But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
Everyone else will need to choose who they will serve.
And whether they decide to serve the gods of other lands.
Or the one true God.
He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. — Ephesians 1:9-10
He purposed this in Christ.
To bring unity to all things in heaven.
And to all things on earth under Christ.
Yesterday my colleagues decorated my desk for my birthday.
And they gave me chocolates and a book I had looked at ordering for myself.
Nothing like celebrating all week long!
I am blessed.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Even those who hate us and want war instead of peace.
Thank you, Lord, for each person.
Everyone is valuable and precious in your sight.
We ask for your intercession that wars may cease and conflicts may end.
So your peace will cover the world.
And so all will live in godliness and holiness.
Worshiping you as Lord and King.
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. — 2 Corinthians 3:6
As ministers of a new covenant.
Not of the letter of the law, but of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us life.
And encourages us to share that new life with others.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. — Ephesians 1:18
That we may know the hope to which Jesus calls us.
And the riches of His glorious inheritance.
The inheritance God gives us in His holy people.
We are in the process of calling a new pastor to lead our church.
That God would use that person to guide our congregation to know the hope of Jesus.
And to hear His calling for our lives.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9
Just six of us showed up, but it was a gorgeous day.
And we had a fun time walking around various neighborhoods and over some fun bridges.
Plus getting to catch up and chat with friends old and new.
Walking by homes of some of our church members.
Ending in the rose garden at Balboa Park.
And then getting a picture by the fountain.
We are God's special possession.
Gifted to declare His praise.
He has called us out of darkness.
Into His wonderful light!
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. — Romans 13:1
We don't, but voters in Chula Vista will decide who fills the vacant City Attorney seat.
And voters in the county's fourth district will decide on their next supervisor in a run-off election between the final two candidates.
Yesterday I spent the day on jury duty.
I listened to potential jurors being questioned for a criminal trial.
A lady was charged with vehicular manslaughter in the death of a 17-year-old.
I was grateful to be released from serving.
Especially since they were going to have to look at autopsy photos.
I pray for the family of the victim and also for the lady being charged.
Apparently no drugs or alcohol were involved.
Kirk think she must have been speeding.
How horrible - I'd guess she would be remorseful for the rest of her life.
Even so, I think serving as a juror and voting are two important ways we can serve our city and recognize the governing authority that God has established.
