Joshua 9:14, “The Israelites sampled their (Hivites) provisions, but did not inquire of the Lord.”
How often do we, as believers’ “sample” the ways of this world and do not get on our knees asking guidance and wisdom from above? Oft times the things of this world disguised by the sight, sounds, the tastes thwarted in our imagination. Just a little wading in the swamp of this life, no big deal.
I am reminded of a song, as a little girl singing, “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. Oh, be careful little feet where you go. Oh, be careful little hands what you do. Oh, be careful little mouth what you say….for the Father up above, is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes, hands, feet, mouth, what you see, what you do, where you go and what you say.” God’s Word is filled with verses that encourage right choices. Just a few:
Proverbs 27:12, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”
Psalm 119:9,10,11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
I Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
I Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, m Rock and my Redeemer.”
Satan has a crafty way of roping in our hearts and minds. He is the master deceiver. Sometimes just a mere whisper in our ear. Then slowly his evil fangs penetrate the heart, devouring slowly his prey.
Satan does not care, even going about as a roaring lion. A ROARING LION and one still moves forward, choosing to continue to the path of destruction. A trap, one that devours slowly.
This all sounds harsh, even depressing. Questions of even why try to escape? But there is HOPE! Not in ourselves, BUT IN GOD. I John 4:4, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one (GOD) who is in you is greater than the one (Satan) who is in the world.”
When those fiery darts are hurled, or choices made that open our lives to the lures of the devil. When they are hurled, we should go on the offense with our victorious leader, Jesus. And as he leads, we march shouting the scripture that has been hidden in our hearts.
With God all things are possible. We CANNOT live this life without him, try as we may, WE CANNOT. To mere exist or live the abundant life – WE CHOOSE.
Satan wants us to “sample” his way. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of the pleasures of sin for a short time. Leaving one bitter and even destroyed. Satan does not disclose the consequences of sin; he wants to disguise them.
Life, the twist and turns, the blindsided moments, the obstacles and that mountain that one seems to not be able to tunnel through. The tear stained pillow brought on by the cries of our heart. This is life, one we get to experience. The highs and lows. The storms and sunny days. The peaceful valley and then the rain clouds that seem to come from nowhere. Life, no matter the circumstance, we choose where we allow our heart and mind to go. II Corinthians 10:5 states that we are to captivate every thought and make it obedient to Christ. This is captivating those thoughts that send us spiraling downward and think on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, Philippians 4:8.
WE CHOOSE, to sample God’s goodness, His joy, and His love. Once we sample the sweetness of Jesus, sampling the bitterness of this world will not pass Jesus’ taste test.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8
