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Notes

In today’s chapel, Dr. Thomas White gave a powerful message from Joshua 23, urging us to ask ourselves a crucial question: What do you cling to? Every day, we cling to something, whether it's comfort, possessions, or the pursuit of our own dreams. But in Joshua 23, the call is clear: Cling to the Lord, not the fleeting things of this world. 

In his message, Dr. White emphasized that it’s easy to cling to comfort, habits, or even unhealthy attachments. When life gets difficult, we may find it easier to rely on the Lord. But when things are going well, we often revert to clinging to things we know — whether it's material possessions, relationships, or the pursuit of our own desires. Joshua’s speech to the Israelites in this chapter provides a roadmap for how we should respond in both good and bad times. 

In verses 3 through 8, Joshua calls the Israelites to remember the faithfulness of God and to cling to Him alone. He reminds them of how God has fought for them and urges them to keep and do God's commands (v.6). It’s not enough to simply acknowledge God; we must live out His commands and turn neither to the right nor the left (v.6). This calls for intentionality in our relationship with God to keep Him at the center of our lives and avoid the distractions of false gods (v.7). Joshua’s challenge to cling to the Lord (v.8) should resonate deeply with us today. Just as we naturally cling to things or people in our lives, our devotion to God should be even more powerful. Dr. White reminded us that to cling to the Lord, we need to engage with His Word regularly, meditate on it, and live it out. It’s about more than knowledge. It’s about transformation through the Word. 

Next, Joshua calls the Israelites to love the Lord with all their heart. Loving God is not just an emotional sentiment; it’s a commitment to Him above all else. Dr. White emphasized that loving the Lord means living in a way that reflects that love. This love should be unwavering as we set our hearts on Him rather than the fleeting pleasures of the world. 

Finally, Joshua reminds the Israelites to trust the Lord (v.14–16). This trust means not relying on our own strength or understanding but recognizing that God’s faithfulness will carry us through. Dr. White encouraged us to trust in the Lord's timing and wisdom, especially when the world may tempt us to rely on money, power, or possessions. 

Dr. White provided practical ways to cling to the Lord in our everyday lives. Meditate on His Word, surround yourself with godly mentors, and make wise decisions, especially in relationships. Don’t try to change someone who isn’t a believer by dating them; instead, trust God to lead you. Cling to the Lord and let Him be your guiding light. 

The ultimate question remains: What will you cling to? Will you choose to cling to the Lord and His Word, or will you allow the things of this world to take His place? The choice is yours.