JULY 17, Joshua 9:14-16

Have you heard of the saying: “Look before you leap”? It is a warning against acting rashly. You may say that the people of Israel did look but they were still tricked. It is because they depended on their own intelligence and did not seek the “counsel of Yahweh” or the wisdom of God.

God knows the future. He knows that His people would fall into sin easily under the influence of idol worshippers. That was the reason for Israel to wipe out the Canaanites and not make any treaty with them. God loves and cares for His people. Alas, the people of Israel did not care to consult God on this matter.

It does not mean that we don’t need to use our intelligence to plan or make decisions. But, someone has rightly said, “Planning without God is planning to fail”. God cares for us and is far more intelligent than we. He is omniscient. So, why don’t we ask God for wisdom before we act?

          Answer “Yes” or “No” to the following:

          1. Do I pray when I wake up in the morning?                             _____

          2. Do I pray when I am not sure what to do?                             _____

          3. Do I pray when I am afraid?                                                       _____

          4. Do I thank God for answering my prayer?                              _____

          5. Do I thank God at meal times?                                                  _____

          6. Do I ask God which secondary school I should choose?   _____

          7. Do I pray that my friends will become Christians?               _____

          8. Do I thank God for my parents?                                                _____

          (Note: If you have answered No to any of the questions, don’t be sad. Just pray!)

Thought: If I pray before I do anything, I will surely stay out of trouble!

Prayer: Teach me to pray Heavenly Father. Teach me to pray always before I act on something. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.