Always Check With God [Joshua 9]

14So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD.

It is no wonder the Israelites were deceived. The inhabitants of Gibeon were really sneaky with their elaborate plan complete with all sorts of physical evidence to mislead Israel. Anyone would have made that same mistake!!!! I am one of the most gullible people around and there is no doubt in my mind that I would have believed the Gibeonites. However, the message here is that only God knows the truth. Everything needs to be filtered through Him, through His Word and through wise counsel with godly people who pray and listen to God.

For a time, the phrase "no brainer" was popular to describe situations that seemed obvious and needed no thought. As believers, there is no such thing as a "no brainer." Every decision I make, according to the Bible, needs to be filtered through prayer. Jesus explained in the Gospel of John (chapter 15), that I can do nothing apart from Him. He knows all, I don't. He sees all, I don't. He is willing to guide me perfectly, I can't.

We praise You, God, that you know everything and are available at all times to guide and strengthen us in our decisions. Cause us to believe that we can do nothing apart from You so that we will run to You and hold fast to Your counsel increasingly in our lives. We can't, but You can!!!

Beth Warlick, 11/5/2010