Joshua 24:15

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then 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

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your word through Joshua reminds me that you have made faith a fiercely personal thing.  I cannot ride on the coattails of my family's heritage.  I cannot simply be a member of a visible church and think that constitutes faith.  I cannot just hang out with your people and try to hide in the herd while we run through the gate to heaven.  I cannot have faith in my inner being without showing it by the choices I make.  The faith you create expresses itself by my choice to not live like the world.  My idols are not those ancient deities that plagued Israel,  They are comfort, pleasure, entertainment, success and money.  They all beckon me to serve them.  But I choose to serve you, my living Lord.  Help me to show how I have chosen you over idols by demonstrating my freedom to be generous and my peace without perfect circumstances.   

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Not to choose is choosing not to, especially in matters of faith.