Jesus saw promise in him…his fellow disciples saw honesty, and entrusted him with the group’s money. So what really happened to Judas? He was the only non-Galilean among the twelve, so did that make him feel outside the group, not really belonging, not part of the inner circle? Or did he feel frustration and disappointment that Jesus wasn’t taking over the Roman Empire by force as the disciples had envisioned? What prompted Judas to abruptly change from an ardent follower to the most infamous betrayer in history? It’s difficult to say, but we all possess that same willful sin nature Judas did, and all of us could make that same treacherous choice.
Tag: jesus
John 12: 12-13 ” The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!’ ” ‘
Instead of being astride a fiery stallion, coming to make war…He came to Jerusalem riding a donkey, a sign of desiring peace. Instead of being surrounded by multitudes of troops, He came with a rag-tag group of twelve men, who didn’t have a clue what was happening. Yes, Jesus could have rode into Jerusalem with all the pomp and glory befitting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but He didn’t. However, He did ride in victorious, as signified by the symbol of the palm branches… victory was already His.
Micah 2:13 ” One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the Lord at their head.”
The cross Jesus was crucified on bridged the gap between God and man. The chasm was spanned once , for all , by His dying on that cross. Sin had separated us from God…but Jesus made a way when there was no way, back to Him.
Philippians 1: 3-6 ” I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Thank you! Thank you for reading this devotional today…thank you if you are reading this for the very first time, or if you have been on this journey with me for the last 2 1/2 years. What started out as simple obedience and one post, has now grown to 823 posts read in 95 countries around the world. My focus and purpose has always been to lead you to the full realization of just how special you are to God. I thank the Lord for each one of you daily…we share in this fellowship together, and I will never take it lightly. You are all very special to me…whether I know you personally, or not… for we are all in the family of God. And I am confident that the Lord will accomplish His purpose in each one of us as we continue this journey together.
II Timothy 1:6 ” For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…”
The gifts of the Spirit…if the Holy Spirit resides within, you possess them. The question is – are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you to exercise these gifts for the edification of others? Have you become lazy and apathetic? Do you even know your gifts? Three places you can look for a listing of Spiritual gifts would be I Corinthians 12: 7-11, Romans 12: 6-8, and Ephesians 4: 11-12. We are all given a gift mix that meshes and complements our personalities and bents. I pray that your gifts are rekindled with passion and that you will be filled with a boldness and zeal to move out in them.
I Kings 9:4 “…if you walk before Me in integrity of heart and uprightness…”
I know it when I see it… integrity. It’s that sincere honesty, and moral character that can make a profound impact. A person of integrity doesn’t need to be some super spiritual church leader, they just need to be sincere about their walk with Jesus. Integrity is imitating our Savior…walking as He walked…talking as He talked. It’s simply treating others as Jesus would.
Colossians 3:2 ” Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Where is your devotion directed towards? Who are you mindful of? If it’s fallen man and this sinful world, you’ll never be satisfied or happy – for the temporary fixes of this world will never fill that God-shaped hole in your being. For only our Lord can fill that gaping hole with His peace, love, and forgiveness. Set your mind and eyes…on Jesus.
Isaiah 35: 10 ” …and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and signing will flee away.”
Everyday we should be overjoyed and full of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for us. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom…He delivered us from the sentence of certain death and liberated us from our sins. Jesus ransomed us from ourselves and our depraved nature. Thank You Jesus for Your love and mercy!
Psalm 112: 7 ” He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Who’s report will you believe today? The Doctor’s grave news, or the promises of your Lord? The sad account from a family member, or the unfailing mercy and love of God? Fix your eyes on Jesus, and the certainty of His trustworthiness.
Matthew 6:20 ” But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Our real reward awaits us in heaven… and whatever your concept of heaven is, it will far exceed what you can ever imagine. Jesus spoke about earthly wealth as a way to help the poor among us and in doing so providing ourselves with heavenly riches. As He told the rich young ruler…”If you wish to be truly obedient, Go, Sell everything, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”
Safetypinlove 