(249) 6 September : Proverbs 16v18-19 / Joshua 23-24 / Psalm 59v5-8

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 16:18-19

Understanding to grow in

The word "holy" means to be set apart for God. That's the calling of his people. And so Joshua ends his life urging Israel to be set apart from the Canaanite peoples that remain amongst them. They are not to follow their religion or practices, nor marry them because this will make being drawn to their ways more likely. The principle applies for the Christian too. We are not to "conform to the pattern of this world" (Rom 12v1-2), nor marry non-Christians for the same reason (1 Cor 7v39) - although if we have done so whilst believers, we should confess our wrongdoing and commit to our spouse (1 Cor 7v12-14). The consequences of compromise were severe for Israel. The Lord would no longer drive the nations out of the land, but allow them harrass and overcome the people instead. Similarly, compromised Christians will find the Lord no longer answering their prayers nor protecting them against the attacks of the devil (Jam 4v1-10). In grace he is quick to forgive those who are repentant. But we should not think he will act for those who are not. As you read note the warnings to Israel.
Joshua 23-24

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 59:5-8

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here