My Thoughts and Reflections

The Israelites took some of their supplies, but they didn't ask for any decision from the L ORD . Joshua 9:14 (CEB) How often have I gone through my day and made a lot of decisions, but didn't once go to God for direction?  Sadly, as I look back on just the last few weeks, I can see that that has been my modus operandi .  After reading this verse in Joshua, it made me reflect on how I have not been bringing my decisions to God for direction on a regular basis. The context of this passage is during the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land.  God had told them to no make treaties with any of the inhabitants of the land because they were to wipe out the whole population of the Promised Land.  To enter into a treaty would mean that they could not fulfill this task that God gave them.  However, they were tricked by the Gibeonites into entering into a treaty.  They were slightly hesitant, but instead of relying on God's judgment, they went ahead...

Let no one deceive you  with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath  comes on those who are disobedient. Ephesians 5:6 (NIV) Sadly, the world is full of people claiming to be Christians who are full of empty words, or as the Common English Bible says, "stupid ideas."  These people deceive those who are not strong in their faith in Christ and who do not know and understand the words found in the Bible. It is so important to make regular reading of the Bible a part of your daily routine, to make hearing sound biblical teaching at least once per week, and to pray and meditate on God's word so that you are protected against the empty words of the disobedient deceivers that Paul is warning us about.   Paul is clear about what happens to those who teach doctrines that are foreign to the Bible or that twist and distort what is found in the Bible.  He says that those people receive the wrath of God. Read your Bible and do not fall prey t...

"I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side."  - Psalm  16:8 (CEB) A popular memory verse in my church growing up was Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (NIV1984).  Our verse for the week is a similar recognition of the truth of God's guidance in our lives.  As long as we put God first in our lives, we cannot fail and we will not stumble and fall because he will be right there at our side to keep us on the "straight and narrow."   How good is it to know that it is impossible to fail in life when we place God at the front of our lives?  I believe that it is great news!  However, d o not be deceived into thinking that this is a promise for an easy life or for a life absent of roadblocks, failures, and sin, but it is a promise that we can take hold of when we take the daily initiative to place Christ at the forefront of our lives.  This is why it is so import...