Joshua 22

“‘But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.’ So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents.” Joshua 22:5-6 (NKJV)

There is a myriad of churches trying to connect with an unreached generation. I believe that most pastors have nothing but good motives and hearts to reach the lost and dying. But their methods of outreach vary to the extent that they are (at times) opposed to one another. So, what approach to ministry does God endorse? The simplest yet most difficult way: Read the Bible and do what it says.

You may laugh at that notion. You are not alone. Over the years, I have overheard people saying, “Surely, ministry is not that easy!” “Surely, we should be more sensitive towards people’s feelings than to preach the Word as written!” “Surely, you cannot tell people there is a Hell and a coming judgment for socially-acceptable sin!” “Surely, we should give more to the poor and preach and pray less!”

The God of all creation, the One not bound by cultural eras, has laid out a plan that is effective throughout the generations and extends for all eternity. Today’s passage of Scripture points out 5 things about God and our relationship with Him.

1) LOVE the Lord your God

2) WALK in His ways

3) KEEP His commandments

4) HOLD FAST to Him

5) SERVE Him with all your heart and soul

Consider these familiar verses in light of today’s passage:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me (Wisdom) your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself (your own benefit); and if you scoff (mock), you (along) will bear the consequences.” Proverbs 9:10-12 (NKJV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7 (HCSB)

“Jesus answered, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’” John 14:23 (HCSB)

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” James 1:22 (NASB)