Our nation, as well as people around the world, grieves the loss of 19 brave firefighters, members of a highly trained “hotshot” unit that willingly went into the most dangerous places to fight the worst fires. This time the fire won.
Heartbreaking. But a lesson well learned for all. Few of us will ever find ourselves in such a precarious position as those brave firefighters, but we will all find ourselves in a last-moment-of-life situation, whether we are aware of it at the time or not. As the saying goes, “No one gets out of here alive.” Regardless of how well trained or equipped we might be to face the world’s dangers, one day we will breathe our last and stand before the King of Kings, the righteous Judge of the universe. Will we be prepared?
The Book of Joshua gives us wise advice: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” None of us is promised tomorrow. We have only today—perhaps only this hour or moment—to make a choice that will impact us for eternity. Regardless of what anyone else chose, Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua was making this strong leadership declaration to people who had been deeply influenced by the false gods of their enemies. He wanted them to leave those false gods behind and make a wholehearted committed to follow only after the true God.
Most of us aren’t caught up in worshipping the false gods of pagan religions, but we are easily distracted by idolatry to materialism, power, relationships, and other pursuits. We may say with our mouths that we follow the true God, but do our hearts and lives confirm that declaration? If not, may we choose today to announce, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” And may we pray that the leaders of our nations (both in politics and in the Church) will do the same!
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored 30 books.
“Beyond Me. Living a You-first Life in a Me-first World”
“Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today”
She also writes novels:
Deliver Me From Evil, (finalist for the Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year Award) and Special Delivery.
No Greater Love, More than Conquerors
The author can be reached at: http://www.kathimacias.com
My newest release, My Son John, is now available in most e-book versions, including Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/My-Son-John-ebook/dp/B00CTARE8K/ref=sr_1_13_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370370753&sr=1-13&keywords=Kathi+Macias
If you liked Mitford, you’ll LOVE Bloomfield! Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/BloomfieldClub?ref=ts&fref=ts