Invitations of Jesus Series: Episode 8 The Wall

Hello, my walking friend! Are you on the move? I hope so! Let’s get our bodies  moving and shake off anything that will distract us from focusing on Jesus. Let’s take this time to draw near to him!

Today is the 8th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to decide.

Our verse to meditate on today is Joshua 24:15 NIV:

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

God’s image bearers, that would be us human beings, have been given the freedom to decide for ourselves – choose the Lord and his ways, or go our own way. It started with Adam and Eve. Choose to live in paradise with the Lord, or choose to disobey and eat the forbidden fruit. They decided they wanted to be like God and chose to eat the fruit. There were consequences. But you probably already know that! 

The Bible continues to share stories of God’s image bearers either deciding to serve him or deciding to serve themselves. When I read through the Bible, I often find myself judging the people I am reading about. Muttering things like, how could they do that? They knew better. Don’t they love the Lord? Don’t they want to serve him? 

But then I have to pause and feel the conviction. There have been times when I have waffled between wanting to serve the Lord and wanting to serve myself. How about you? There are times when I am still tempted – and I have to decide and declare, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. There is no in-between, people can either decide to serve Jesus or not. One day it will be too late to change our minds and we will have to live with the decision we have made. Let’s decide, firmly, today to serve the Lord.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on Joshua 24:15:

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on the story of a woman named Rahab who decided she would serve the Lord. It is called The Wall and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

You can read Rahab’s story in Joshua 2:1-21.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to decide, and what that means to us. 

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,

Sometimes the world’s ways are so inviting and I am tempted to do things, not according to your will, but according to my desires. Please forgive me for those times when I have chosen the world over you. Help me to firmly plant my mind, heart, and feet in the truth of your word. Help me, every day, to choose to serve you. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the one who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Can you think of a time when you said “yes” to something even though God said “no”? How did that make you feel? Always remember, when you repent, God is always faithful and just to forgive. Take some time to consider this now.

Is there anything keeping you from accepting Jesus’ invitation to be all in for his kingdom? If so, what is it? Ask Jesus to help you let it go now.

If you have already made a commitment to be all in for Jesus, how does that make you feel? Excited? Scared? Blessed? Deprived? Take some time now to consider your emotions, both positive and negative, and remember that God can handle your negative emotions. 

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time Joshua 24:15:

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! Are you feeling a renewed commitment to serve the Lord? Remember, you are not serving alone! Jesus is walking with you and he has promised the power of the Holy Spirit to help you! 

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com.  You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.