Seize the Moment – Day 672
A Startling Defeat!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, January 18.
Have you ever held a grudge or lingered on a hurtful thought? I have hidden things in my mind and heart that are not of God, and they have caused me to become weak and discouraged.
Joshua 7 is a sad story that starts with the startling defeat of the army of Israel at Ai (1-5). There was no military reason for their defeat, especially after the amazing victory at Jericho. The defeat was a spiritual one.
Listen to Joshua lead the people back to God in verse 13:
Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, “Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the Lord, the God of Israel, has said, ‘There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.’”
The defeat was caused by the sin of Achan, who coveted after the spoils of war and greedily hid in his tent that which God forbade (16-26). What he thought would go unnoticed and had justified in his mind and heart to help his family survive, caused great devastation.
The startling defeats often begin in our heads and hearts. Consecrate yourself to God and dedicate your heart and mind to Him by dwelling on thoughts that are worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
Seize the moment and consecrate yourself to God. Invite the Holy Spirit to inspect your heart and mind of anything that should not be there. Surrender it to God.
God bless you!