December 12, 2024 - Joshua‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬-‭6‬, ‭14‬-‭16

“But when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to deception to save themselves. They sent ambassadors to Joshua, loading their donkeys with weathered saddlebags and old, patched wineskins. They put on worn-out, patched sandals and ragged clothes. And the bread they took with them was dry and moldy. When they arrived at the camp of Israel at Gilgal, they told Joshua and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land to ask you to make a peace treaty with us.” So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath. Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby!” Joshua 9:3-6, 14-16 NLT

Lord, how often do we create trouble for ourselves because we don’t ask you about our decisions? It is easy to come to you when the decision is big, or we are unsure of the best answer. But what about the decisions that seem obvious to us? This decision that Joshua and the men of Israel made here seemed obvious. The people said they were from a far-off land and they looked like they came from a far land, but they deceived Joshua. The Israelites had to live with the consequences of the decision they made for generations. How different would things have looked if they had taken the time to ask you and allow you to reveal to them the deception?

Lord, forgive us for the decisions that we make without consulting you. Whether a small, seemingly easy decision or something large, we want your wisdom and insight to guide us. You know all, why would we not want to ask you for your wisdom, guidance, and protection in every area of our lives. We invite you to lead us in everything.

In Jesus name, amen.