Joshua 23 is a powerful chapter. While written so long ago, it speaks with clarity to important aspects of our everyday existence today. Josh 23:3 is a good reminder that God has done so much on our behalf. Not only with providing Salvation in an "eternal" sense, but in providing salvation daily. Even on my greatest days of trial, I am blessed far beyond anything I deserve.
The key to continually experiencing God's blessing is to stick close to God. In Josh 23:6-7, Joshua gives us this key. Know God's Word and do it perfectly. Live according to God's plan. Avoid influences that water down your commitment to God. Stay white hot in your commitment to God and God alone.
Invariably, there is a draw away from this type of commitment in everyone's life. Life is busy... our sins are attractive...we can "reason" our way into about any situation if we try. We must KNOW though, that to turn from absolute commitment and obedience to God...to embrace ANY of the world is to invite God's judgment against us. It is JUDGMENT because it is the removal of blessings (Josh 23:12-13). Yes, to not be under the blessing of God is to be experiencing the judgment of God...because the blessing of God is and always has been His plan for you and I.
With the same certainty that Joshua's people could look back on God's complete faithfulness to fulfill His promise to them...they can look forward to God acting consistently toward them...to bless them if the obey and the judge them if they do not (Josh 23:13). This is part of God's CHARACTER. It is an immutable aspect of who God is. It has always defined Him and will continue to do so for eternity. So...the same promises mentioned by Joshua here are echoed for us in the present day.
Proverbs 13:14 is the takeaway for me today. Wisdom is a fountain with abundant resources to protect us from snares and danger. God's Word is abundant with the counsel that saves us from all that detours and detracts from experiencing all of God's blessings. The best way to avoid "snares" and experience God's greatest blessings is to know and do the will of God as revealed in the Word of God.
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Promises promises and more promises. I think of all of God's promises, WOW... He promises us so much. He has proven Himself faithful over and over yet we do not listen to His call in our lives. I know for me, I seem to know better than anyone else. I love that God is very exact here just like He is in our lives. He tells exactly what He wants for us and many times we are too busy to listen. So sad... :( I just love God's instruction but I must slow down and listen to each and every detail that He has planned for my life.
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