Consequences of Lame Excuses

[S] Joshua 17:12-13 --

¹²But the sons of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, because the Canaanites persisted in living in that land.

¹³It came about when the sons of Israel became strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely.

[O] To me, this scene is nothing but "lame excuses."  The Israelites had their chances and opportunities to wipe out the Canaanites but they did not and as it says in verse 13, so even after they grew stronger, they could not drive them out.  The consequence of not wiping clean our sins they seem to linger on longer and longer.  When it comes to our sins we must be brutally clear on removing them from our lives.  Any exuses for leaving behind residue of sin is "lame excuses."

[A] No ands or buts -- when God identifies my sin, simply stop and remove from my life completely.

[P] Dear God, I'm learning from the Israelites who even though Your Promised Land was already provided for them they did not conquer completely by driving out the Canaanites completely.  I'm learning that in addition to Your promises for me, my complete obedience is necessary for me to fully enjoy the fruits of your promises.  So help me and my family to live out Your promises by complete obediences according to Your word that we study daily.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.