Joshua 9:14 The
men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD.
Most of the serious mistakes that I make
usually occur because I do not ask God what He thinks about my choices before I
make a decision. I foolishly follow my own course and, like Rear Admiral Grace
Hopper once said, if it turns out to be a bad choice, I ask for forgiveness
later. You would think that my life experience by now would have shown me the
folly of leaving God out of my major decisions. Regrettably, it still happens.
I still make impulsive choices and end up looking to God to forgive me and mend
the situation.
Today’s story from the Book of Joshua
Chapter 9 describes an incident where the Israelites were deceived by the
Gibeonites and completely taken in by their cunning plan. Instead of going to
God for guidance, the Israelites believed the Gibeonites’ story and swore an
oath not to harm them. It was a mistake that would have dire consequences for
centuries on both communities. If the Israelites had consulted God, He would
have told them about the deception and there would have been no peace treaty
sworn between the peoples. However, because the Israelites made the treaty
sacred by swearing an oath in God’s Name, they had to keep the agreement. To do
otherwise would have been to discredit their own word, as well as profaning and
dishonoring God.
Perhaps you are going through some
critical times and face some serious issues. Maybe you need to make an
important decision that will affect the rest of your life. Whatever it may be,
take this from today’s lesson: sincerely ask God about it first and seek His
guidance. He will help you find the necessary and effective solution.
Questions for personal reflection
Is there
something that is weighing heavily on my mind? Have I truly asked God for His
thoughts and guidance about it? When will I make time to do so?
Prayer: Lord God, You see all that goes on
in our lives and watch the ways that we take. Help us to put You at the center
of our choices and decisions, especially when the consequences will be life
changing. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment
or ask a question about today’s message, please send an email to Traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
drawing is one of my popular Mackintosh type flower images. It’s called “Dragon-Eyed
Dahlia.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the
following link:
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