In Joshua 24:15, we read: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
“Do you have your money?” The girl looked at her little brother. He stuck his hand in his pocket.
“Right here,” he lifted his quarter. “But what if...if he takes my sweet roll.” Fear showed in his eyes.“Don’t worry. I’m here.” The little fellow nodded, grabbed her hand.
“Lord Jesus,” the sister prayed. “Please protect us. I choose to follow you and believe in You.”
Her stomach twisted as they neared the baker’s cart. There, leaning against a large oak tree, the town bully grinned at the girl, rubbed his stomach.
“Sure am hungry. Been watching for you.”She ignored him, purchased two sweet rolls, handed one to her little brother. Just as he lifted the roll to his mouth, a hand snaked from behind him, jerked the roll from him. She turned to see the bully stuff the whole roll in his mouth as he ran back to his tree. With tear filled eyes, she turned back to the baker. He winked at her.
He held out a fresh sweet roll to her little brother. “This one is much better.” With sweet rolls in hand, they sat on a nearby bench to enjoy their treat.
Crying and moaning drew their attention. The bully doubled over, holding his stomach. Could she help him? “What happened?” she asked.
“You poisoned me,” he yelled. “Oh, my stomach.”
“I’ll pray for you,” she said softly. He looked up at her.
“Why would you do that? After all I have taken from you?”
She smiled. “I made a choice. I belong to the Lord Jesus. Do you want me to pray?” He nodded.
We all have “bullies” in our lives. They’re of every form and shape you can imagine. Their goal? To steal the joy and promises of our Lord Jesus to us. We need not fear them for the Lord has promised never to leave nor forsake us. He loves us with an everlasting love.
Kingdom Thinking. I have been given a choice. I can serve the gods of this world. But I choose to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. You have that choice, too. He loves you. Won’t you choose Him?