The book of Joshua is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God. After many years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were finally allowed to enter the land promised of their fathers. Joshua was destined to turn that promise into reality. Joshua appealed to the Israelites to put away the gods of their forefathers in Mesopotamia and Egypt. In Joshua 24: 14-24, we read the story of how Joshua encouraged and led his people to serve the one true God. The Israelites had to make a choice on who to serve. Joshua made a public commitment to serve his Lord by stating, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” So just like Joshua, we, too, must make a choice on who we will serve. Do we serve the “worldly gods” of wealth, power and status? Or do we serve our Lord in ways that reflect the light of Jesus and what He has taught? That decision is up to each of us, just as it was to Joshua and the Israelites!

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, in one room or many, you can affirm that God is the one presence and power within your home. The presence of God permeates our home with life, love, joy and peace. Because of the loving presence of God in our home, a spirit of order and beauty shines in every room. Our home is a haven of rest and contentment. God is a loving counselor in family decisions, promoting understandings and cooperation. The love of God fills our home, and all those who enter it are aware that they are in a haven of love and peace. We all can be like Joshua and allow our homes to be a sanctuary for the Lord and state as Joshua did, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Blessings to all of your homes this Easter season!