Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus wasn't just a "wee little man". He was a curious man in search of something. We know this because of his zeal for doing whatever it took to just see Jesus.
Jericho - when I mentioned the city of Jericho what do you think of? Come on, sing it with me "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho". Yea, you probably think of the battle when the "walls came tumbling down." Well, there is much more to the city of Jericho than just that story. Like in Judges 3, when Eglon, king of Moab, built a palace in Jericho and ruled over Israelites for 18 years. I urge you to read more about the extraordinary city of Jericho.
For now, we are going to a time when Zacchaeus was there. He was a tax collector, and not an honest one at that. In fact, he was a Chief Tax Collector, so that meant he was good at it. He was under the Roman Empire and must have been a rich man as well. To be a Chief Tax Collector, you not only had to be good at your job, you had to raise a certain portion of pledges to earn that position. Whatever they raised over what they needed to gain that position, they kept. (sound familiar) Luke, tells us that Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, so he must have extorted a lot of money from a lot of people. (see, the government strategy is not a new thing folks)
So, as Jesus was entering Jericho, Zacchaeus knew He was going to be there. He was so well known that people lined up to see Him. Massive crowds gathered everywhere He went. Because of this, it made it hard for Zacchaeus to see Jesus. So, instead of giving up, he went down the road a way to climb in a tree and wait for Jesus to pass by. He went out of his way to see Jesus.
When was the last time you went out of your way for Jesus?
Jesus knew Zacchaeus immediately when He saw him in the tree. Imagine the crowd of 100's gathered on that road following Jesus, just waiting to touch His garments, Hear him speak, anything. And Jesus points out Zacchaeus. A short sinner of a man in a tree. If you were in the crowd and you were someone who has followed Jesus everywhere He went, and you wish just once, He would speak directly to you; then, He calls a dishonest chief tax collector by name and invites Himself to his home for dinner. How would you feel?
Why did Jesus choose Zacchaeus?
In verses 8-10 we read that Zacchaeus stood up and immediately gave away half his possessions and agreed to pay back his wrong. He was changed immediately.
Something to point out here, to show the magnitude of Jesus's grace for Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus states that he will "pay back four times the amount" to anyone whom he has wronged. Only "fourfold" or four times. According to Proverbs 6:30,31 - he should have restored sevenfold. So why doesn't Jesus hold him to the law more strictly?
He doesn't force Zacchaeus to the laws demands, instead, He shows him grace! He knows the heart of Zacchaeus and his motives are pure for wanting to meet Jesus. So, Jesus has mercy on him and accepts his repentance. Folks, Jesus will do the same for you if your motives are pure as well. He does not stand in judgement of your past, only in love for your future.
Who knows why Zacchaeus climbed that tree? Who knows why he felt the desire to do whatever it took to see Jesus? Who knows why Jesus chose Zacchaeus?
GOD KNOWS - that's Who!
We won't always have the full story, but we can be assured that we have ALL of God's Love and Mercy!!
So, be curious and seek God! Open the door when He knocks. Listen for Him to call your name!!
Monday, August 6, 2018
Friday, May 11, 2018
Is God your Navigator?
We have all taken trips, whether long or short. Most of us travel with others and you usually need to assign a navigator. You concentrate on the road while the navigator tells you where to turn, exits to go on, and what is coming up ahead. I have been kicked to the backseat lots a times cause I was a horrible navigator. Haha
Your navigator is usually someone who can focus well (why I got fired from it probably), someone who can anticipate how to handle what's to come, someone who is quick on the fly, and someone you trust. When you get lost, it is always their fault-right?
God places us behind the wheel of life. He wants us to drive, have freedom of choice. He wants to be our Navigator. How much do you allow God to tell you where to,go, what's coming up, or how much do you trust God as your Navigator? How many times have you gotten angry at God because you are lost? How many exits have you missed? Did you TRULY listen to the directions God was giving you? How many times have you kicked God to the backseat?
We can choose to follow His directions. We can,choose to listen when He tells us to turn, slow down, or speed up. We can choose to get to the destination has for us.
