SCRIPTURE: Joshua 23
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the LORD your God has given you. [JOS 23:12-13] Despite our best intentions, there are so many distractions and temptations that can cause us to turn aside from following the Lord. As we know from Israel’s history (read Judges), its only a matter of time before they Israelites fall into the traps and snares of their neighbours. And eventually, they lose their place in the land.
Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’ [Luke 9:62] Not fit for life in the kingdom. We cannot have it both ways, one foot in the world and one foot in the kingdom of God. Think of a spouse who wants to enjoy the commitment and support of their partner AND to enjoy the pleasures of an affair as well. They are not fit for the marriage.
The song I have decided to follow Jesus communicates this well, reminding us that the Lord wants our whole heart, not just a little of it. No turning back, no turning back!
What are the things that are enticing or distracting me from following the Lord?
PRAYER:
Lord, I know that there are things beckoning me away from You. Help me to stand firm, and cling to You.
Yes,
even the work God has given me to do right now can distract me from putting Him first.
Me too God, help me always choose You first.
But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now . . . because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised. So be very careful to love the LORD your God.
What a mighty God I serve. He has promised! He is faithful! I need to fulfill my promises. I need to stay the course and remaain focussed. I need to be separate from the world. In the world but not of the world. I need to keep my eyes upon Jesus. From that there is no turning back.
Help me to live this day as every day – Today God Is First!
Not my will but Yours be done. Help me to be faithful by leading me and guiding me by Your Spirit Lord.
Thank You for Your daily presence and Your nudges telling me the Way I should go.
Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.