A Traveler's Guidebook 2

Israel-Israel's leader Joshua- had done the unthinkable. Giddy from the splash of victory they'd experienced  ambushing Ai; Joshua fell for the Gibeonites' disguise and went into league with them. Israel would now serve the needs of the Gibeonites. Joshua's failure to tap God's guidance before making a monumental decision brought both baggage and setbacks in Israel's Canaanite conquest. You'd think this was the end of the story; but our failings are new beginnings in God's mind. For this horrible day of neglect was the backdrop for a day like no other in Israel. Disobedient Joshua would say, "Sun, stand still!"; Israel would wreak havoc on the enemies before them and in the countryside of Canaan. God, Himself would give a glimpse of future Revelation judgment, raining down big hailstones on Israel's foes as they fled by Beth-Horon. God prides Himself in His speciality. He sees us not for our failings but for who we are-family. As a good Father, He delights in giving us good for our evil. It brings Him no greater joy than to enlarge our lives with blessing, when we least deserve them. Know this, that though your choices matter to God; ultimately, you matter more to Him. You are His delight, for you've entered His family by trust in His Son. We're never truly worthy of the favor He shows.  Every good thing given from above is given in spite of us and not because of our good performance. Mercy is yours today as well. Don't focus on your personal unworthiness but rather His worth and His way with His children. Hallelujah!