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In our culture that’s traded truth for tolerance, the concept of a line in the sand regarding values may be considered extreme. However, in a similar environment, Joshua (as leader of the Hebrews after Moses) made a bold statement doing exactly that. Take a look:

“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 that were 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.”     – Joshua 24:15 NKJV

Joshua’s statement in verse 15 comes after a brief recounting of God’s faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. It wasn’t a random comment. It was deliberate, bold statement representing the way he led his household; which was to follow God’s standards, instead of carnal, pleasure-centered idolatry.

The truth is, an obedient life has always been a contrast to the lost world. It’s been true since the beginning when Abel’s life contrasted Cain’s.

So where are your lines? Have you taken a stand and said “As for me and my house…”? It’s not a phrase to be uttered or displayed lightly – “Choose for yourselves this day…”

There’s something about music that “strikes a chord” within us. Some people are more naturally “musical”, but all of us have the capacity to “sing” within our souls. It may be the lyrics of an old hymn from childhood, a praise song from church, or the lyrics of an ancient Hebrew psalm. For Isaiah the Prophet, it was a natural reflection of what His heart knew was true (regardless of the world around him). At his commissioning, he had seen the throne of God and the glory of His presence. His assignment was during dark times in a country filled with evil people, but he KNEW in his heart that Jehovah was still sovereign! He may or may not have been inherently musical, but his heart knew how to sing and he instructs those of us who love God to give praise. Consider:

“Praise the Lord, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.” – Isaiah 12:4-5 NKJV

What are the lyrics of your soul today? Is there a rhythm of praise? Sometimes joyful praise seems natural, and other times not so much. Hebrews 11:15 reminds us to offer the “sacrifice of praise” and “thanks to His name”. “Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things…”

Medals, ribbons, and certificates, are all methods of being recognized for service, devotion and “going beyond the call of duty”. In the Christian life, there is also recognition, but not from peer acknowledgment. It’s based on Christ’s approval, and concerning the subject, the scripture gives this guidance:

“But he who glories, let him glory in the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.” – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NKJV

The competition is fierce, but it’s not against others, it’s against ourselves…and the battle is waged within our hearts. The subtle whispers regarding acceptance, rejection, and popularity can greatly influence our perception of what’s “commendable”. However, the Lord says He’s the One who holds the power to declare what is-and-isn’t worthwhile. What about today’s competition? As the struggle begins, remember:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NKJV

Will you answer the call of duty? Let’s commit to fight for the things He considers worthwhile…today.

The words “I’m sorry” can be liberating or limiting, depending on sincerity. Genuine sorrow can lead to forgiveness, whereas the attitude of “I’m sorry (that I got caught)” produces nothing good. The Bible explains it this way:

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV

In the life of faith, there are times when the Holy Spirit reveals things that are amiss in our lives. Scripture passages, internal promptings, and other people’s words can prompt reflective moments, which call for a response. Such was the case with the Corinthian church. When they received Paul’s first letter, they had some things to wrestle with, and they responded with repentance.

In the life of a disciple, those times present the question, “Now what?” Godly sorrow is to agree with the Lord, confess, ask forgiveness, and move on. Worldly sorrow makes excuses, blames others, denies, and eventually continues along the same course. God’s love will prompt us in the right direction if we’re willing to listen, and is part of the sanctifying process. Is there anything you need to agree with Him on today? There is freedom in forgiveness, and joy in moving forward.

Good days, bad days; they’re all part of the Christian life…but you’re perfect.

Even though it may not feel like it, if you’re in Christ, you’re perfect. As a matter of fact, the Bible explains it this way:

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

God’s righteousness is constant, total, and unyielding. According to the scriptures, His righteousness is graciously accounted to us through no merit of our own. However, we still live here in this world with all of its troubles, so what does “perfect” mean for the believer? It means our position before God is based on Christ’s perfection, even though our life on earth is a work in progress. Each day we should walk from a position of victory; not trying to achieve it, but having already been awarded it through faith in Christ. The way it’s lived out is a process of moving forward through confidence in His promises:

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV

There is victory today based on His perfection. May we walk in it…

In your walk of faith, what motivates you? According to scripture it should be this:

“For the love of Christ compels us…” – 2 Corinthians 5:14 NKJV

The compelling should be love based; Christ’s love for us, and our response of love back to Him. The next verse also adds that those who are in Christ should “…live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them.” (2 Cor. 5:15 NKJV) because through Jesus we are “re-made”. Consider:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold; all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

We are re-made for service and a few verses later (v.20) the job is described as “ambassador”. We are to represent, engage, and plead when necessary as royal representatives. We are sent, empowered and charged with a divine mission to represent the King; a loving King who desires reconciliation with all who will respond.

So what compels you today? Is it the favor, acceptance or recognition of other believers, or is it love for the King? We are ambassadors for Christ…