Drain You Dry

Joshua 9_1
     Today is part three of our study of the 9th chapter of Joshua. A third kingdom that came to assault the children of Israel was that of the Perizzites, who were insidiously, and infectiously parasitic in nature. Their origin is chiefly unknown but they are persistent in the generational history of region. Their sly maneuvers included being peace-seeking ranchers, farmers, and workers of the land where they engaged the Israelites in parasitic form. Slowly and seductively they drained them of devotion to God and led them into idolatry.
     Be careful of people who latch on to you and drain you of your time, resources and energy. They will not come at you with a full-fledged frontal attack like the Hittites who love to push your buttons, but they will seductively engage you to distract you from doing what you need to accomplish as they drain you dry to suit their needs. Using flattery or other forms of obsequiousness, they may even convince you that your helping them is a Christian underpinning and that to stop assisting them would be ungodly. 
      Every parasite that attaches itself to a victim never fastens where it can be easily detected and detached, but shelters itself in a place that is often hard to reach. Somehow you know something about them is not quite right, but you can’t put your finger on it…listen to the Holy Spirit…he is giving you warning to separate yourself from that negativity. Parasites will never leave, as long as you are alive for them to draw from; they will drain you until you have nothing left to offer them and they never replenish your needs, no matter how they may ‘talk’ about their concern for you. We wise – God has a purpose and plan for you and you need all of your energy to be the best that you can be for your journey.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a power-packed GREAT day! Don’t be distracted; stay focused on your purpose. Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn