Choosing Faith: The Power of Our Decisions
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Liberty! Today, we gathered to reflect on life's greatest choices, drawing from Joshua chapters 23 and 24. Joshua, nearing the end of his life, challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, emphasizing the importance of making the right choices in life. We explored how our choices shape us, even though some aspects of our lives, like our birth circumstances, are beyond our control. Joshua's life and leadership remind us to choose life, love, and loyalty to God.
We discussed the importance of making the right choices regarding the length of our lives, noting that while we can't control everything, we can make decisions that promote a healthier, longer life. The secular world offers advice on living longer, but many of these principles align with biblical teachings, such as finding purpose and maintaining positive relationships.
Next, we delved into the love of our lives, emphasizing the importance of loving God's Word and staying loyal to it. Joshua's victories were attributed to God's support, reminding us that if God is for us, who can be against us? We also touched on the importance of marrying someone who shares our faith, as intermarriage in the Bible was about religious, not racial, differences.
We then reflected on the promises of God, noting that while humans often break promises, God never does. Our relationship with God should be based on love, not duty. If we love God, we will naturally keep His commandments.
Finally, we considered the legacy of our lives. Joshua gathered the leaders and tribes of Israel to remind them of God's faithfulness and the importance of passing on their faith to the next generation. We must ensure that our legacy reflects our love and loyalty to God, making decisions that honor Him and impact future generations.
### Key Takeaways
1. Choices Shape Our Lives: While we can't choose our birth circumstances, we can choose how we live. Our daily decisions, big or small, shape our character and destiny. It's crucial to make choices that align with God's will, as these choices will ultimately define who we become. [38:26]
2. Love and Loyalty to God's Word: Staying loyal to God's Word keeps us on the right path. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain wisdom and direction for our lives. Loving God's Word means we don't turn to the right or left but stay focused on His truth. [44:01]
3. God Fights for Us: Just as God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, He fights for us today. When we commit to serving the Lord, we have the assurance that God is on our side, battling for our families, finances, and futures. Reflect on the victories God has given you and trust in His continued support. [46:53]
4. God's Unfailing Promises: Unlike humans, God never breaks His promises. Our relationship with Him should be based on love, not obligation. When we love God, keeping His commandments becomes a natural expression of our devotion. Trust in God's promises and let them guide your life. [55:45]
5. Legacy of Faith: Our legacy is shaped by the choices we make and the faith we pass on to future generations. Joshua's leadership reminds us to recount God's faithfulness and ensure that our lives reflect His glory. Plan for the future, communicate your faith, and leave a legacy that honors God. [58:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:59] - Introduction to Joshua 23-24
[38:26] - Life's Greatest Choices
[39:49] - Choosing Life
[41:20] - Secular Advice on Longevity
[42:36] - The Thief and Abundant Life
[44:01] - Love and Loyalty to God's Word
[45:15] - God Fights for Us
[46:53] - Examples of God's Battles
[48:27] - Reflecting on God's Victories
[49:36] - Intermarriage and Faith
[51:35] - Marrying in the Lord
[54:20] - Keeping Promises
[55:45] - Relationship vs. Religion
[57:08] - View of God and Relationship
[58:33] - Legacy of Faith
[01:03:13] - Joshua's Final Words
[01:05:33] - Choosing the Lord of Your Life
[01:08:14] - Urgent Decision to Follow God
[01:09:55] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Joshua 23:1, 14
- Joshua 24:14-15
- John 10:10
### Observation Questions
1. According to Joshua 23:1, what had the Lord given Israel rest from, and what was Joshua's condition at that time?
2. In Joshua 24:14-15, what choice does Joshua present to the Israelites, and what decision does he declare for himself and his household?
