Joel M Bradshaw

 34And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them.–Joshua 8

Back in October of 2021, I attended a man camp hosted by my church. And at the end of that weekend, I stood before 200 men and proclaimed that by the next man camp, I would have lost 50 pounds. I remember the whole room cheering and many high-fives and back slaps were given to me. It was a great moment. It was an intentional moment. It was a purposeful opportunity for me to seek renewal.

Joshua and Israel had that moment in our text today. The covenantal law was given through Moses. Joshua intentionally led the nation in renewal of those vows. God had led them through a difficult season and they needed to recommit to him. It was appropriate and good. Renewal of good things is good.

I hit that 50 pound mark this morning. The weight scale has rarely been my friend. But I’m changing that story. In order to reach that goal, I needed not only a renewed commitment, but a renewed intentionality that would show up every day. In order to fully keep my word I have to keep that weight off until October, but so far so good. I’m thankful for renewal. What needs to be renewed in you and your purpose?–JMB