Day 138

Friday, January 25

Read Joshua 23

Think About It:

1. A person’s last words are typically the most important words they share. Chapter 23 reflects Joshua’s heart as he admonishes the Israelites not to turn away from following the LORD, assuring them of God’s promises as they continue to obey. Verse 14 says “you know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” And then he warns them of the opposite happening if they fail to obey and follow after other gods. Even though America’s founders based this country on Christian values, we can still see other influences subtly seeping into our culture: the horoscope based on astrology, yoga positions designed to worship Hindu gods. What other ways can you think of in which Christians who do not read the bible may be tempted to follow after the world’s customs instead of listening to God’s direction?
2. Verse 6 says, “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.” It takes a lot of strength to intentionally live differently than unbelievers around us, but we know God wants what is best for us and because of His love for us, He commands us to worship Him alone. Think of some ways you struggle with separating yourself from the world around you. How can we “be very strong” and avoid stepping to the right or left in today’s culture? Talk to God about how you feel and listen for Him to encourage you to obey so He can fight for you, drive out your enemies, give you your inheritance and fulfill His promises to you.

Family Time:

All that the Lord promised had happened. He had brought them into the land and given it to them. He had fought for them and given them victory.

1. Read verses 6-8 again. Then read verse 11. What does Joshua remind them to do?
2. Read verses 12-13 and 15-16. What did Joshua say would happen if they disobeyed the Lord?
3. This was a very serious warning to the people… “Obey God and be blessed, or disobey and experience His wrath.” How is this God showing love to His people?
4. Have you chosen to follow and obey the one true God, or are you still serving other idols like selfishness, pride, money, popularity, entertainment….?

Joshua 24:14-15 reads, “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”