3. What does John 10:10 say about the purpose of Jesus' coming compared to the thief's intentions?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Joshua emphasize the importance of choosing whom to serve in Joshua 24:14-15? How does this choice impact the Israelites' future? [38:26]
2. How does the concept of God fighting for us, as seen in Joshua's victories, apply to our lives today? [45:15]
3. What does John 10:10 reveal about the nature of the life Jesus offers compared to the destruction caused by the thief? How can this abundant life be experienced practically? [42:36]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a significant choice you have made recently. How did it align with God's will, and what impact did it have on your life? [38:26]
2. Joshua urged the Israelites to stay loyal to God's Word and not turn to the right or left. What practical steps can you take to immerse yourself in Scripture and stay focused on God's truth? [44:01]
3. Think about a time when you felt God was fighting for you. How did that experience strengthen your faith, and how can you remind yourself of God's support in current challenges? [46:53]
4. Joshua reminded the Israelites of God's unfailing promises. Identify a promise from God that you hold dear. How does this promise influence your daily decisions and actions? [55:45]
5. Consider the legacy you are building. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your faith and love for God are passed on to the next generation? [58:33]
6. Reflect on your relationships. Are there any that might be pulling you away from your faith? How can you address these influences and strengthen your commitment to God? [49:36]
7. Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," is a powerful statement of faith. How can you make a similar commitment in your household, and what steps will you take to live it out daily? [01:05:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Choices Shape Our Lives
Our lives are a series of choices, and each decision we make, whether big or small, shapes our character and destiny. While we cannot choose the circumstances of our birth, we have the power to choose how we respond to life's challenges and opportunities. Joshua's challenge to the Israelites to choose whom they will serve underscores the importance of making choices that align with God's will. By choosing to follow God, we set a course for our lives that leads to fulfillment and purpose. Reflect on the choices you make daily and consider how they align with God's plan for your life. [38:26]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond 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."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. How did it align with God's will, and what impact did it have on your life and those around you?
Day 2: Love and Loyalty to God's Word
Staying loyal to God's Word is essential for living a life that honors Him. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain wisdom and direction for our lives. Joshua's victories were attributed to his unwavering loyalty to God's commands. When we love God's Word, we are less likely to be swayed by the distractions and temptations of the world. Instead, we stay focused on His truth, which guides us on the right path. Make it a priority to spend time in God's Word daily, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions. [44:01]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's Word into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure you stay loyal to His teachings?
Day 3: God Fights for Us
Just as God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, He fights for us today. When we commit to serving the Lord, we have the assurance that God is on our side, battling for our families, finances, and futures. Reflect on the victories God has given you and trust in His continued support. Remember that you are not alone in your struggles; God is with you, fighting on your behalf. Take comfort in knowing that the same God who delivered Joshua and the Israelites is working in your life today. [46:53]
Deuteronomy 20:4 (ESV): "For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you trust God to fight for you in this situation, and what steps can you take to rely on His strength?
Day 4: God's Unfailing Promises
Unlike humans, God never breaks His promises. Our relationship with Him should be based on love, not obligation. When we love God, keeping His commandments becomes a natural expression of our devotion. Trust in God's promises and let them guide your life. Reflect on the promises God has made in His Word and how they have been fulfilled in your life. Let these promises be a source of encouragement and strength as you navigate life's challenges. [55:45]
Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Reflection: Identify a promise from God's Word that you need to hold onto today. How can this promise provide you with hope and direction in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Legacy of Faith
Our legacy is shaped by the choices we make and the faith we pass on to future generations. Joshua's leadership reminds us to recount God's faithfulness and ensure that our lives reflect His glory. Plan for the future, communicate your faith, and leave a legacy that honors God. Consider how your actions and decisions today will impact those who come after you. Make a conscious effort to live in a way that reflects your love and loyalty to God, inspiring others to do the same. [58:33]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is passed on to the next generation? How can you actively demonstrate God's faithfulness in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We make our choices and our choices make us. In other words, there's something you didn't have a choice over. I mean, let's acknowledge those first. You didn't choose to be born. You didn't choose where to be born or what time in history to be born or what country to be born in or who your parents would be. But you do choose how to live. And I'm saying to you, we make our choices and then our choices make us." [39:49] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I'm telling you, your life will be so much better if you'll follow God, follow Jesus, trust him. Now, that doesn't mean you're not going to have any problems. It will not solve all your problems, but it'll give you someone bigger than your problems. Amen. I'm preaching about 82% better than y'all are responding. Oh, a long time that we have said, it's not just church. Come on, preach it. It's not just church. It's life. And so every day, make the right choice and make every day count." [42:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If God is on your side, you got the advantage. Oh, the odds are in your favor if God's fighting for you. And he