizona. We will be back, Lord willing, next Tuesday, the 27th. I hope to post on the 28th (providing jet lag don’t kill me!) 🙂 Prayers for our safety to and from (we are flying) and while there (we will be doing some driving) would be much appreciated. I need some rest and relaxation and this will have to do the trick for now. I do not have Feedly on my phone so I probably will be absent from any blog I normally read and comment on.
Have a blessed and relaxed time! Come home refreshed in The LORD with His Sweetness invigorating your soul.
Thanks Diane. That is certainly what I am praying for.
Have a wonderful, relaxing week in Arizona! Be sure to check out Sedona. The rock formations are awesome!
Sedona is one of our stops. Dave, my friend, said it is a must visit.
Have a great vacation and I pray you get some much needed R&R. I just got back last night from a much needed getaway and it was just the ticket! Feeling ready to get after it again and the four points you share are going to be in front of me. Safe travels! Sherry
Hi Sherry! It is good to hear from you again! I’m glad to hear you had a good time on your much needed getaway. Glad i could share those thoughts with you.
Enjoy every moment of your vacation, Bill. May it be a time of rejuvenation and renewal for both body and soul. Safe travels!
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. I desperately need that
Have a great time Bill, great opportunity to unplug and plug in to God!
I hope to do both Ryan. Thanks
Have a great time Bill, I have always loved my hiking trips in arizona. I just read the book of Joshua in january and I asked myself why it took so long to get back to reading it. I loved it, and I agree his whole farewell sermon is one of the best list of things to do to keep God first.
Thx Gail. We are enjoying our time although our times for hiking are over