On the Go - July 29, 2008

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
Daily prayer and Bible study are MDR, or 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)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach me to love my wife today the same way Jesus loves me.

My children.
Lead my children in paths of righteousness and keep them from straying too far.

Their school.
Keep those of bad influence from teaching in our schools.

Their teachers.
Protect those whose passion is to teach what is right in Your eyes.

My children's friends.
Give my children godly friends who are committed to do what is right in Your eyes.

My friends.
Help me be a friend to the friendless and faithful to those who befriend me.

My work.
Make me a diligent worker, one who inspires my boss and leads him to trust you.

My city.
Take my city one where truth and liberty are dominant and favoritism has no place.

Governmental leaders.
Guide government leaders to do only that which Scripture teaches.

My country.
Convert our country's patriotism "fever" into a passion for holiness under Your Banner.

My President.
Give him wisdom to make the choices You want him to make.

My church.
Give my fellow church members a passion to be clean and reconciled to each other.

My pastor.
Direct him to lead resolutely, anchored on the rock of uncompromising faith.

My church leadership.
Teach the leaders in our church to serve faithfully, even when none one is looking.

Sister churches.
Bless those churches whose stand is uncorrupted by a world value system.

Persecuted churches.
Protect persecuted brothers, giving them a testimony that extends around the world.

Missionaries.
Bless them. Meet their ministerial and personal needs to overflowing.

The sick..
Sustain those on his or her sickbed.

The lost.
Direct them to someone willing and ready to present the Gospel of Jesus without compromise.

Those in despair.
Remind those in despair that it is only ignorance of God that's hopeless.

Those in the hospital.
Protect those in the hospital from infectious germs that might exasperate their condition.

Those grieving.
Give hope to those who grieve so they will know it's purpose and not be servants to it.

Widows.
Protect the widows and provide their needs. Bless those who serve them.

Orphans.
Let the orphans know of Your care. Bless those who care for them.

Myself.
Give me the confidence to speak your Word boldly today.

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.