Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will keep growing closer to God.
Faith Verse
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm.
Question of the Day: How can our family be strong and serve the Lord?
Read about It
Read: Joshua 24:14–18
The Jewish people had made it to the Promised Land. God had provided for them and helped them to win battles time and again. Now it was time to live in the land that God had promised. So, Joshua called together the people to remember their promise to the Lord. God had brought them from slavery, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. Would they continue to serve Him? Joshua boldly declared, “As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” The people shouted back that they would too. This moment was a commitment for each family and their future children They chose to follow God alone. Their words were a promise that they would be strong and follow God.
What about you and your family? You may go to church, pray, and read your Bible together. You may even talk about what God is doing for you or how to serve Him best. But, have you declared your trust in God as a family? Our words have power. When we decide to declare that we will serve the Lord as a family, this shows where we stand. We won’t turn this way or that, but we will serve God no matter what. It is our reminder of what we will do when serving God—going to church, praying as a family, or reading the Bible—gets difficult. Let’s declare our decision today, that we will serve the Lord.
Talk about It
Question 1. Who did Joshua declare would serve the Lord?
Answer 1. He and his family (Joshua 24:15)
Question 2. Why did the people say they would never abandon or leave God?
Answer 2. He rescued them from slavery, performed miracles, preserved them, and drove out other nations from the land. (Joshua 24:16–18)
Question 3. What are some of the ways that you or you and your family servethe Lord?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
Question 4. When we say that “we will serve the Lord,” what does that mean?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
Question 5. How can our family be strong and serve the Lord?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, You have done great things for our family. You have blessed us, kept us, healed us, and protected us. Thank You for all of the ways that You have shown us Your goodness and faithfulness. It is our honor to serve You. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Amen.