Text: Joshua 7:7-12
Memory Verse: “So the Lord said to Joshua: ‘Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? Israel has sinned’” (Joshua 7:10&11a).
Norman had lived a reckless life cheating and stealing before he met the Lord in church. It was obvious that he was a changed man, and he hungrily learnt more about God. But a few months later, the police filed charges relating to his past against him. He then confided in the church leadership and the church prayed, hoping that he would be let off, but the court found him guilty. Norman was sentenced to time in prison. Everyone was aghast, but Norman took the news calmly saying, “I do not want to go but I am guilty. I believe God can use me in prison.” Strangely, he
requested crash training in evangelism and did not allow the prison sentence to define him, but successfully evangelised while there.
Joshua, unaware of Achan’s sin during the Jericho war, reacted to God’s punishment resulting from it. God does not tolerate sin. Romans 6:1&2 says that you cannot continue in sin after giving your life to Christ. You must leave
your past behind and by His grace turn a new leaf. Onesimus had sinned against his master, Philemon. He absconded, but he met the Lord through Paul, who sent him back to appeal for mercy (Philemon 1:10-19).
You must also own up to your sins. Remember from where you have fallen. Repent and ask for forgiveness, as appropriate (Revelation 2:5). Do not make excuses. God can turn your mistakes around for good.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, I confess my sins today. Please forgive me.
2. Grant me the grace to forgive others as they appeal to me for forgiveness.