Main Verse: Joshua 23-24

Good morning!

From the moment the nation crossed the Jordan into Gilgal to the end of his life, Joshua displayed remarkable courage, and strength to stand up to those who were disobedient, and to finish the race set before him. During his tenure, the people enjoyed success, stamina, and, above all, rest. The nations that fought against Israel were defeated some, Jericho, were defeated without striking a blow; others, ran away at the sound of the wind. The people followed Joshua because they wanted to be on the winning team. In a way, the farewell address was meant to prepare the people for the test that would come after Joshua passed away.

In his summation, Joshua put the onus on the people to decide for themselves which god or God they would serve; the years to follow would ferret out what the people really believed. In the same way, in the early days of Jesus’ ministry, people flocked to him and followed him because of the benefits they derived from it like watching Jesus rip apart the Pharisees and Sadducees’ arguments, the healing, and being fed; the disciples, unlike the groupies, chose to stay with Jesus (John 6:60-70). My encouragement for you today is that you will search your heart and mind and choose “whom you will believe”; regardless of your choice, I will serve the Lord with or without you. As a side note and to wrap this lesson up, for the next six weeks, my writings will be preparatory work for 2025 so I encourage you to stay tuned to https://www.mikes-encouragement.net.

I.H.S. MK

Father,

One of the easiest things to do is, “follow the crowd” and one of the hardest things to do is, “Decide for ourselves”; Your word doesn’t make the choice easy because it requires that we search our souls. You are not looking for a “Commit to Jesus” pledge, a “Pray for me” card, nor a “Pledge to join the church”, you are looking for people who will choose you and live out their commitment to You as Joshua and Caleb did. Holy Spirit will you please be with me as I prepare for 2025. May my heart always be open to you Father and that my writings may minister to lives.

In Jesus’ Name