While packing up books during our move from Texas to Kansas, I came across an old devotional book my mom gave me years ago—one I’ve carried from home to home. The cover reads simply: Inspirations: A Book of Devotions for Each Day of the Year. Published in 1965, each page features a short devotion written by a different pastor from across the U.S.
But the reason I’ve kept it all these years? What’s written on March 16.
That day’s entry was written by a pastor who spent his later years preaching at a small stone church in the country until he retired.
He was my grandpa.
He passed away when I was seven years old, so I don’t have as many memories with him as I wish I did. But this little devotional is part of the legacy he left behind—a glimpse into his heart for the Lord and his lifelong ministry. And because of his quiet, steady faithfulness, I am a follower of Jesus today.
Maybe that’s why I feel so drawn to writing devotionals myself. It’s one small way I can carry on his legacy—sharing threads of God’s truth that we can all weave into our everyday lives.
To honor him, I’ve taken the devotion he wrote and gently updated it—keeping his message from 60 years ago but adding a few reflections to help it speak to our hearts today:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:15
Joshua stood before the people of Israel—not as a commander demanding obedience, but as a leader inviting them to make a decision. His challenge was clear and bold: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”
The same is true for us today. God doesn’t demand blind obedience. Instead, He gives us the gift of choice—a freedom that reveals His desire for a real, personal relationship with us.
Real love, faith, and devotion to God can only be genuine when freely given—not forced. Psalm 2:11 reminds us that we are to “serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling,” meaning a deep reverence and awe, not dread or fearfulness.
As followers of Jesus, our motivation is love—not obligation or pressure. But this love isn’t casual; it carries reverence and commitment. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What we value most reveals where our heart truly belongs.
If you haven’t yet found freedom in Christ, I encourage you to seek Him today. Through repentance and faith, you can discover the peace and purpose only God can give. And once you’ve found Him, that same longing will continue to draw you deeper into His truth and grace.
For those of us who have followed Christ for many years, may we each be known not just for what we believed, but for how we chose to serve—with reverence, with joy, and with hearts fully given to Him.
Journaling Prompts
- Who in my family or faith community has influenced my walk with God? How can I continue that legacy—or begin one—for those who come after me?
- Am I serving God out of love or obligation? What would it look like to more fully embrace the freedom and joy that comes with choosing Him daily?
- What do I treasure most right now? Does it reflect a heart that belongs to Jesus? How can I realign my priorities to better reflect my love for Him?
Disclosure: Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The featured image has been created by AI and is not representative of a real person or location.
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