In what ways can we ensure God remains central in our daily decisions? Setting the Scene “Know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. They will become snares and traps for you, scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.” (Joshua 23:13) Why This Warning Still Speaks – Israel’s future hinged on whether God remained central; the same principle governs our lives. – When we allow competing loyalties, they become “snares and traps,” quietly steering decisions away from God’s best. Anchoring Every Decision in God – Stay in the Word daily • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Pray before, during, and after choices • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart... in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) – Submit motives to Christ’s glory • “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Seek godly counsel • “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14) – Guard against modern idols • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) – Recall the cost of neglect • Joshua 23:13 reminds us that sidelining God leads to painful consequences. Daily Habits that Reinforce God-Centered Living Morning: Surrender the day (Romans 12:1-2). Midday: Recalibrate decisions by meditating on a verse or short prayer. Evening: Review choices, confess missteps, thank Him for guidance (1 John 1:9). Encouragement from the New Covenant – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) – “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) Living the Lesson God’s place at the center is preserved by intentional, prayer-saturated, Scripture-directed choices. Keep Him there, and the “snares and traps” lose their grip. |
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