DeepSummary
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads and reflects on the last chapters of the Book of Joshua from the Bible, covering Joshua's farewell speech and the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites. Joshua challenges the people to choose whom they will serve, declaring his household will serve the Lord. The episode emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.
Fr. Mike highlights Joshua's words acknowledging that the Israelites are prone to being unfaithful, but also reminding them of God's steadfast love and the fulfillment of His promises. Joshua urges the people to put away false gods and wholeheartedly serve the Lord alone. The episode concludes with Fr. Mike's prayer for continued faithfulness to God.
Overall, the episode underscores the biblical themes of God's covenant relationship with His people, the consequences of disobedience, and the necessity of actively choosing to serve and worship the one true God. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to renew their commitment to the Lord as individuals and families.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Renew your commitment to faithfully serve the Lord alone, putting away any false gods or idols in your life.
- Choose daily whom you will serve - God or the fleeting pleasures and false promises of the world.
- Remember and trust in God's steadfast love, faithfulness, and fulfillment of His promises despite human unfaithfulness.
- Follow Joshua's example by declaring with your household that you will serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
- Reflect on areas where you have been unfaithful and make a conscious choice to realign your priorities with serving God.
- Cultivate a lifestyle of obedience to God's commands and covenantal way of life.
- Ask God for the grace to remain faithful and to trust in Him completely.
- Learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and avoid rebelling against or forsaking God.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.“ by Joshua
- “And if you be unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.“ by Joshua
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Episode Information
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
3/28/24
Fr. Mike focuses on the last words Joshua speaks to the people of Israel, and how he calls them to choose the Lord above all other things. We all have idols in our lives that take us away from God; how are we choosing to love Christ above these idols today? Today's readings are Joshua 22-24, and Psalm 132.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.