April 28th

We have to be careful not to fall into the traps the enemy sets for us. He will use all manner of tactics to get to us. First he may just flat out try to convince us that he is no threat to us.

2Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

If that doesn’t work then he moves on to other tactics. Flattery is probably one of the most common ways he gets us to let our guard down. Someone compliments us and we feel good and then we are focused on ourselves and our guard is down. Even if we don’t fall into the trap of pride our eyes are still not watching for satan’s schemes at that point. We are especially vulnerable after a victory.

Look at the children of Israel. They defeated Jericho despite the giant walls, of course by the power of God Almighty but nevertheless they were the victors and then shortly after that they were fooled by a ruse.

One of their local enemies pulled a fast one on them. They pretended to be travelers from afar and convinced them to make a covenant/alliance with them. They did this by putting on old dusty clothes and packing their bags with moldy bread, etc. They made it appear that they had been traveling from afar and only had moldy bread left to eat etc. Rather than praying about it the Israelites fell for it and made a pact with them. In that day, an alliance pact could not be broken. Come to find out they were a local tribe of people and the Israelites had to honor that pact and could not destroy them. They were stuck with them so the ended up making them woodcutters and water carriers. However, had they prayed about it and had their guard up they never would have made that pact and they could have carried out the plans of the Lord instead.

Joshua 9:3-15 However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded a with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.” The Israelites said to the Hivites, “But perhaps you live near us, so how can we make a treaty with you?” “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. But Joshua asked, “Who are you and where do you come from?” They answered: “Your servants have come from a very distant country because of the fame of the Lord your God. For we have heard reports of him: all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. And our elders and all those living in our country said to us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go and meet them and say to them, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.” ’ This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is. And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.” The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

Verse 14 tells us that they did not inquire of the Lord. They didn’t pray about it. Their guards were down after the victory at Jericho and they fell for the trick.

We absolutely have to be aware of the enemy’s schemes and consult the Lord about everything, even when it seems right. Remember, the enemy is not playing games, he wants to take us out.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Jesus thank you for looking out for me. Help me to keep my eyes on you, stay alert and not get too comfortable and let my guard down. Help me to always ask you about the situations I face and then help me to LISTEN to you. Holy Spirit remind me of the enemy’s schemes and help me to hear your guiding voice leading me in the right direction. Please give me the wisdom and discernment that I need to fight this battle. Thank you for keeping me in your hands.