Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

Good afternoon all ... :D

Hey woofette ... it may be snowing where you are :cold:... but it is a wee bit of rain on and off here :rain: I think if I were with you I would want to go outside and make a 'snow angel' or just relish in the beauty of the clothed trees and shrubs ... :D Perhaps we can take a walk together in the glorious years to come ... I would love that ... :friends::heartbeat:

The Scripture text for today is taken from Josh. 24:15 ...

As for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.

Watchtower comments ...

In 1473 B.C.E., Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua entreated the whole nation: ''Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve, whether the gods that your forefathers who were on the other side of the River served or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are dwelling.'' Then, referring to his family, he said the words in today's text. Earlier, Jehovah had urged Joshua to be courageous and strong, instructing him not to deviate from obedience to God's Law. Rather, by reading the book of the Law in an undertone day and night, Joshua would be able to make his way successful. (Josh. 1: 7,8) And so it proved to be. Joshua's choice led to blessings. ''Not a promise failed out of all the good promise that Jehovah had made to the house of Israel,'' Joshua declared. ''It all came true.'' ---Josh. 21:45. w6/1/06 5,6a

My thoughts ... :giverose:

The words of the text above has always been a 'beacon' of TRUE FAITH and LOVE for me ... a CHOICE MADE ... and a way of life LIVED BY ... :thumbsup:

I would like to add the very first words in the verse for today ... for when one reads them ... :reading: one cannot help but wonder ... :thinking::huh: at least I do anyway ...

The opening sentence of this word is ...

15 Now if it is bad in YOUR eyes to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom YOU will serve, ...

How could anyone ever get to the point that they would think to serving our God would be a 'bad' thing ... :shocked::dontknow:

And yet, it would appear that this is what the nation of Israel had done because they had begun to serve other Gods ...

Joshua MADE A STAND ... and a stand for his family ... for his worship of his heavenly Father did he not ...

Israel's forefathers had deviated from the true way ... sought other gods instead of Jehovah ... and what did they have to show for it ... :dontknow:

The nation was alienated from Jehovah, they were steeped in wickedness and corruptness, and no doubt the ones who were seeking to remain faithful were 'sighing and groaning over the detestable things' that were being done in 'God's house' and by his 'chosen people' ...

However, here in verse 15 we see that the nation is being asked to make a choice ... to serve Jehovah as their God ... or to continue to walk in the path of false gods ...

It seems that many responded to Joshua's heartfelt words (at least temporarily so) and said they wanted to serve the true God and for their decision they were blessed by our God ...

May we use this as a warning and an encouragement for us today ...

First of all ...

May we never turn to serving false gods in any way ...
May we never leave our God Jehovah thinking someone or something can be better for us ...
May we always look to Jehovah for our source of life and guidance
May we keep our eyes and hearts alert to discern if we are veering off the path to life ...
May we determine to always serve our God no matter how many around us may not be ...

Yes, may we say as did Joshua long ago ...

As for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah!!!

Luv to all ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:

what I love about this scripture is the personal resolve you hear in the words--as in--you do what you must do but I choose to serve Jah. In many ways every day we make this personal choice over and over--and I agree also that Bible reading gives us strength and comfort and nourishes us to keep on doing so....I know the more I read my Bible the better I feel. (Prayer doesn't hurt either :love:)

and a winter walk would be Wonderful Bruisedreed. It is a Favorite thing for me and Shadow--we walk past the two ponds behind my home and just keep right on going--one could walk for miles along the edge of the fields on one side and forest on the other--yesterday a gigantic flock of geese went overhead honking all the way--noisey beyond description--and amazing too. They are practicing to leave :( . I feel walking with her is an important part of our bond--she gets to run and explore and play and I get to watch her run and explore and play--and when we come in she is relaxed and cuddly--there is never a time I don't walk and thank God for the beauty--snow covered trees high on the list--hope this day is beautiful for everyone--love you all--wolfie :grouphug: