Devotionals for July 19, 2024

Let's pray for our Cuba Mission Team as they're heading to Cuba today! 

JOSHUA 24:14-15

14 “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”

Recalling from yesterday’s devotion that the Latin word for ‘decide,’ (de-caedere) means ‘to cut off,’ this is another passage where people in the Bible are called to make a decision. However, in this case, the decision is not a choice made once when you come to faith - it’s a call to continued obedience as you walk with God throughout your life. If you are a follower of Christ, God’s call on your life as a Christian is to decide to slice away every idol that keeps you from serving Him with abandon. It’s a daily call to mortify sin and serve the Lord alone.

Q: What were the idols the ancient Israelites were tempted to follow? What are the idols we are tempted to follow today?

Q: Is there a persistent sin or temptation that you are struggling with right now? What can you do to put it to death?

Q: Do you have a close friend or family member that is struggling? Remind them today that God is worth following, and that he is ready to help them when they call out to him.

"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more. Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free. Holiness is Christ in me!
Lord, I praise you for the grace of forgiveness and the grace of your spirit that enables me to flee temptation and grow in holiness.