SCRIPTURE: Joshua 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. [Joshua 9:14-15] The Lord made it clear that it was too dangerous for them to allow the people of the land to remain in the land; their moral and religious depravity was too tempting, too destructive. As harsh as it may seem to our ears, this call for total removal of the people and religion of the land was essential to the success of God’s kingdom mission. Unfortunately, as partners, they should have inquired of the Lord when the Gibeonites came for a treaty, pretending to be from a different country. They acted on their own, without their partner.
As Jesus-followers, partners with Jesus in His Kingdom mission, we must remain in close dialogue with our partner, seeking His wisdom, relying on His guidance and strength. When we face decisions or dilemmas, trusting in ourselves is dangerous. We ought to consult with trusted advisors, but we also ought to dialogue with the Lord, through prayer and bible reading (I do it through journaling, I find that most helpful). As I talk through my decision or dilemma with the Lord, its amazing how He helps me. In this was, I actually experience what Jesus talked about: By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. [John 5:30].
It is essential to develop the pattern of praying for guidance and seeking input fro trusted advisors. Our enemy is clever, and he will use a variety of schemes and ruses to distract, deceive and ultimately destroy us. Many of the will look good. Many of these decisions will seem harmless at the time, of no serious consequence. And yet, like the thin edge of a wedge, once it gains an entry point, it can slowly divide and conquer. Jesus described this as the little bit of yeast in the dough, and the huge consequence.
Consulting with the Lord does not come naturally. Our default pattern is to do what seems right to us. But the wise guy of Israel rightly warns: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. [Proverbs 14:12] Or, ‘seemed like a good decision at the time’. Are you taking steps to make inquiring of the Lord a natural first response? Are you being intentional about making decisions with the Lord, talking things through with Him? By yourself you can do nothing – yet we try all the time. And where does that get us?
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to do what is right and good, I want to do Your will. Help me to inquire of You in all my decisions and dilemmas. And please guide me.
I find this so true in my marriage. When I sit and talk with Henry about my day, the events that took place, decisions I am thinking about – then a beautiful thing happens – communion happens. God’s wisdom and discernment is shared amongst our combined conversations.
Unfortunately, my natural tendency is to be on this constant train of thought and action where I am the only passenger. I tend to not sit and discuss my day with Henry and I starve both he and I from the richness of our communion.
Refresh me Lord from going about my daily actions without consulting You and with the ones you surround me with. Thank you for the rich relationships you have given me. Help us to remember that just as good as it is to have communion with our loved ones, communion with You is the ultimate relationship, and indeed communion with You makes our communion with others richer still.
The first time I lost the connection from the motor home to the house and so once again – if I remember right.
I must do all things in His power. I need to talk to God at all times and need His Blessing since He is my Father and I am part of His family. That is my connection! That is my identity. As a member of the family I need to tell my Father of all what I plan to do. He must be aware of my actions and my direction of my daily living. I need to talk to Him each day and always. He will tell me in the way that I should go and give the advice that I need because I have never gone this way before. He is the Source of my power and strength from day to day and therefore I need to connect with Him always. Lead me and guide me always so then I will not stray. Always take it to the Lord in prayer. Talk to God. Be GodStrong to LiveStrong.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain