Recap:
From beginning to end, the book of Joshua identifies ‘Yahweh’s’ commitment to fulfill his promises to Israel as the driving force behind its narratives. The last couple weeks we've looked at:
-God called & commissions Joshua & he calls & commissions each of us.
-WE’RE TO FOLLOW FORWARD FAITHFULLY
- God’s always looking – always at work drawing people toward Himself
-Making Memory Markers helps us remember God's activity in our past and His promise to continue now and into the future.
-You never know what God will set in motion with one small step of obedience. This Jericho story reminds us to live by faith – to TRUST in God’s ways over our cleverness.
-Story of Achin (ch. 7) reminds us that a regular rhythm of repentance keeps us relational right with God...we don't minimize sin, but we maximize Jesus!

This whole entire book begins with a challenge to Joshua to be ‘strong and courageous’ – and here at the very end of all these adventures; we see Joshua challenging the people to remain strong and courageous, to choose to stay committed to God alone! Joshua is going to challenge them (and us) that our spiritual fervor and commitment is ultimately our choice to make. We decide – one way or another. We know about decisions because we make them everyday. Choices and decisions mark your existence and experience.

Truth:
Our Decisions drive the Direction we take in life and ultimately determine our Destination and Destiny.

Joshua is hammering home a few things:
1) God's activity
2) Stay strong and courageous – committed
3) Let your Loyalty linger with God alone

Today, culture and crowd influences will seek to get us to ‘turn’ its way & orient our lives around its values – rather than getting our bearings from God and following His lead.

“line in the sand” analogy = Joshua says "this is what I’m doing"… you must now decide.
Illust:
In 1519 Spanish explorer Cortez landed at Vera Cruz to begin his conquest of Mexico with only 700 men. Legend has it that before they set off into Mexico’s interior Cortez ordered the ships to be burned while his men watched their only means of retreat sink to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Now there was only one direction they could take.

We live in a world where long-term commitments are not necessarily wanted or desired. This is true in most realms of relationships, companies, even the church. But commitment is a necessity of worship. Worship does call for our attention and affection and a decision to not divide our loyalty. Worships requires more than a superficial decision, it calls for our intentional allegiance.

In the plethora of 'gods' and 'things' seeking our allegiance and devotion - God is asking us to choose Him. He chose us and now he asks us to choose him. Jesus desires and deserves absolute love, not optional love. He gave his absolute best for us and now he deserves our best in return. We must choose – this day and the next day, and the next day...(repeat)

Need Prayer? ....we've got some of our prayer team and pastors available following service to pray with you. Or you can text the word "prayer" to our phone number: #520-300-9001 to submit your prayer request or submit one via our new app. We look forward to partnering with you in prayer.

Thanks for joining us tonight - we pray that God's best blessings will go with you this week. May you sense His commitment to you and may that grow your commitment to choose to follow Him daily.