Personal Devotion…

9 January, 2011 /

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

In Joshua’s final message to the Israelites, challenging them to follow the Lord, he spoke as a father. He spoke as the head of his head, he spoke as one who has decided to follow the Lord. He spoke as a follower of the Lord Jehovah. His life was spent in following God, doing GOd’s will of conquering the land, leading his family. In Joshua’s words, we learn
three precious lessons:

  1. He had a personal devotion to the Lord: AS FOR ME… His following of GOD was a personal decision and a personal commitment. AS FOR ME… Personal commitment to Christ is always the first step to personal growth and then family growth, followed by subsequent corporate growth. GOD is looking for a man or a woman who would follow Christ personally.
  2. His personal devotion led to His godly leading of His family: AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD. Joshua’s personal devotion to the Lord influenced his family for godliness. There was no mention of Mrs Joshua or the children, but Joshua was the appointed leader of the home and his job was to ensure that GOD was first in the home and that the household will serve GOD. Genuine service to GOD requires the heart, effort and commitment: Joshua’s household had ALL three! Some people follow GOD privately, and do not lead their children or their spouses to do so. It is vital that we not only follow God but lead our family to do the same.
  3. His family was united in their decision to serve the Lord; WE WILL… Joshua decided but His family agreed! WE WILL… Joshua was their spokesman, he was the leader but they were all in unanimous agreement: WE WILL serve the Lord! They served the Lord as ONE!! What a wonderful thing it is for the family to walk with God here and then in Heaven one day?

Do you have a personal devotion to the Lord? If there is isn’t any personal commitment, there will be no growth. Is your personal devotion to the Lord contagious? Is someone led to the Lord because of our devotion? Fathers, are we personally devoted to the Lord and leading our family to do so? Family members, are we in agreement with the Lord and the father to serve Him as ONE family?

If so, let us resolve and say; AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!!

Evangelist – Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church