THE -ITES
Today's reading: Exodus 33-36
"The Lord said to Moses, Now that you have brought these people out of Egypt, lead them to the land I solemnly promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I told them long ago that I would give this land to their descendants. And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittities, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites." Exodus 33:1-2 NLT
As obedient followers of the One True God and people to whom God had promised a land of their own, Moses could confidently lead the people into what appeared to be enemy territory--knowing God went ahead of them.
Sure, the '-ites' were there, big, brutish, skilled in warfare, having the home court advantage, but God told them He would take care of that problem by sending an angel.
The same is true for us today as His followers!
We have no clue how many times God sends His angel ahead of us to prepare the way, to set things right, to open doors ahead of us.
Here are some of the '-ites' I deal with on a daily basis...see if any of mine might correlate to your own list...
Appetites. Personal desires that would override all God's work in my heart, mind and body if left unattended.
Hypocrites. Those for whom I must work extra hard at being Christlike, to undo what they do to the name of Jesus and Christians.
Opposites. Paul talked about these in Romans--the things I knew I ought not do, but did--and and things I needed to do, but didn't. The how I feel versus what I should do kinds of things.
Rewrites. The times my plans, even those written in ink, were rewritten by God. Good plans. Well thought out plans. Plans that paled in comparison to God's plans.
Parasites. The things in this world that suck the very life out of me. Joy stealers. Doubt placers.
Websites. The places on the world wide web that lead me away from what is godly, best or needful. Time wasters. Comparison planters.
I know on numerous occasions God has gone ahead of me and defeated some '-ites' and rerouted me around some '-ites' and prepared me for battles with some of my '-ites'.
And I know He will do it again today!
