At Face Value

So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath. 
    Three days after making the treaty, they learned that these people actually lived nearby!
Joshua 9:14-16a NLT

After Joshua and the Israelites defeated and destroyed Jericho and Ai, the people of Gibeon came up with a plan to make a peace treaty with them. The Hivites masterminded and executed a great deception to accomplish their goal. (You can read about it in vvs. 3-8.) 

Joshua and the men of Israel did the right thing in asking the right questions, but the problem was they didn't ask the right Person. They looked at the evidence presented and accepted it at face value, and so they were deceived. 

Psalm 100:3 MEV reminds us, Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Let us remember, we cannot afford to make plans unless we first consult with the Lord. No matter how innocuous it appears to be, no matter how sweet the deal, no matter if we've done it before, we cannot become complacent nor trust in our own understanding of the situation. Instead, let's adhere to Face-to-face value with the Lord.

Prayer:

Father, 

         Thank You for always being available. Help us to remember to ascribe to Solomon's wise advice in Proverbs 3, to trust in You, Lord, with all our heart; and to not depend on our own understanding; to seek Your will in all we do, knowing that You will show us which path to take. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen