Be careful of making costly tradeoffs due to the urgent need for immediate gratification. The Bible reading today highlights the story of how one man’s indiscretion, after being warned earlier on, would result in a chain of events that was bad for the nation of Isreal, his tribe and his family. It’s the story of Achan who took items for himself from the accursed Jericho. His immediate need for gratification made him take garments and treasures from the exploits of Israel in Jericho.  He hid it in his tent and because of the little leaven that had now contaminated the whole lump, Israel fell before Ai a small city and were now living in fear. They were potentially going to be consumed by other countries along the way. However, God extended mercy to the nation of Israel saying his anger will only stop if they put the offender and his entire family to death.  In hindsight, if Achan knew how far reaching the impact of his choices would be, he probably would have thought twice. Hence, it is important for us as Christian to avoid trying to rationalize God’s instructions to us. If God says don’t do it or even gives an express instruction to do something, then it is in your best interest to. He sees the end from the beginning and know the consequences of the immediate choices. Be careful.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you because you are the all-knowing God who rules in the affairs of men. Lord, I come before you seeking mercy for any past acts of disobedience or indiscretion. Please help me to follow your instructions to the letter. Let the beauty of obedience to your bidding be evident for all to see in Jesus name 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. ‎