[The LORD says,] “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life,and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)
Joshua told the Israelites (Joshua 24:15) that they should choose whom they would serve, God or the gods of their ancestors or the gods of their current location. There was no “Option D” like none of the above.
Every move we make, every thought we decide to keep reflects the ruler of our life. Over and over in God’s Word we see people making choices that reflect the will and plan of the one that they serve.
Words and actions. How do I speak? How do I behave in public and in private? What exists deep in my heart and spirit? Paul described this as “fruit” and specifically named love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5). I choose life with God and my life produces fruit from God.
Life mission. God created me for a purpose. He gifted me for His purpose. I have talents for the mission I’ve been given. It is the passion inside me that sings when I am doing what God has called me to do.
End goal. I long to be with my Father and my Savior for all time. It is God’s greatest gift to me that only requires my choice on whom I serve.
It may seem like a no-brainer decision, serve God or not serve God but the choice, while simple, does not come with the word “easy.” We are in a war of good vs evil. There are no bystanders or neutral parties. It requires faith in God to follow His commands and plan when often we do not know the “why” of it. Has God asked you to trust Him through difficult paths? Remember Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22)? On that night and in that garden, Jesus showed me how hard it could get. Jesus asked His Father to allow a different way. The Father said, “No.” The Father, however, did send an angel to minister strength to His Son, and He will do the same for all His children.
In January 2004, my son James received word that a football-size tumor was growing in his chest. After five years, the cancer was back. We stopped at the local Walmart one day and he asked for money to buy a CD. We got back in the car and he cued up the song that I share with you today in a link. This song spoke what was in his heart. My friends, God is faithful. We can trust Him to walk with us and even carry us when we just do not have the strength to keep going. All we have to do is reach out and His hand will be there. I choose to serve God. I choose to walk with Jesus no matter where His plan leads me. Are you going through a rough time? Is there pain with every step? Then put your hand in Jesus’ hand because He has been down that road and knows the way.
How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the sand on the shore
But every time You’ve taken me back
And now I pray You do it once more.
[Chorus:]
Please take from me my life
When I don’t have the strength
to give it away to You Jesus. (repeat)
How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the stars in the sky
But every time You’ve taken me back
And now I pray You do it tonight.
Take My Life written & sung by Third Day
