In what ways can we ensure God's presence remains with us today? Reading the Warning in Joshua 7:12 “‘This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove the sin from among you.’” Achan’s hidden sin cost Israel the assurance of God’s nearness. The lesson is timeless: unconfessed sin drives a wedge between us and the Lord. Remove Sin Quickly and Completely • Psalm 139:23–24 — Invite God to search and expose what we might excuse or overlook. • 1 John 1:9 — Confess immediately; He promises faithful forgiveness. • Proverbs 28:13 — “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” Walk in Obedience, Not Partial Compliance • John 14:23 — Jesus links love and obedience: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • James 1:22 — Refuse a hearer-only mindset; act on what God says. • Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” Guard the Heart’s Affections • Ephesians 4:30 — Sinful attitudes “grieve the Holy Spirit.” • Colossians 3:2 — Keep affections “set on things above.” • 1 John 2:15 — Turning from worldly loves preserves unhindered fellowship with God. Stay Word-Centered • Psalm 119:11 — Hiding His Word in our hearts keeps us from sin. • Joshua 1:8 — The same generation was told to “meditate on it day and night”; God’s presence was tied to constant Scripture engagement. Cultivate a Life of Worship and Gratitude • Psalm 22:3 — God “inhabits the praises of Israel.” Praise builds a throne for His presence. • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks keep us aligned with His will. Depend on the Spirit’s Filling • Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Ephesians 5:18 — Keep being filled; a Spirit-led life experiences continual communion with God. Value Fellowship and Accountability • Hebrews 10:24-25 — Meeting together stirs us to love and good works, guarding against the isolation where sin can hide. • Proverbs 27:17 — God often uses faithful friends to expose and remove spiritual “Achans.” Live on Mission with Jesus • Matthew 28:20 — “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God’s presence is promised as we obey the Great Commission. • Acts 1:8 — Empowered by the Spirit, witness becomes a conduit for His manifest presence. By dealing ruthlessly with sin, delighting in His Word, obeying promptly, and depending on the Spirit, we abide in the promise Jesus voiced: “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching… We will come to him and make Our home with him.” |
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