Long ago, Joshua had led the people of Israel to the promised land. Theyd been successful in their battles against their enemies, and there were few threats clouding their collective horizons. Joshua gathered the people together, and reminded them of all the great things God had done for them, and their ancestors. God had set them free from Egypt, guided them through the desert wilderness, and brought them to a land of milk and honey, along with great stock market returns. A self-satisfied people were at risk of falling under into the grasp of other gods, and neglecting that which had got them there in the first place. Thats when Joshua called on the people of Israel to renew their relationship with God, and to make God the focal point of their lives. "Decide this day who you will follow; as for me and my house- we will serve the LORD!"
Through.....
Faith, we believe in Christ
Worship, we celebrate in Christ
Scripture, we learn and grow in Christ
With joy, we compassionately serve one another and the world in Christ.
"Light on a Hill." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus candidly told his followers "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Then, as now, were to reflect the light of Gods love into the world around us. Think about that for a moment, and think about all that light can do. It can illumine dark places, driving doubt and despair away. Fear vanishes, and hope is restored. Doctors tell us that those without adequate light can become physically ill, because light warms the soul; it reassures the lonely, and comforts all those who fear the unknown in their psychological closets. Light beckons people to its circle, like moths to a porch light. The inventor Ben Franklin began Philadelphias street lighting system where he placed a lantern on a pole outside his home, and people would walk to it because they could see better beneath it. How can we be Christs shining witness on a lampstand- Gods light on a hill????
That isnt the only metaphor which Christ used with his disciples; he also called them salt. We can let that word picture run loose in our imagination, and consider how salt flavors the stew. It raises the blood pressure; too much of it can ruin our food; without it, the stew is pretty bland.
**** are you ready for duty on Gods battleship
I hope so, because the ship is leaving port; but as for me and my house- we will serve the Lord!
God Bless
