When we think of Judas Iscariot, we picture the man who betrayed Jesus. However, Judas most likely didn't begin his journey with Jesus with betrayal in mind, but his greed was something that developed over time and it consumed him to the point of betraying Jesus. In John 12:4-6 we read Judas' reaction after Mary anoints Jesus' feet with an expensive perfume. "But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 'That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.' Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples' money, he often stole some for himself." The sin of greed and theft had become "normal" for him and eventually led him to betray Jesus. His sin didn't even allow him to see the beautiful moment that was taking place right in front of him!

Our relationship with Christ can be affected either positively or negatively by our choices and the thoughts we ponder on. If we continually indulge in "little" sins, they will soon become a habit without us realizing it. Things such as lying, gossiping, jealousy, greed, pride... these are all areas that Satan uses to hook us. Satan would like nothing more than to see us defeated. However, God has given us the victory over evil... we just have to make that choice!

Are we harboring negative habits or behaviors? Are we stuck in a cycle of sinning without even realizing it? It is important that we acknowledge and confess these to God. Not only might these sins create a larger problem later, but they will also hinder our spiritual growth and make us ineffective right now. God wants us to be men and woman of great wisdom and honor, so let's not allow our "dead flies" to cause a stink in our heart and prevent us from being used by God.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please open the eyes of my heart to see the sins I am unknowingly harboring. I ask forgiveness for allowing myself to be distracted by these, and I leave them at your feet now. I ask that you create a new heart in me that will reflect you. Please guard my heart and my mind from the things that Satan may try to use to make me ineffective in serving you. You are my God and I surrender my life and will to you only. Use me for your glory I pray. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."

1.       Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NLT).

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.