Don't Go Into Spiritual Autopilot

[S] Joshua 9:14 --
 ¹⁴So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD.

[O] Today's devotional topic seems to continue from yesterday's "My Calculations Are So Accurate" because both deals with how I can easily fall into an autopilot mode of living out my spiritual life solely depended on my own efforts based on my previous experiences and/or knowledge when the fact is I need to rely on spiritual guidance to live out my spiritual life -- i.e., since it is about my spiritual life, I cannot lead it with my physical abilities.  The Israelites got so excited after defeating two cities and so when the Gibeonites came to them with deceived looks, they fell for their trick because, according to verse 14, they didn't seek God's counsel first.  The decision was made solely on their thoughts and experiences.  What may have seemed a small thing to them actually made them to disobey God's commands while foregoing their opportunity to cleanly destroy all inhabitants of Canaan who later lured the Israelites away from God.

[A] Every decision, small or big, in doing God's ministry must be made after seeking God's counsel through prayer and consultation of the spiritual leaders.  Is there any area in my own walk with God as well as in the small group ministry that I switched into the autopilot mode because I've done it enough times?  I need to be cautious about checking with God on every account of my spiritual milestones.

[P] Dear God, may my heart not be hardened to make decision of my life on my own just because it seems trivial.  May my heart seek Your wonderful and perfect counsel on every decision of my ministry and life.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.