Joshua 9 [The Message]

The Gibeonites heard about Israel’s conquests and were terrified that they too would be destroyed at the hand of God’s people. So, they devised a ruse to strike a deal with Israel that would insure their safety. They lied to Joshua and the leaders about who they were and where they were from. Failing to consult God about this, Israel’s leaders agreed to preserve them, only to find out that they were deceived by the Gibeonites. They honored their agreement, but lived to regret it.

Life’s options are not always as they appear to be. The enemy of our soul can paint a tempting picture to make sin attractive to us. It’s always built upon a LIE. “Eat this and it won’t hurt you!” “Do this and you will be better for it.” “You don’t really need to do that to please God.” And on and on … the devil can paint an attractive picture of a life of disobedience.

We must measure every temptation by God’s Word. How does it stack up to scripture. The Holy Spirit is very helpful in this debate. He will bring to your mind the verses that you need to pay heed to. Then, God’s grace is available to you to give you the strength to make the right decision and to stick to it.

RESIST THE DEVIL and he will flee from you. [James 4:7]