“The Israelites said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?” 8 “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?” 9 They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, 10 and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. 11 And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.”’ 12 This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. 13 And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.” 14 The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.” Joshua 9:7-15 NIV
Father God,
But did not inquire of You. Such a little sentence. They saw, they believed and they acted. To always want to see the best in people, to have hope that things will be peaceful and good is not a sin. But perhaps they were gullible and that would not have been a sin had they checked in with You. The Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
Help us to check in with You and listen to that small still voice telling us to wait (Psalm 37:7) or the way to way to go (Psalm 143:8) or to give wisdom in a situation(James 1:5).
Help us to ask You and then act rather than react. It is sad but people lie, mislead and tell half truths, even bend the truth on occasions. Scammers have always been around but now they also use technology. But they still try to pretend to be what they are not. If it is too good to be true it is too good to be true?
But help us keep our generosity and kindness ready for the situations that arise where we need to be generous as from You. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from all evil.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 29th March 2025
No apologies for repeating this from last week . . .
Surely our God is the God of gods
And the Lord of kings
The revealer of mysteries
Surely our God is the God of gods
And the Lord of kings
The revealer of mysteries
He changes the times and the seasons
He gives rhythm to the tides
He knows what is hidden
In the darkest of places
Brings the shadows in to His light
Chorus
I will praise You always my Father
You are Lord of heaven and earth
You hide Your secrets
From the wise and the learned
And reveal them to this Your child
Chorus
Thank You for sending Your only Son
We may know the mystery of God –
He opens the treasures
Of wisdom and knowledge
To the humble not to the proud
Lyrics: David L and Liz Morris