said, oh, you won these battles in Canaan in the promised land. Why? Because the Lord was fighting for you. If God be for you, who can be against you? The king of the universe has all these holy angels at his disposal. He can dispatch them to battle in your behalf, to keep you safe. I'm just telling you, God's fighting for you today." [45:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I'm telling you, if you've said, as for me and my house, God is for you and he's fighting for you. In fact, you just think about all the times that God fought for you. I wish I had time to preach it, but in Joshua 12, just make it a Joshua 12, it lists 31 kings that were defeated. And by it, it says one, it says King of Jericho, one King of Jerusalem, one King of AI, one. And it's like an Israel spreadsheet, one, one, one, one, one, and then it equals 31. And it's just like God's showing Joshua, I gave you 31 victories and the Canaanites won none. I fought these battles for you." [48:27] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'm saying to you, I love her. She loves me. And we have a relationship. She said, I do. And I said, I do. And we do. Amen. And I'm just telling you, that's what it's like when you make a commitment to one another. And hear me, God wants you to make a commitment to him. And here's the verse I think that really describes it. John 14, 15, if you love me, keep my commandment. Here's how I heard that growing up. You better keep those commandments. You better keep it. You better keep the commandment. You better not break his commandment. You better love God. That's not what the verse says. The verse says, love me. And if you love me, you'll keep the commandment. And if you don't love him, you're never going to keep the commandment." [55:45] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And I started thinking about even what the secular world says about living longer. The secular world says, stop smoking. You'll add a lot of years to your life right there. Just stop smoking. Get a good night's sleep. Your brain can't function without getting proper sleep. Physical activity. A body in motion stays in motion. Manage stress. Avoid overeating. You can't avoid eating. You have to eat to live. And yet your diet has a lot to do with your health. Positive relationships. Let me tell you, the people you hang out with are like buttons on an elevator. They'll take you up or they'll take you down. And so positive relationships. Avoid drunkenness. I'm just telling you what the world says. This is what your doctor says or what the secular world says. You can get this online. Avoid drunkenness. Binge drinking will destroy your health. And I'm telling you, drunkenness and binge drinking will destroy more than your health. It'll destroy your family." [41:20] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Joshua 23, 11. So diligently watch yourselves. Love. See, that's the emphasis. Where's your love? Where's your loyalty? Love the Lord, your God. Verse 14. You know, with all of your heart and all of your soul, that none of the good promises, the Lord, your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled. Not one promise has failed. And so you think about the promises of God and how he has worked in your life." [48:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so I want you to know, if you're talking about legacy Everybody say legacy There is no success without a successor And you gotta think about your own family And your own legacy And I'm begging you right now Look at this Joseph in verse 32 He died He said when y'all leave Israel Don't leave my bones here You take my mummified body With you And when you get to the promised land You bury me there He knew it By faith he believed it And then it says about Eleazar In verse 33 That he died And he was buried One day you're gonna die And they're gonna do something With your bones and your remains And it's called a last will and testament What's your legacy going to be?" [01:04:01] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And it's important that you remember Look at where you are today And he rehearses and recounts for them Abraham's story Coming from Ur of the Chaldeans And then the story of Isaac The miracle birth at 100 For Abraham and 90 for Sarah And he talks about parting the Red Sea And parting the Jordan and Jericho And he told the story We've got to keep telling the stories Of what God has done in our life Did you know that the way that we started as a church That we were part of Bethel Baptist Up in York County And there was a flood And the flood wouldn't allow the members to get there So 38 members in Hampton got together And said we're going to start Little Bethel That was our name, Little Bethel 38 people And then they went over to Todd's Lane And changed the name to Liberty And then Pastor Wilder came And the church started growing They only had three acres And they were out of room So they relocated the church Found 50 acres on a peninsula Surrounded by water That's a miracle We got lots of water and very little land Bought the very first piece of property In the middle of seven pieces of property With no promise of getting the other But in faith they bought it And then the frontage Here on Big Bethel Road It was owned by two brothers One wanted to sell it to the church One didn't And the one who wanted to sell it to the church Became terminally ill And on his deathbed He begged his brother to sell the property To the church And they first built a gym And did set up and take down In the gym And then they did set up and take down In a dining hall And when Tammy and I came 18 years ago This was a gravel parking lot Long before we had this worship center here And I'm just telling you Oh, it's a miracle story And every campus has a miracle story And you have a miracle story Keep telling the stories Listen, whatever the blessing That you have received You ought to give God praise for it Here it is Psalm 115 verse 1 Not to us, O Lord He says it again Not to us But to your name Be the glory" [01:00:45] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so I want you to get it nailed down. Listen, the way you view God is going to have everything to do with what kind of relationship you have with God. And a lot of people, they've got in their mind this angry God. He's angry at the world every day just because you're mad at the world every day. Doesn't mean God's mad at the world every day. Yes, he's holy, but he is also love. And he created all of us and made us all in his image. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. And I'm telling you, your view of God is going to have everything to do with what kind of relationship you have with him." [57:08] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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