back to the garden 22

   Matthew 27:3-5 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.    I talked with someone recently who said that Judas was their favorite character in the Bible because he did wrong and took care of the situation by hanging himself.  The problems with Judas are that he acted as his own God. He confessed his sin to the priests and took their advice by taking on himself the punishment for his sin. I had never thought of Judas this way, but I prayed a silent prayer as I discussed Judas with a friend so that I would know what to say. I am sure these thoughts are probably posted somewhere on the internet, but it was a revelation to me! Praise

  "God is Sovereign! He is Faithful!  It is Our Choice to believe this!"   Thinking of this truth yesterday morning, I realized how different my life is when I choose to believe it. My praise becomes greater. "What if's" and "Why" become quieter and soon disappear. Thanksgiving and praise to my King overflow in my recognition of His faithfulness. I am in good company with King David who was an awful sinner, but also one who recognized God's faithfulness in forgiving him as he chose to praise His Savior over and over amid the pleas for forgiveness.  David's despondent spirit was raised each time he was forgiven, and delivered. Thus we have the author of most of the book of Psalms. Psalm 43:5 NLT Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!