One Promise We Wish He Wouldn’t Keep

Text: Joshua 23:12-16 Theme: God said he would destroy us if we violate His covenant with us. Key verses: “But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you…and associate with them, then you may be sure that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you…until you perish from this good land, which the Lord your God has given you.” (v. 12-13) “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. But just as every good promise of the Lord your God has come true, so the Lord will bring on you all the evil he has threatened, until he has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you.” (v. 14-16) What God said to me: Good morning, Dwayne. This is the third morning in a row that you have met me here in your quiet spot. I like that. I have so missed that quality, consistent time with you that we used to enjoy together. Be careful to keep this up. The enemy will throw other, seemingly pressing concerns in front of you. But resist those temptations. Prioritize your time with me. Allow me to fill you with my peace and wisdom each and every morning. Regarding today’s passage: Unfortunately, my people, the Jews, did allow the other nations to turn them away from me and my covenant and laws. They lost their land and inheritance as a result. Yes, I did in fact keep that final promise spoken by Joshua as well. It need not be so with you and your family, my son. We have had a good and growing 40 years together. But this is just the beginning of all I want to show you and help you accomplish in my name. Not one of my promises to you has ever failed, have they? Am I not the same loving and forgiving and giving God you signed on for when you were but a child? This world will offer you many alluring things. You will be faced with greater temptations in the future than you have ever faced in your past. Hold fast to me and my promises will continue to bless you. Turn away, forget me and go your own way and my promises will gradually yet quickly lead to your demise. What I said to God: Thank you, Father and Faithone One. You know I needed this stern warning this morning. I too have thoroughly enjoyed these past three days of QT with you. I long to draw nearer to You, my only Counselor and Defender and Provider. Forgive me for ever turning my thoughts and actions away from pleasing You. Fill me with Your Spirit today, right now. You are the ultimate Promise-Keeper. Your eyes see everything we do. May that hold us in account to only live for you all our days.