Compensation is not a part of every equation.

Live it
An attractive business woman walked into the plush downtown hotel to check in. A noticeably affluent man approached her and said, "I will pay you one million dollars if you will sleep with me tonight." At first she was taken back by the mere suggestion of impropriety. Then, after considering how the money could be used and the small service she would have to render, she consented. Then the man opened his wallet, but before pulling money out he asked, "How bout twenty bucks?" At that notion the woman was appalled and replied, "Just what do you think I am?" to which he replied, "We've already determined that! Now we're negotiating."

I don't believe Judas Iscariot did what he did for the money. The thirty pieces of silver would not solve the agony he was feeling inside. In fact, he probably felt he was doing the right thing when he betrayed Jesus and led the band of men to where Jesus was praying. Who knows that the reality of imminent death might motivate Jesus to reveal himself as the warrior Messiah Judas believed him to be. But, you know the story. The money only served to drive the Disciple into deeper depression, where ultimately he would throw down the money and look for a way to end his miserable life. But Judas was not the first, nor surely the last to take matters in his own hands and try to shape circumstances to fit his personal agenda.. Before we start criticizing him, we need to consider how many problems we will try to solve today by throwing money at it and how little we will accept for doing something contrary to our convictions. You see, we're really not that different from Judas, we just accept less money.

Pray it
Give me strength to remain true to my convictions today and forgive me for the way I've failed to do so in the past. I can't do it without the the Holy Spirit overpowering the fleshly desires of my natural spirit. If something is preventing that, please reveal it to me.

Resources
A few minutes of prayer and Bible study are minimal daily requirements for the Christian. (2000)
We demonstrate someone's value by remembering their name. (2001)
It's easier to train a new believer than it is to retrain an old one. (2002)
If you don't have a ministry, it's because you haven't looked for one (2003)
The first step in pleasing God is knowing what He desires. (2004)
The first chapter of "Christianity 101" deals with knowing and loving your family. (2005)
Be sure you're at the right house before you knock on the door. (2006)
Devotional (2007)
Are you asking the right questions? (2008)

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green: Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003), Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004), Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005).and One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).
Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright ©2009 James R. Green, Webservant - Prayertower Ministries
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