The Daily Word: Wednesday, April 14th, 2021
Joshua 9:3-10:43
Luke 16:19-17:10
Psalm 83:1-18
Proverbs 13:4
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. – Josh. 9:14
A group of ambassadors from an unknown country came to Joshua, trying to make a treaty with Israel. Joshua and his key leaders were suspicious! But they “did not ask counsel of the Lord.” So Joshua followed his gut, instead of following the Holy Spirit. He made peace with them, when God wanted to conquer them. And as Israel moved forward, they were hindered and frustrated by the agreement they had unintentionally made with the enemy because they did not seek the Lord.
What is your decision-making process like? Do you follow your gut? Do you listen to your heart? Do you ask friends for advice? Do you call your mom to see what she would do? The honest truth is most of us go to God last. We make our own decision and then go to God, asking Him to bless what we’ve already decided on our own. Please, God, tell me what I want to hear! It’s sad but it’s true.
But what if I told you your decision-making process should actually only ever consist of one step?
Ask counsel of the Lord.
Don’t follow your gut; follow the Holy Ghost. Don’t follow your heart! Follow the God who restores broken hearts. It’s good to have good friends! But even good friends can lead you astray (see the Book of Job). It’s good to have leaders in your life who help you make decisions. But even anointed leaders will sometimes say things that contradict the word the Lord has given you (see 1 Kings 13).
Before you make a decision, ask God. If you don’t ask Him, it will not turn out well! But if you listen to His voice and let Him speak to you – His Spirit to your spirit – you will be on the right path, all the time, every time.
Prayer:
Father, I repent for not seeking Your counsel! I am sorry for not always going to You first. I never want to make a decision without You again. Help me to seek You first! Because I only want to do what You say, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.