Cling Tightly to The Lord Your God.. Josh23

Joshua knew the nation's weak spot. Before dying, he called the people together and gave commands to help them where they were most likely to slip;

1) Follow all that is writen in the Book of Instruction without turning aside.

2) Do not associate with the pagan nations or worship their gods.

3) Do not intermarry with the pagan nations.

This temptations were right in their backyard. Our associations and relationships can be temptations to us as well. It's wise to identify our weak spots before we break down. Then we can develop strategies to overcome these temptations instead of being overcome by them.

This chilling prediction about the consequences of intermarriage with the Canaanite nations eventually became a reality. Numerous stories in the book of Judges show what Israel had to suffer because of failure to follow God wholeheartedly. God was supremely loving and patient with Israel, just as HE is today. But we must not confuse HIS patience with us as approval of or indifference to our sin. Beware of demanding your own way because eventually you may get it--along with all its painful consequences.