Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Joshua 6–10

Yesterday, January 10th, was National Quitter’s Day. The day many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions. Twelve days. That’s all it takes. Imagine if God gave up on us after only 12 days. Or if we gave up on our faith after 12 days. Think about your marriage; what if you stopped trying after just 12 days? Or if you quit teaching your child something new after only 12 days?

Twelve days isn’t enough time to create new habits or real change. That’s why I’m committing to spending an entire year in the Bible. I’ve tried before and failed. But this year, with this blog and with your support, I’m committing to reading the entire Bible. It won’t be easy, but I want to dive deeper into my faith; for God, my family, and myself.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

Obedience requires commitment, not convenience. And I believe this commitment will help me become a better wife, mother, daughter, friend, and contributor to my church and community.

Today’s reading reinforces the truth that following and obeying God matters deeply. A resolution is almost like a promise you make to yourself; obedience to God is a promise we make to Him.

In Joshua 6–10, we see that God was very clear with His commands, and the Israelites obeyed Him. They didn’t partially follow, negotiate, or delay. They carried out what God commanded them to do, and they were faithful in that obedience.

“Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left.” – Joshua 1:7

“To obey is better than sacrifice.” – 1 Samuel 15:22

This reading was difficult from a more modern perspective. God did not respond kindly to deliberate disobedience. It is hard to read about women and children losing their lives because of the choices of them and their people. Scripture reminds us:

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” – Romans 6:23

None of us is owed tomorrow. Every breath we take is an act of grace. Our role on earth is to obey God, spread His Word, and make heaven crowded. Scripture does not shy away from the reality that continued, unrepentant sin leads to separation from God. On the flip side, repentance and forgiveness lead to eternal life.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” – 1 John 1:9

My Facebook feed is currently filled with the shooting in the U.S. involving Renee, a woman, a mother, someone just like many of us, and ICE agents. I want to be very clear about where I stand. I support law enforcement and I support ICE. Just like the Israelites stood behind Joshua and their strong army. My plan today was not to get on here and talk about this. I wasn’t even going to talk about what I read in Joshua in depth. Because it was unsettling to me, I was going to try to talk around it. I typically shy away from political issues within the Cx3 group to avoid arguments. But I spoke up about Charlie Kirk, and I am speaking up about this too. ICE’s job is to enforce the law and to help keep our cities, towns, communities, and country safe. I never want to see someone lose their life, but as a mama, I am going to support the people and authorities who work to keep me and my family safe.

JD Vance said that while this was an unfortunate and tragic event, it was ultimately the result of her own actions. I agree with that. Just like Jericho and Sodom and Gomorrah for example. It was devastating and tragic that the cities were destroyed, but it was an event of their own making. God gave warnings for four generations. God gave lot of opportunities. Choices were made. Some for the better in the case of Rahab and her family and Lot and his family.

Scripture tells us:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” – Romans 13:1

God is a God of order. Authority exists for a reason. That does not mean every outcome is easy or painless, but it does mean that accountability matters.

If you’re reading this from another country, you may be dealing with your own political justice and injustice. If you’re overseas serving in the United States military, you may see these issues from multiple cultures and perspectives. Remember, God is ultimately in control. We may not always understand His ways, but as Christians, we are called to respect His authority.

Sin can easily slip in, and Satan never stops trying. That’s why sin must be fully dealt with, not managed.

Jesus said:

“If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.” – Matthew 5:30

You cannot heal from addiction while still dabbling. Alcoholics don’t receive chips for almost abstaining; they receive them for complete abstinence from alcohol.

“No one can serve two masters.” – Matthew 6:24

You cannot live with one foot in the world and one foot with God. And I’ll be honest; this is something that I struggle with. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the world, especially with social media. This video is a good watch and explanation of why you can’t really live both lives.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8fLmgAG/

@bannockburnchurch

Do you still have one foot in the world, or are you all in with God?🪜 #allin #prayer #faith #jesus #god #pray #christ #christianity #HolySpirit #bannockburnchurch

♬ original sound – BannockburnChurch

Discussion Questions

1. Are there areas where I am partially obeying instead of fully surrendering?
2. What sins or habits might God be calling me to remove completely, not manage?

Respond below!

A Note from the Author