Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday March 15, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book Joshua. Please read chapters 7 & 8 in your Bible. You can also Click Here to read the chapters online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%207-8&version=9

Today's Message: Just Keep Praying
The people of God are never in greater danger of assuming they no longer need to pray for guidance than when the Lord has just answered prayer or greatly blessed them.

After the Israelites had victory over Jericho their independence grew and without seeking direction from God, they attacked the city of Ai. "And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water." (Joshua 7:2-5). By not consulting the Lord this time, Israel's defeat was inevitable and sadly they were defeated and humiliated by such a small town.

After their defeat, Joshua sought God for guidance on how they might win and God instructed him. "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it. So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night........And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai." (8:1-3,25).

Joshua had momentarily failed to consider that the Lord Himself was their Commander in Chief, that He alone could issue orders that would result in success. The Israelites' reasoning that led to their defeat at Ai has been repeated by most of us. When no serious problems seem to exist, we become overconfident, seemingly self-sufficient, and assume the Lord expects us to use "our own good judgment." However, apart from our submission to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the smallest temptation will prove to be too powerful for us. He alone imparts discernment and guidance as we read and desire to obey the Word of God. We don't win our victories just because we are Christians any more than Joshua won the battle at Ai because he was an Israelite. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12).

Today's Psalm: 25:8-10
"Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for your plan for our lives. You are the one, sovereign God, and you are all powerful in every aspect of our lives. We want to turn it all over to you, but there are parts of us, that we are so reluctant to release. We might not even know what it is that we are holding on to, but we can feel that part of our flesh is ruling us more than it should. Watch over us, guide us and be with us in all that we do. Holy Spirit, sweep through us. Help us to see what it is that we're unable to let go of, and then minister to our hearts so that we can trust you in that area. Speak to us through your word today. Show us something new about yourself or our relationship with you. In Jesus name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day and hope you are enjoying the Lord's Day.
God Bless,
Christina

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