Get Rid Of All Sins!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Joshua 8:1-35 and Psalm 9 (NIV)
(Tracey Lee, SGM APCZL)
READ:
Joshua 8:1-35 describes the conquest of the city of Ai.
OBSERVE:
This was Israel’s second encounter with Ai. The first one in the previous chapter of Joshua ended with failure because of the sin of Achan who kept what was not permitted after Israel’s victory at Jericho. God now promised victory to the people and encouraged them not to be afraid or discouraged. Joshua stayed with the troops and obeyed God fully so they routed and eliminated the enemy. After that, they renewed their covenant with God.
APPLY:
In the previous battle with Ai, what seemed to be a small sin led to severe results. In today’s thinking, it seems excessive to totally eliminate all our enemies. But, when I had appendicitis, I couldn’t imagine having “mercy” on the offending part or the tissues surrounding it. I had to completely remove all the affected parts to get healed!
In removing sin in my life, the more completely I do so, the greater my victory in my Christian living. I am thus thankful for what He has done and this increases my devotion to Him. What is more, God is encouraging me all the way!
DO:
In my daily devotions and actions, to search my heart more and ask God to reveal what lessons to learn and what sins to reject in my life. I need to trust the Holy Spirit to work in my life so I can be of more use to Him. I will humbly acknowledge my utter dependence on God as He continues to encourage me to live this life for Him.
PRAY:
(may be sung)
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
try me, O Saviour, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be any wicked way in me;
cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
fulfill thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
grant my desire to magnify thy name.
