Christian Devotional – March 19, 2016

Read Joshua chapter 16

VERSE:

Joshua 16:10–They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.

TRUTH:

So close, but not close enough. The Ephraimites were given their section of land and they were excited about it, but they didn’t completely follow through on the command to rid the land of all the prior occupants. The Canaanites persisted and the Ephraimites decided that they didn’t mind so much. They could accept having the people there, as long as they did forced labor. Surely that was good enough right? Unfortunately, this lazy attitude would result in years and years of grief and struggle later. The people didn’t fully obey God an that will always have consequences later on. Are we being fully obedient to God, or are we being lazy when it comes to following His commands?

RESPONSE:

Father, I know that You have a specific plan for me and that You have areas that You desire to see me move and grow in. Keep me focused and give me the strength to follow through and to complete all that You have given me to do. I don’t want to do anything half-heartedly. You are worthy of my complete commitment.