There’s a sermon here…  This devotional thought came from Days of Praise, the daily devotion from the Institute for Creation Resources, written by Henry M. Morris, III.

I start my day each morning with devotional thoughts from ICR.  This one came December 22, 2008.  As we are all caught up in the busy-ness of Christmas, in our over-commercialized, materialistically saturated culture, this came at a time in my life that rather caught me by surprise.  This two minute reading helped me keep my focus from wavering, allowing me to keep the proper perspective about the purpose of my existence.  I hope it helps you as well.

What To Do
“But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto (hold fast to him – NASB) him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:5)

This exhortation by Joshua to the tribes that would be living east of the Jordan, away from the tabernacle and most of their brethren, is still of relevance today–especially to those whose ministry requires them to live far away from some central place of Christian teaching and fellowship. It is given in six parts, each beginning with an infinitive (“to…”), and expresses a key aspect of our relation to God.

We should give diligent heed to:

“Do the commandment and the law.” That is, be careful to obey the Word of God.

“Love the Lord thy God.” This, according to Christ, is “the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). We must give first priority to the worship of God.

“Walk in all his ways.” The day-by-day words and deeds of the believer should always be consistent with the nature of God, whether or not there are specific references governing each one in Scripture. Our behavior should be characteristic of the ways of God.

“Keep his commandments.” The essential meaning of the Hebrew word here for “keep” is to guard! We are to defend His Word against its enemies, fighting the war of God.

“Cleave unto him.” “Hold fast to him” (NASB). We should stay in such close communion with Him that we can always know and follow the will of God.

“Serve him.” As we are faithful in the foregoing duties, we are then able, wholeheartedly, to serve in His name and to do the work of God.

I hope this is as encouraging to you as it was to me.  May you keep you focus on Christ this Christmas season.  Merry Christmas!