Topic: The Future Snare [DCLM Daily Manna 6 April 2019 Daily Devotional]
Text: Joshua 16:1-10 (KJV)
Key Verse: “And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute” (Joshua 16:10).
MESSAGE:
In Egypt, Israel had been surrounded by all kinds of idols and false worship; but leaving Egypt did not automatically guarantee their being completely free from heathen religious influences because the land of Canaan which they were to inherit was as well infested with idol worship and pagan religions. God therefore, continually instructed them to completely drive out the various nations that originally inhabited the promised land (Exodus 23:31b-33). Contrary to God’s command, the Ephraimites failed to drive out the Canaanites but placed them under tribute. The pagan people and their gods which they failed to drive out of the land, eventually became thorns in their flesh (Judges 2:1-3). God’s covenant to protect and keep them was broken; both Ephraim and the entire nation of Israel suffered as they experienced series of oppression and defeat from the enemy nations.
Many so-called Christians do not let go of old “little foxes” after they claim to have been converted. The scriptures says “take us the little foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines…” (Songs of Solomon 2:15). Samson refused to let go of that fox (Delilah). She soon became the snare that cut short both his ministry and life. Judas Iscariot held on to covetousness, the snare that led him to eternal perdition. Is there any sinful lifestyle you still cherish or nurture? You need to sincerely and forcefully combat it by genuinely and penitently going to the Lord in repentance. Get rid of the fox before it ensnares you in life and even in eternity.
Thought For The Day: Remove that friendly enemy before it takes hold of your life.
The Bible In One Year: John 16-18
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
