PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Joshua 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove them.” (Joshua 7:13)
These stories teach us how serious and destructive sin and selfishness are.
We are sickened by the violence and death, and yet we are responsible for them.
God chooses to work with sinful humans, and to let them experience what sin causes.
But through it all He is establishing a foothold for grace, hope and rest.
Through flawed and sinful Israel, God steps in through Jesus to overcome evil.
He endures the violence and perversion of human sin, but does not give in to it.
God breaks the cycle of sin and death, and offers us forgiveness and freedom.
Jesus stands up to our enemies for us, so that we can stand up to them with Him.
As Jesus followers, we are not free to indulge, but free to fight sin with His help!
Achan is an example of someone taking advantage of grace, and harbouring sin.
Achan’s specific sin what greed… what is your specific secret sin?
Do I realize what this sin does to me, my family, and those around me (like Achan’s sin)?
I cannot succeed in life, or experience victory, as long as I am hiding sin in my heart.
Jesus wants to help me overcome, but He cannot help me if I am not cooperating.
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to give in like Achan, and make excuses for why I give in to my sin. Show me the devastating effect of my sin, and help me to stand up against it!
The temptation to think we can get away with it – make a personal gain – take advantage – for what end? Jesus faced up to temptation and walked away. I too must do that when I am being enticed – turn it off, turn around and avoid it. When I do I have to admit it and confess! Jesus/HS help me to be aware and ready to turn my back to temptation!
Joshua read the Word of the Lord before all of Israel including the women and children and the sojourners. This Word was a guide for living for Jesus – to live in His presence, serving Him, obeying the Word of the Lord. I must do the same, not only reading that Word but also living according to that Word. That must be my desire each and every day – to live for Jesus – to do His will. He must be first in all things.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.