"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" is more than words to put on a wall. It speaks to who we are and how we choose to live every day. As the last months of 2025 approach, many are looking back over the year, thinking about what’s changed, and wondering how to finish well. Recently, Pastor Josh Baird spoke from Joshua 24:15, reminding us that faith is not something we drift into. Faith is a choice, one we make again and again through every season. Whether it's a time of joy, stress, or a mix of both around the holidays, this choice matters.

Finishing strong means holding tight to God’s faithfulness, letting go of things that pull us away from Him, and finding fresh ways to lead our families forward in faith. These steps can shape the future for anyone in Gainesville or Nokesville who wants to take them.

Remembering What God Has Done

Joshua started his challenge by helping everyone see all the good that God had already done. He talked about the times God stepped in, made a way, and gave victory where it didn’t seem possible. Again and again you hear, “I took, I led, I gave, I sent.” These weren’t just about what people did—they were about what God did.

We can lose sight of this, especially when life gets busy. We might forget answered prayers or the times God provided when we least expected it. The Bible’s reminder to “remember” is there for a reason. When we look back at moments God showed up for us, trust grows. Instead of letting stress control our outlook, we begin to feel stronger about what’s next because of all that God has already done. That kind of hope takes root when we practice looking back and seeing where God helped us before.

A service element unique to this area is the kids ministry available every Sunday for children from birth through grade 5. This ongoing care for youth allows families to experience the main service while knowing their children are being taught Bible truths in rooms set up just for them.

Putting Away Old Gods

Joshua did not just tell people to remember. He asked them to clear their lives of the old gods—the things their families used to put first. Back then, it was actual idols or altars, but today, it shows up as habits or distractions that sneak into our schedules and our hearts.

Maybe it’s the habit of staying busy and leaving very little room for quiet time with God. Maybe it’s chasing approval or comfort that keeps taking God’s place. These distractions can slowly become like idols. Pastor Josh reminded us that it's not a one-time decision to put these things down. It’s a daily choice, checking our hearts and asking, “Is something else taking the spot that belongs to God right now?”

It’s letting go, sometimes every morning, of those patterns that make us forget our purpose. Serving God always means choosing Him over everything else, even the stuff that doesn’t seem like a big deal at first.

Setting the Standard for Your Family

When Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” he spoke with clarity and courage. He didn’t wait to see if everyone else would agree. He set a direction for his whole family, and he made it clear what mattered most.

Every family needs direction, especially today. There are so many voices, so many things to do, and so many ways to spend your time. Someone has to decide what the house will stand for. Joshua shows that faith is not just something we believe; it’s something we practice. Setting the standard means praying together, making worship and being part of a church community a regular habit, and being open about faith at home.

Some weeks, this could mean forgiving someone in the family when you’d rather hold onto a disagreement. Other times, it might be reading the Bible together, even if it’s just for a few minutes. These decisions build a culture where God matters and faith is visible to anyone who comes through your door.

Simple Ways to Serve the Lord Together

Big promises are backed up by little daily steps. Spiritual leadership starts with small habits that anyone can do. Here are some ideas for making faith a normal part of your week:

- Be at church each Sunday, and bring your family every time. In Nokesville, services happen at 9 AM and 11 AM, making it easier to find a time that works.

- Use family meals or car rides to have honest talks about what God is doing, what you’re thankful for, or places you need help.

- Pray before bed or first thing in the morning. This becomes a simple but strong reminder that God is with you all the time.

- Show kindness in visible ways. This could be helping a neighbor, paying for someone’s snack, or being quick to say sorry.

- Once a week, read a Bible story or a few verses together and talk about them. Keeping it simple is better than never starting.

With kids ministry available at each Sunday service, families in Gainesville and Nokesville find extra support as their children grow in faith alongside them. Regular rhythms like these help build trust and connection between family members and God.

What Happens When We Say Yes

After Joshua spoke, the people responded loud and clear. They said, “We will serve the Lord.” Saying yes was big, but they made that decision because they remembered all the ways God had cared for them. It wasn’t about being perfect or never missing a step. It was about choosing who their family belonged to, right then and there.

When a family says yes to God, something changes. Peace enters the home, even when life is busy. There’s more unity, more grace, and a sense that you’re all headed in the same direction. As holidays and special times come up on the calendar, it’s a good moment to say yes again—this house belongs to God, no matter what the year has looked like.

Choosing to Finish 2025 with Faith

Autumn in Virginia means cooler air, football games, and the holiday season starting up. There’s a lot to celebrate, but schedules fill up fast and distractions come from all sides. That makes faith even more important as the year winds down.

Through every high and low of 2025, God has not changed. He keeps leading us, even on days when it feels like we’re just hanging on. Now is the perfect time to stop, think, pray, and get our focus back on what matters most. Joshua’s words still ring true for families in Gainesville, Nokesville, and everywhere in between. We decide who we serve and what our homes will be known for. Real faith does not just happen. We choose it, and we keep choosing it all the way through the end of the year.

This House Will Serve the Lord

Living near Gainesville or Nokesville means sharing life with neighbors and other families who are looking for purpose and direction. The end of the year is a good time to look back at what God has done, move away from things that distract you, and get clear about what’s most important. With support like Sunday services and programs for kids, building new habits of faith is possible for everyone. Like Joshua, it is good to say with confidence as another year closes: as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Ready to lead your family in faith and build rhythms that last? We’d love to walk with you. As we gather weekly at Love Church, it’s a great time to center our lives around Jesus through worship, prayer, and community. Whether you're near Gainesville or Nokesville, our doors and our hearts are open to help you grow. Take a look at what's ahead and find your next step with a local church in Gainesville, VA. We’d love to welcome you this Sunday!