By choosing us God sets us free to serve him.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve.
Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates?
Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live?
But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15 New Living Translation

This balloonist has a choice as he’s suspended between heaven and earth. Either he can continue to give the burner more gas which will give the balloon lift, or he can let the balloon slowly drift to the ground.

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Copyright Douglas P Brauner

A problem occurs when the air outside the balloon heats up. No matter how much propane is propelled to the burner, it will not stay aloft when the outside temperature warms.

At the time of the flood God had a choice. He could choose to destroy us completely or leave a remnant. He chose the latter and as a result he gave us a picture of his ultimate choosing of us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Because God chose us, we also have a choice.

Joshua choosing not to serve idols was based on God’s grace of choosing him. Had he chosen idolatry instead, he would have dropped to ground like a lead balloon. Joshua soared as a leader of Israel because he served God

By the power of the Holy Spirit and only through the power of the Holy Spirit we daily reject the world’s ways. This decision is based on God choosing us. And in his choice we soar.

Copyright Douglas P Brauner