January 22, 2002
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 9:19b-23
Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them? “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Mark 14:43-45
Two men who had encounters with Jesus, one changed, the other, a betrayer. Judas knew Jesus. He had walked with him during his entire ministry on this earth. Judas had seen the miracles, heard the words, and talked with the Master. However, Judas had never had a life changing experience with Jesus. On the one hand, we have Judas the betrayer, the one who led the crowd to arrest Jesus. On the other hand, we have Saul, later known as Paul, who was killing those who preached and worshipped Jesus, whom had a life-changing encounter on the road to Damascus. Which of these men are you like? For many of you have attended church your entire life and you might even believe that you are born again. However, in your heart, you are a Judas. I ask again. Have you ever had a LIFECHANGING experience with the Master? If you have, you know it. Your life has never been the same since that day. Like a caterpillar who has been changed to a butterfly, so is the person changed who has come to that life changing experience with Jesus. On the other hand, do you, like Judas, walk the walk, eat with believers, but in your heart, you are a betrayer? I must beg of each of you to examine yourself, ask the Lord to examine you, look at the time when you believe you came to know the Lord as your Savior, and make sure!! Can you give a specific instance, and I don’t mean you have to know the date, in which you know that you made a decision to follow Jesus? Can you look back and see that you had an encounter that left you changed? If you have not, then please, this day, get on your knees before the Lord and make sure that you know Jesus!! Give him all of you, nothing held back. Like Paul, be prepared to turn and go a totally different direction. How do you live each day? Do you live an honest, righteous, upright life in the Lord Jesus? By your fruit you are known. If you do not produce the fruit of the Spirit, chances are it is because the Spirit does not dwell within you. The Holy Spirit is the one who produces those fruits. What if you do not produce the fruits of the Spirit, but rather, your life shows that you live in the flesh? Get on your knees!! Please, if you do not know the Lord Jesus, this is the day to choose him! You have no promise of tomorrow. This day, get on your knees and say to him and then go forth and say it to at least one other person, “I choose Jesus! I give all of my life to him. I accept his gift of salvation and ask that he change me from this day forward.” If you know that you need to make sure, please feel free to email me. I will send you something that will tell you who Jesus is and how to give your life to him. This day, choose Jesus!!!!!
Father, there is at least one person on this chain who does not know your Son as his or her personal Savior. There is at least one person who has never had that life changing experience with Jesus. Father, this is the day of salvation. Do not let this day go by without bringing them to their knees before you for mercy. Lord this day, change lives. Guide me as I listen to you as to what to say. In Jesus name, I thank you for using me, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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