But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us.” ...So our elders and all the inhabitants of our country said to us, ‘Take provisions in your hand for the journey and go to meet them and say to them, “We are your servants. Come now, make a covenant with us.”’ Here is our bread. It was still warm when we took it from our houses as our food for the journey on the day we set out to come to you, but now, behold, it is dry and crumbly. These wineskins were new when we filled them, and behold, they have burst. And these garments and sandals of ours are worn out from the very long journey.” So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.

Oops! The leaders of Israel fell for the devil's cleverly devised story, accepted the offered evidence as factual and jumped into Satan's trap wholeheartedly. They did not ask counsel from the LORD.Could this have been one of the many stories that Solomon had in mind when he wrote, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 It certainly is a good lesson that to live in the fear of the LORD, we must seek His guidance.

How easy it is to forget that Satan is the father of lies, to take the story at face value, especially when I think it is within my capabilities to rectify the situation and demonstrate the love of the LORD to a needy person. Yes, I may be called to do so, but only after I have sought the LORD's counsel.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 102

Mid-day: 119:113-120

Evening: Psalm 28

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