Joshua isn't just about conquest—it's about covenant faithfulness. God kept every promise to bring His people into rest, even when they couldn't let go of their idols. Joshua led them in where Moses couldn't enter, foreshadowing the One who would finally bring us into true promised rest. Here's what makes Joshua powerful and heartbreaking: God's relentless faithfulness documented against Israel's ongoing unfaithfulness. "Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass" (Josh 21:45). God brought them through the Jordan on dry ground—just like the Red Sea. He gave them victory at Jericho by faith. He parceled out the land exactly as promised. Every. Single. Word. Fulfilled. Then the final chapter hits. Joshua gathers the people and challenges them: "Choose this day whom you will serve...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh 24:15). The people respond: "We will serve the LORD!" But Joshua stops them cold: "You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God" (Josh 24:19). Why? Because he knows what's in their hearts. The idols are already taking root. So he makes it explicit: "Put away the foreign gods which are among you" (Josh 24:23). Their response? "The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey" (Josh 24:24). Notice what they didn't say? They never said they'd put away the foreign gods. They wanted both. This is syncretism—worshiping God while keeping pet idols on the side. This sets up Judges, where Israel does exactly what Joshua warned against. Moses brought Law but couldn't bring them into the land. Joshua brought them into rest but couldn't change their hearts. Only Christ does that—removing the heart of stone, giving a heart of flesh, sprinkling us clean from idolatry, placing His Spirit in us (Ezek 36:25-27). Where are you still trying to serve the Lord while holding onto your idols? What would it look like to actually let them go?

"The Holy Spirit has enthroned Himself in your heart and made you His treasured possession. He sits enthroned guarding your heart from idols." Think about that for a second. Father, Son, and Spirit are Lord of your life. Not just "influential." Not just "important." LORD. That means there is nothing else that has power over your heart the way God does: - No idol - No false god - No sin - No attraction - No allure Nothing has the place in your heart that Christ does. The Holy Spirit hasn't just moved in—He's enthroned Himself there. He's made you His treasured possession. He's actively guarding your heart from idols trying to creep back in. This isn't passive. This is the Spirit of God ruling and reigning in you right now. Here's the full breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hVkska3bdW8 Your turn: What idol has tried to reclaim space in your heart lately—and how has the Spirit helped you see it for what it is? Drop it below 👇

This is become a common greeting in my church community. It means so much! Family together, sharing, caring, hugs, and working to help the family function. It's great! Today though I'm drinking coffee, snowed in a bit here. I've talked to several of my church family on the phone, but I won't see them today. That's too bad. Each church community is different and God made them to be unique for His glory. What would you say? What is something that you think is great about your church?

We've been on this journey together for a couple of months now (some longer than others)—asking questions, sharing discoveries, and exploring Scripture as a community. Take a moment to reflect: What's something you've learned, a new perspective you've gained, or an aspect of this community you've appreciated? It could be something from the Bible itself, a conversation that stuck with you, or simply the experience of not walking this journey alone. Share your reflections below! 👇

Take a few minutes to read through Psalm 23—one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. Whether it's familiar or brand new to you, read it slowly and notice what catches your attention. You can find it in your Bible, a Bible app like YouVersion, or online. Which phrase stands out to you today, and why? 👇