Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 10, 2018
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
Competition for our allegiance to Christ has become a common occurrence in our culture. Affluence easily grows into a god that asks for a lip service in allegiance to God, concurrently demanding a 24/7 occupation of mind and body in the acquisition and maintaining of stuff. Make more money and have more things is the motto of materialism. Sadly, Jesus is lucky to have a musty backroom of shallow belief. The demands of the god of affluence result in the death of joy and peace only healthy relationships can afford. We can choose today a better way of life. Exclusive allegiance to the Lord Jesus means we devote all our affection to His greater loves.
Joshua’s selection of Shechem to renew Israel’s covenant to the Lord was significant. Here Joseph was buried and Abram was given the promise of God for his seed to receive this land. Just as Plymouth Rock is memorialized as the landing spot of the Mayflower with the Pilgrims seeking freedom to practice Christianity, so Shechem became a sacred spot for God’s people’s exclusive devotion to Him over all other competing gods. God’s jealously of His worshipers does not allow for any other idols of distorted love. Authentic faith loves only the Lord God.
“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:57-58).
Jesus raised the bar on what it meant to have a relationship with Him. Glib vows are unacceptable, only total surrender to follow Him wherever He says go is acceptable. Christians are called to a higher standard of morality in severe contrast to our morally corrupt culture. When Christ asks for purity in pre-marital relationships, to love and to cherish our spouse in holy matrimony—His marriage request mirrors our relationship with Him. Vows are a sacred illustration of the sacred.
Perhaps a renewal of your vows is needed in your relationship with Christ, your wife or your husband. Renewal means you rid your life of any other competing gods. Maybe work has subtly been elevated to an unhealthy level of importance. Mentally you are unable to give yourself fully to your family for fear of job failure. Take a step back, confess Christ as your ultimate career counselor and lean into Him for peace and security. Make the renewal of your love for God and His love for you most memorable. Journal. Take photos. Tell others of His faithfulness to fuel your memory with what’s most nourishing for your soul. Offer a fresh all in allegiance to Jesus!
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:67-69).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, renew my faith in You alone and toward the most meaningful relationships in my life, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can I remind myself regularly of the Lord’s great love for me and my exclusive devotion to Him?
Related Reading
Judges 6:10; Matthew 8:19-22; John 6:63; Ephesians 5:21-33
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I am thankful for the changes that have been made to the website that enables a better view and experience in the Daily Devotional. If I had one request it would be that you consider making the daily change at the actual time … for example: at 12:01 AM begins the next day. It is a selfish request, I confess, as I rise at 3:30 AM to begin my day and I am viewing the previous day’s devotional. Thank you again for the changes that you have made to your format.
Dear Jim,
Good morning. Thank you for your kind words about the changes to the website. We are grateful that you are pleased with it.
As far as your request for a time change when the daily devotional comes out, all I can do is pass your request on to the staff and we will see. Gracious, you are an early riser! But aren’t mornings just beautiful? and so peaceful? I have learned to really savor them. It’s a lovely time of the day to spend with our Lord.
Have a wonderful day, Jim. We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself,’The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24