Enemy At The Gates

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd March 23, 2021 - Filed in Devotional - 4,731 views
  The men sampled their provisions, and didn't ask counsel from Yahweh's mouth. Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live. The princes of the congregation swore to them. At the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they lived among them. Joshua 9:14'16 WEB.
  
  Strangers came into the Israelite camp and said they had traveled from a distant land to make a peace covenant with them. The travelers had intentionally dressed in ragged clothing. They carried old supplies like stale bread and cracked wineskins to deceive the Israelites. In reality, they were from a nearby village and had come to trick the Israelites into forming an alliance with them.
  
  The Israelite leaders went through their supplies, saw the old bread, the cracked wineskins, and were convinced the strangers were from a distant land. They were so confident that they did not bother to pray and ask God about it. So the Israelites unknowingly made a deal with an enemy and agreed to let them stay in peace. The Israelites had been slowly taking the promised land one city at a time, and soon it was revealed that these men were from a nearby village. Shortly afterward, the Israelites were pulled into a battle with five kingdoms because of their alliance with the strangers.
  
  The Israelite leaders had let their lack of wisdom lead them into a trap, and God let them do it without saying a word because they did not bother to ask Him. The examples provided for us in the bible tell us that the Lord will not always intrude on our lives. That He will let us live our lives just as we want, with, or without Him being involved in it at all. Yet, His wisdom and guidance are there for us when we ask Him for it.
  
  Include the Lord in your decisions every day. Invite Him to be a part of what you are doing, and He will. Always inquire of God before making a binding decision. The Lord would have gladly answered Joshua if he had only taken the time to ask Him.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your wisdom, which I know is far greater than mine. Please help me remember to stop and pray a moment before I agree to sign something. You can see what is going on behind the scenes and in people's hearts when I cannot. Lead me down the right path today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
  
  Note: For those participating in the Creation Photography weekly themes, here is this week's challenge from group leader, Dianna Wyles: Song of Songs 2:12-13 "Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.' ~ 'Spring Fever' will be our next fun theme and, as always, is wide open for some creative interpretation! Also, we encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week reflect a few of the ways we've been celebrating spring this year. Can't wait to see your posts this week!!! Stay blessed Creation Photographers, and take some time to stop and enjoy the blossoms!Here is the link: Creation Photographers
  
  
  

  > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <