SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY" PT I/II - JOSHUA 24:13-15

Series Theme: Intentionality

“CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY”

(Joshua 24:13–15, KJV)General Theme: Hidden Manna

1. YOUR CHOICES MUST BE INTENTIONAL FOR LONG-TERM THINKING (v.13)

"And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour… vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat."

• Big Idea: Don’t just think about today—make choices that last for generations.

• For Christians: God has already blessed you with things you didn’t work for. Be a good steward and leave something behind for others.

• For Non-Christians: You are standing on someone else’s sacrifices—parents, grandparents, mentors. Build in a way that future generations can benefit from your choices.

• Practical Application:

  • Ask: Will this choice build or destroy tomorrow?

  • Invest in things that will outlive you—faith, family, education, community.

  • Live with legacy in mind, not just the moment.

2. YOUR CHOICES MUST BE INTENTIONAL FOR TRANSFORMATION (v.14)

"Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served…"

• Big Idea: Transformation requires letting go of what held you back.

• For Christians: Following Christ means serving sincerely, not with divided loyalties or hidden idols.

• For Non-Christians: True change begins when you stop repeating destructive cycles of the past.

• Practical Application:

  • Identify what needs to go—bad habits, toxic influences, false priorities.

  • Replace idols with life-giving practices—prayer, learning, healthy relationships.

  • Be genuine. Don’t just look changed—live changed.

3. YOUR CHOICES MUST BE INTENTIONAL FOR OUTCOMES (v.15)

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

• Big Idea: Every choice has a consequence. Neutrality isn’t real—you are serving something or someone.

• For Christians: Take Joshua’s stand—declare your home a place that serves God.

• For Non-Christians: Your choices today shape your tomorrow—your health, your family, your peace. Choose wisely.

• Practical Application:

  • Make family-centered choices. Joshua didn’t just choose for himself.

  • Before decisions, ask: Where will this choice lead me?

  • Build consistency—daily small choices add up to life-changing results.

The Shechem “Shoulder” Connection

• Promise: God made covenant promises here. Your choices rest on promises greater than you.

• Commitment: Israel renewed their covenant here. Choices require recommitment.

• Worship: Altars were built here. Choices should be rooted in reverence.

• Sin: Shechem also bore scars of brokenness. Choices can either repeat pain or redeem the past.

👉 Why the Shoulder Matters: Just like strong shoulders carry weight, your choices carry the weight of your future, your family, and your community. Weak shoulders can’t hold up life’s demands; weak choices can’t hold up destiny. But strong, intentional choices—like strong shoulders—give stability, protect from injury, and allow you to reach further than you could before.

✅ Key Takeaway:Choosing this day is about more than the moment—it’s about building strong shoulders of faith and responsibilitythat can carry your life, your family, and future generations.