Dearly beloved in Christ, The Lord bless you as we gather together for a few minutes. You know, I have been learning during this time of being still, that all the things I held dear, the so-called precious idols of my past, need another look to make sure they are torn down. There were so many! Without realizing what was being built up, some were walls so high that it really took the power of God to bring them to ruin. Lately, I have looked at the rubble left behind and can praise the Lord Almighty for such a wonderful work! As I have asked, He has shown. As I have surrendered, He has taken. I guess you could say, I have been in a renewing, rebuilding process. This time with the right tools and the correct view of the creator for the blueprint, my life.

We have choices everyday. You have heard me say this more than once. Because, it is true for my own life. As I spend time in the Word of God I can see that it is true for each of us. Questions? Go to the Maker. You can't fix something? Go to the Engineer. Only in meeting Him face to face can we get the real picture of how things work.

Way back in the time of Joshua, the call was the same as from the beginning and will be until the end. The age old question of Who are you gonna serve? We are told to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and our neighbor as ourself. I have failed on every level. But, the Grace of God covers all sins and brings us back into fellowship with the pure light of truth. Do you want to have faith that produces a huge harvest? Do you want to have strong trust muscles? If you are in love with Jesus, of course you do!

So, in Joshua 24:14-15 we read..."Now therefore, [reverently] fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the [Euphrates] River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." Really, stop looking back to the "good old days" when your life seemed very good. The key word is seemed. Don't you remember the toiling to get to that comfort? How about the hours trying to keep up appearances? Where was your heart focused? On stuff and such? It was for me. But, also in people pleasing. Sadly, that got me back to square one when they all went different directions and I couldn't keep up. We have no excuses. Those golden calves we built were only idols without eyes to see us and ears to hear. And, we can't blame our family for their disfunctions, fractures and failures. We all stand before the Lord, needy, broken and trembling.

Verse 15 says, "And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." So, if you're not going to serve the Lord God it is your choice. If you'd rather go on serving self, power and prestige...go ahead. You can serve the gods of your family, community, state or nation. But, choose!

Can you say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This is my choice today. There is no room for If only or I wish. Only Jesus is my rock and there is where I will stand. A firm foundation to raise my family on. A strong place to find a better marriage. Although my children are grown and have their own children, I can still be that influence of love and caring that I am called to as a grandma. We can always make a difference. It is our choice.

So, as you lay down for the night, present your prayers and thanks to God. Submit your dreams, longings and hopes to the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to invade your heart and tear down any idols. He is going to reveal them to you. There is an altar in the presence of God. We can freely come there through Jesus Christ. If you haven't made Him your Lord, please take the time now to confess that you have sinned and you believe that He is the Son of God who went to take your place on that cross and conquered death...for you. Give Him your heart and find peace that passes all understanding. He will be your strength and song as you make the choice to serve Him all the days of your life. In the name of Jesus, mighty Lord, amen.

You are much loved and so I pray for you today to come to really know who you are serving. Love in Christ Jesus, Patricia.

Abundance is...serving the Lord