“Who Will You Serve In 2009?”

It’s January and 2009 is here! Whenever a new year comes, many people pause to reflect. What were the highlights of the past year? What will the new year bring our way? What changes will I make for this New Year? Many of us make “New Year’s Resolutions” resolving to give up a bad habit, lose weight, make healthier and better choices in our lives.
Around 3400 years ago, the people of Israel were facing a transition not unlike what we face when pondering a new year. Joshua, the leader of the Israelite nation, was dying. He called the leaders of the people together for a farewell message. Joshua reflected on what the Lord God had done in bringing the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan. Now, the people were faced with a choice: what will they do in the future when the torch of leadership is passed from Joshua to someone new? Joshua 24:14-15 says, "So honor the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve…. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (NLT). Joshua issued a challenge to the Israelites to make a choice right then and there. Whom will you serve? The false gods or the Lord? He affirmed that he and those that follow him in his family line will serve and remain dedicated to the Lord God. The people responded to the challenged and affirmed they would serve the Lord and Him only.
The same sort of challenge is before each of us this new year. Whom or what will we serve in 2009? This is an important question to contemplate. We all serve something with the choices we make on a daily basis. Our choices speak volumes on what our lives stand for. Will you obey God by giving your time, talents and treasure for His purposes? Will you commit yourself to furthering of the Kingdom of God through the ministry of New Heights Community Church? What will your choice be: Will you chase after the idols of materialism, entertainment, popularity, power, sex, etc? Or will you choose to serve the Lord God and Him only?
Will you join me in saying, “As for me and my family ( the Schauers), we choose to serve the Lord in 2009.” Will you join us at New Heights Community Church in making a commitment before the Lord to serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength this year and for the rest of your life? My prayers are with you to make a wise choice. God bless you in this new year!