*DAILY MANNA*
*SUNDAY, APRIL 7,2019*

*THE FUTURE SNARE*
*TEXT* JOSHUA 16:1-10.
_*🔑KEY VERSE* "And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute" (JOSHUA 16:10)._

In Egypt, Israel had been surrounded by all kinds of idols and false worship; but leaving Egypt did not automatically guarantee their being completely free from heathen religious influences because the land of Canaan which they were to inherit was as well infested with idol worship and pagan religions. God therefore, continually instructed them to completely drive out the various nations that originally inhibited the promised land (Exodus 23:31b-33). Contrary to God's command, the Ephraimites failed to drive out the Canaanites but placed them under tribute. The pagan people and their gods which they failed to drive out of the land, eventually became thorns in their flesh (Judges 2:1-3). God's covenant to protect and keep them was broken; both Ephraim and the entire nation of Israel suffered as they experienced series of oppression and defeat from the enemy nations.

Many so-called Christians do not let go of old "little foxes" after they claim to have converted. The Scripture says, "take us the little foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines..." (Songs of Solomon 2:15). Samson refused to let go of that fox (Delilah). She soon became the snare that cut short both his ministry and life. Judas Iscariot held on to covetousness, the snare that held him to eternal perdition. Is there any sinful lifestyle you still cherish or nurture? You need to sincerely and forcefully combat it by genuinely and penitently going to the Lord in repentance. Get rid of the fox before it ensnares you in life and even in eternity.

*✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY* Remove that friendly enemy before it takes hold of your life.

*COVER TO COVER* JOHN 16-18.

*PONDER:* What to do when common sense seems more reasonable than God's commandments
*1. The commandment* Deuteronomy 7:2-3, Joshua 23:11-13.
a. Peruse the items of the commandments, the reasons for the commandment and the effect of disobedience.
b. Israel obeyed partially (partial obedience=disobedience) obeyed v10.
c. They reasoned It was profitable to use the Canaanites as slaves rather than destroyed them v10.
d. They opined that it is better to show mercy more than the God of mercy v10.
e. They believed they could manage living with gentle and domesticated "serpents and scorpions" v10.
f. They thought the issue of marriages with their slaves will never be possible. So they could still manage to avoid intermarriages with their wisdom and strong will.
g. They believed their idols will never appeal to them and will never fall into idol worship since their God was real.
g. What other reasoning do you think people give today for obeying some God's commandment partially?
*Q*. Think of some of those commandments you are partially obeying due to your "superior reasoning"
*2. The effects of partial disobedience*
a. Israel benefitted from the servitude of the Canaanites for some years. In fact, there were intermarriages with them. Remember Samson and Solomon.
b. Observe that all the commandments were partially obeyed and all the listed repercussions really happened. God knows better at all times.
c. The domesticated and gentle "serpents and scorpions" eventually grew up into mighty Philistines.
c. The Philistines became a generational curse and adversary to Israel leading them to untold famine, sufferings,hardships and captivities.
d. Think of what happened to Solomon and Samson and imagine how many common Israelites would have lost the kingdom of God though partial disobedience.
*3. What to do when reason seems better and louder than God's commandment*
Just obey the commandment.

*HYMN:* Just as God who reigns on High

Verse 1
Just as God who reigns on High
Spake to men in days gone by,
So the Lord is calling men today;
And, my brother this is true,
Whatso-e'er He says to you
There is but one thing to do, just obey

Chorus
Just obey, just obey,
Is the way, God's way;
When His message comes to you,
There is but one thing to do,
Just obey, just obey

Verse 2
If you're in the Saviour's hands,
You must do as He commands,
For there is no other gospel way;
Never put the message by,
Never stop to reason why,
When the Saviour speaks to you, just obey

Chorus
Just obey, just obey,
Is the way, God's way;
When His message comes to you,
There is but one thing to do,
Just obey, just obey

Verse 3
If for mansions fair you sigh
In that land beyond the sky
After time with you has pass'd away;
Tho' the way you may not see,
Christ is calling ''Follow Me''
Faith and duty both will cry just obey

Chorus
Just obey, just obey,
Is the way, God's way;
When His message comes to you,
There is but one thing to do,
Just obey, just obey

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Repent if you remember any area of the will of God that you are using excuses and "superior reasoning" to disobey. The effects later may be generational.
2. Ask God to have mercy and deliver you from any effect of partial obedience.
3. Surrender to God and promise never to prove wiser at any time in any way.
3. Pray for revival of unquestionable obedience to God's will in the Church.