JUDAS

​It was the day before Easter, 2019 and I couldn’t sleep so I got up from bed and went to my prayer closet. It’s my actual, walk-in closet with my clothes in it, because I don’t have an unused closet in my house.... all space is utilized, if you know what I mean.
 
As I began to pray, it quickly came to me that one of the most notorious and heartbreaking suicides happened to someone very close to Jesus.
 
Hard to believe that someone could actually live with, learn first-hand and look in to the eyes of Jesus for probably three years (Jesus called his twelve disciples at the beginning of his ministry) and end up the way he did. I believe it confirms that we are ALL susceptible to the deception of Satan. We know that Satan HAD to use Judas (or someone) in the manner that he did for God’s will to take place on earth. It was a true ‘necessary evil’ so Jesus could be crucified and raised from the dead for our salvation and eternal life BUT the tragedy is that it did not HAVE to end that way.
 
Even Judas could have received forgiveness had he repented instead of committing suicide. He could have been used to further the kingdom for Christ had he held on long enough to see the risen savior. He would be spending eternity in heaven, right now with Jesus but he chose to give in completely to Satan.  His story is one of great sadness rather than one of the redemptive powers of Jesus Christ, as it could have been. It’s always darkest before the dawn and no matter how it looks, morning IS COMING and His MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING (Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.)
 
This is Satan’s desire for ALL humans, especially Christians and can happen when we are not paying attention to the attacks of the enemy. When we make things about ourselves, we especially become vulnerable. We cannot make it about ‘us’ – it should always be about Jesus – helping others to know him. We must remove all pride and be willing to strip ourselves of guilt and shame, to receive forgiveness and place our lives on the alter for Christ in order to further his work and overcome the enemy.
 
Our purpose is to always point others to Jesus so they can have a personal relationship with him. They must know that NO MATTER what the sin, guilt or shame, it can truly be washed, forgiven and cleansed in the mercy and grace of Jesus.
 
It’s a daily struggle because Satan will not let up in his efforts to take you out! He tries to reach your emotions which will affect your thoughts and if you continue to dwell on the thoughts and let your emotions take control, it becomes actions. Negative emotions create negative actions.
 
Avoid this downward spiral by allowing God to be Lord of your emotions! Don’t think you can do it alone...reach out to others and to God by getting to know Him and His word, daily. May God bless you as you draw near to Him for complete wholeness today.