When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they also acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins worn-out and torn and mended, and worn-out and patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and had become crumbled. They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us” (Joshua 89:3-6 ASB).
be careful whose advice you take!
The people of Gibeon heard what God had done to those who opposed his servants and looked to save themselves by acting deceitfully. Deception is one of the most debilitating things that confront a progressive leader. Most leaders will seek God for most things most of the time. It is at these times when we rest on our laurels that the deceiver comes in and causes confusion. In every fellowship there are those people who are not with the vision nor are they with the leadership. However they have certain skill that propels them into the forefront and once there they manipulate and scheme to derail what God has called that leader to do.
From out text we see that this is one time that neither Joshua nor his leadership team sought the Lord. It was not until they had made a commitment not to destroy the Gibeonites that they found out that they were duped.
As progressive prophetic leaders we must seek the Lord about ALL the decision we make and confirm it among the leadership. This is particularly so about who is allowed into your inner circle.
The word for today is, ask God before you ask others and then confirm it with two or three witnesses.
Read Joshua 10
Pastor Bell's Words To Live By 
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