And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim. And the children of Israel smote them not, because the princes of the congregation had sworn unto them by the LORD GOD of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD GOD of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we sware unto them. And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them. (Jos 9:17-21)
When we look to ourselves and don't take counsel of the Lord, thinking that we can handle what comes our way, trying to live without GOD in practice, we stumble and go astray. GOD says without Him we can do nothing, and in our old life, we are dead in our trespasses and sins; we cannot live our lives after the old way, apart from the Spirit of GOD which dwells within. He is there to guide us into all Truth, He has given us His Word, that we might know Him, His ways, and His thoughts which are above ours, and that our path may be illuminated before us, not the whole journey, but what GOD wants us to see as we walk with Him and in Him.
Our journey, as strangers in this foreign land, is as servants of the Most High GOD. We are His ambassadors, to represent His Kingdom, and as His body, to minister with the Word of reconciliation to those around us who are hurting and in need. We are His disciples, not above our Master, but loving one another and equipping and encouraging one another in His Word and His power to the work He has us to do in this lost and dying world as we grow into the full measure of Christ. We are His witnesses, to share His Gospel and the Good News with those who are lost as we go, that those who repent of their sins and believe in Him alone and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary for Salvation might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet