How to Be Blessed By God
Things to Throw Away

Scripture: Joshua 24:23-24

“Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”

²⁴ And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.”

          It is one thing to have courage to fight an “external” battle.  It is another thing to have the courage to fight in “internal” war.  As Israel marched into their Promised Land, other nations were defeated and displaced.  Yet, these other nations had their own religions and idols that they worshipped.  These other gods and idols became a continual source of temptation to the Israelites.  Throughout their history godly leaders had to consistently challenge them to stop worshipping these foreign gods.  Unfortunately, these foreign idols were popular and cherished by far too many Israelites.  Joshua knew that these idols would be their downfall.  Joshua, in the 24^th chapter, stood up and called for complete and radical obedience to the God who had delivered them and provided for them for many years!  That took courage.  Joshua demanded that they “throw away” every idol that represented these foreign gods.  The Israelites were not to keep one idol in their homes or communities!  Joshua did not compromise or water down this requirement – even if they rebelled against his leadership.

Serving God…living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, demands total and radical obedience.  This will take courage.  As God’s children, we must not allow worldly influences to remain in our homes or to be a part of our lives.  When we stand up against these influences, many will challenge us…sometimes within our own families.  It will take courage to stand strong.  Remember, God blesses courage with many rewards!

“Father, I will throw away any and all sinful influences in my life or home.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”