Day 72 - Do you have Thorns in Your Side?

Today's Reading: Num. 32-33 and Acts 24

In today's reading, I was really struck by the importance that the Israelites completely drive out the inhabitants of the land of Canaan before they settled and got comfortable, otherwise they were going to forever have problems.

God said clearly, "But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell." (Num. 33:55)

As I was reading this, it made me think of how we must do the same spiritually. When we seek to take back land from the enemy, we cannot allow the enemy to keep one single foot-hold, one single spiritual compromise, because otherwise, he will continue to harass us and be like thorns in our sides, just like the Canaanites would be to the children of Israel.

Most Christians today have thorns in their side, in some form....

So how does one begin to take back the land the enemy has claimed in our lives... We have not might against the great company that comes against us. That's why our success will only be through the power of the Lord. As we are told, "Not bight, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zec. 4:6)

I love this quote from Inspiration: "By watchfulness and prayer, [we] may so guard [our] weakest points that they will become [our] strongest points. Through the grace of Christ, men may acquire moral stamina, strength of will, and stability of purpose. There is power in this grace to enable them to rise above the alluring, infatuating temptations of Satan, and to become loyal, devoted Christians." Gospel Workers, p. 126

In today's reading in Acts, Paul says: "I strive always to have a conscience without offense toward God and man." (Acts 24:16) I believe this is key for us today as well! Let us make this our aim! As we focus on Christ, He will change us from the inside out. He will give us strength to overcome and drive out the enemy! We will be victorious, just as He commanded Israel to be when they prepared to conquer Canaan.

Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 34-35 and Acts 25