Rise Up And Build The Family

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

How many of us can say with certainty that our house will serve the LORD. Joshua had made up his mind, if you were going to live in his house, you were going to serve the Lord. Oh if it were that easy! The power of Joshua's statement was not only his words and his resolve but in the testimony of his life. I'm sure Joshua was far from being a perfect father but he combined consistency and time to earn credibility within his home. Joshua's family followed a man who didn't just tell them what to do, but showed them what to do and how to do it.

A good leader is a good follower. Joshua learned to follow the Lord as he followed Moses. When it was time, God allowed Joshua to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. It is interesting however that at the end of Joshua's ministry he only took responsibility for the obedience of his home.

I'm thankful that following Christ is a choice! There is no better way to demonstrate to our family what love is, than choosing to love God even if no one else in your neighborhood does. Nothing is new under the sun. Joshua gave the nation of Israel options; the gods before the flood, the gods of the Amorites or the God of Heaven.

My family is most likely to follow the God or gods they see me serve. My decision is for me and my house to serve the LORD. Consistency in serving Christ over time will be the credit required to pay for that statement.

If you need help building or rebuilding your life and/or family take advantage of the opportunities made available through HBF. We desire to meet you where you are, so God can take you where he wants you to go.

-- Brian Hedges