Scripture: Luke 22.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Luke 22:3-6 (NLT)

3
Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them.

5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money.

6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

As I read this passage, I was again reminded of how important it is that we keep our relationship with God fresh, current, real, and always prayed up. When we ride the fence, or when we back off in our relationship with God, we leave ourselves vulnerable for Satan to attack and use us as instruments to do his dirty work. No doubt Judas had ulterior motives and perhaps he was disappointed in the way that he saw this whole Jesus movement going. In his eyes, no doubt it appeared like Jesus was throwing in the towel and giving up. Because of the blinders that Judas had put on, he could no longer see a future in this Jesus movement, so he thought that he could benefit from the exit strategy. How does this compare to us today? Often when a pastor leaves a church, many will either leave with him, or some will stay at home until they could see if the church will survive another transition, while some will just move to another church as it may appear like they currently have an active, flourishing ministry going on. Friends, I don’t know about you, but the choice of the other disciples were to remain true to their commitment, and that’s the type of commitment I have made, for it is in those times that the institution (church) may seem weakest, that I truly learn to lean on God and depend more heavily on Him. Similarly, I have seen too many cases of people becoming so vulnerable when they slack off from their commitment to the ministry, that they have difficulty rebounding and recovering to a state where they could once again be used of God. Judas was so vulnerable that Satan easily took up residence and was able to accomplish his work through Judas. How’s your stand today? Is there room for Satan to step in and take control, or are you so full of the Holy Spirit and so in touch with the Master, that Satan would not stand a chance? We need Jesus each and every hour to fight the vile of Satan and his attackers. Please commit to the Master your intent today and every day, let there be no doubt as to whose you are and to whom you belong.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

I need thee every hour oh Lord! Please stay by my side and protect me from the evil one. Please constantly be my guide so that my life will be a true and loyal example of You to all that I may come in contact with. Please be my protector against Satan and any of his cohorts that may attempt to temp me today.

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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