Re:Verse reading–Joshua 9 (day two) So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord. vs. 14
Then Joshua called for them and spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you are living within our land? vs. 22
Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware. I have never been good at negotiating. Whether with my siblings, or for a new car, or house. I suppose most savvy business folks would say that I don’t have what it takes to secure the deal. My problem is always the same. I begin with the assumption that everyone will be completely forthcoming in the process. I will be very forthright about what I can pay or exchange, and I assume that you will do the same. To put it another way, I always put all my cards on the table from the start. It’s a very trusting posture, but not a very sound one in making deals.
I have learned this about myself, and as such I try to never make a deal on the fly. I force myself to stop, sleep, and pray. If I can’t find peace about it, it is not for me. Joshua would have been wise to follow this advice. He looked at the situation and assumed he understood. He did not seek the Lord’s counsel, and as a result were deceived.
Nothing is worth getting ahead of God.
I love what you said about not finding peace about something. Other Christians can make me feel guilty if I go off what they consider is the “right path”. But, wait, pray, sleep and see the cloud move and the openings that only God can make happen are so much better and brighter than the “crowd” philosophy.
Some people wonder at my love for singing at my age. I say, “as long as God allows me to have it, I’ll use it”! They think other things are more important. Perhaps they are- for them. It’s a gift. I need to use it or lose it. God needs the glory, not me or my friends.