Daily Scripture Assignment: Num 32-33; Mk 10

Page AcklerScripture - But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live. - Num 33:55 (NLT)

Observation - On the brink of finally entering the promised land, the Israelites are told by God that they must not allow any of the current inhabitants to remain. This command comes with a warning that if not followed, the consequences will be constant strife with any one that was not driven out. It turns out God was right. After entering the land, some of Israel's enemies were allowed to stay and later proved to be one problem for the nation after another.

Application - The Israelites' situation seems similar to my life sometimes. Nothing should come first before God but I still allow certain habits to hang around because they seem innocent. It is watching one more TV episode before reading my Bible, only to fall asleep in front of the TV. It is hitting the snooze button on the alarm because "I'll make time to pray later today". At the time these decisions seem like no big deal but the consequences of my compromises are unacceptable.

Prayer - Lord please forgive my compromising. Please help me to be disciplined enough to properly prioritize even when some of the smaller things in life seem like they won't have a negative impact. Thank you for your patience and making each day new.