Sometimes we may foolishly believe that we can harbor hidden sins in our lives and then face the enemy.
But, it is a fact that if we encourage sin in our lives, any kind of sin including disobedience and stubbornness, we will lose the protection of God and we will become vulnerable to the onslaught of the enemy.
An example of this was seen after Joshua and children of Israel destroyed the city of Jericho. The Lord forbid them to take any of the accursed things in the city (Joshua 7).
However, Achan became greedy and hid some of the spoils in his tent. The Lord became angry and punished the Israelites with an embarrassing defeat from the enemy.
When Joshua enquired of the Lord the reason for his defeat from such a small city, the Lord told him that the people had sinned because they took the accursed things in the land.
Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.
Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you anymore, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. (Joshua 7:11-12)
Joshua made a searched among the people and they discovered Achan. His excuse for taking some of the spoils was that he could not resist the expensive and beautiful Babylonian garments, the gold and silver. So he stole them and hid them thinking that God will not discover him.
So it is with some people. They cannot resist the worldly temptations. Hence, they become consumed with lust and greed. They covet, cheat and steal to acquire wealth. They believe that no one sees their actions.
However, God sees and He knows and He will expose them so that enemy consumes them if they do not repent.
Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, there is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. (Joshua 7:13)
Let us examine our lives to ensure we are not hiding the accursed things of this world in our lives. Let us ask the Lord to search us and see if there are any wicked ways in us and purge us and lead us in His everlasting way (Psalms 139:23-24)
Get out of the valley of Achor (trouble, sorrow) and arise, go up and conquer Ai (city of ruins)!
Becoming the Oil and Wine 
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