We can choose to make our own directions. We can choose to pretend to pay attention to what God is telling us. We can choose to go our own speed. We can eventually get to where God wants us after getting lost several times first.
What is your choice?
Is got your Navigator, or your backseat driver?
We have all taken trips, whether long or short. Most of us travel with others and you usually need to assign a navigator. You concentrate on the road while the navigator tells you where to turn, exits to go on, and what is coming up ahead. I have been kicked to the backseat lots a times cause I was a horrible navigator. Haha
Your navigator is usually someone who can focus well (why I got fired from it probably), someone who can anticipate how to handle what's to come, someone who is quick on the fly, and someone you trust. When you get lost, it is always their fault-right?
God places us behind the wheel of life. He wants us to drive, have freedom of choice. He wants to be our Navigator. How much do you allow God to tell you where to,go, what's coming up, or how much do you trust God as your Navigator? How many times have you gotten angry at God because you are lost? How many exits have you missed? Did you TRULY listen to the directions God was giving you? How many times have you kicked God to the backseat?
We can choose to follow His directions. We can,choose to listen when He tells us to turn, slow down, or speed up. We can choose to get to the destination has for us.
We can choose to make our own directions. We can choose to pretend to pay attention to what God is telling us. We can choose to go our own speed. We can eventually get to where God wants us after getting lost several times first.
What is your choice?
Is got your Navigator, or your backseat driver?
Friday, March 2, 2018
HAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME
"Yet to all those who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God" John 1:12
We are ALL children of God because we were all created in His image and He calls us His children. However, there is a greater relationship that you can have IF you believe and accept Him into your life. Believe - Accept - INTO
Believe - Believe in what?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1
Believe in the One who came - Who is the Light - Who is The Word and God
Believing in Jesus Christ our Lord, the Son of the LIVING God! THAT is what you need to believe in! Admit that this is Truth and not be afraid to tell others about this amazing Truth!
Accept - Accept What?
"3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." John 1:3-11
Accept that Jesus was, and IS, The Light in all the darkness in this world. Accept that He DID come to earth and dwelt among those who persecuted Him and crucified Him. When you accept this, you will want to share the GOOD NEWS with others because acceptance of this is also acceptance of Jesus Christ working in you life!
INTO - Strong word used in this text
12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12
"Yet to all those who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God" John 1:12
We are ALL children of God because we were all created in His image and He calls us His children. However, there is a greater relationship that you can have IF you believe and accept Him into your life. Believe - Accept - INTO
Believe - Believe in what?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1
Believe in the One who came - Who is the Light - Who is The Word and God
Believing in Jesus Christ our Lord, the Son of the LIVING God! THAT is what you need to believe in! Admit that this is Truth and not be afraid to tell others about this amazing Truth!
Accept - Accept What?
"3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it... The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." John 1:3-11
Accept that Jesus was, and IS, The Light in all the darkness in this world. Accept that He DID come to earth and dwelt among those who persecuted Him and crucified Him. When you accept this, you will want to share the GOOD NEWS with others because acceptance of this is also acceptance of Jesus Christ working in you life!
INTO - Strong word used in this text
12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:12
INTO - WITHIN - We must accept Him INTO our lives, not beside, not part time when we need Him, not casually = ALL IN! Allow The Word to transform us and change us. All Jesus Christ to be IN our lives totally and when others see us, they see HIM!
*Don't just read The Word of God - Let it CHANGE you so that you may have the right to BECOME children of God!!!
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Keep'n It Real
For those of you who have caught my videos on Facebook, this post is a "Wrap UP", if you will, of the first 3 videos. If you have not watched them, they are still there for your amusement - LOL
Taking off our masks is not something that any of us "want" to do. In fact, the world teaches us just the opposite. We are trained to be happy no matter what, look on the bright side, be inspired to always want more, let the desires of your heart lead you, and the list goes on and on. We wear these masks so that no one else knows the REAL US.
If we are too real then we would not be accepted and we would live a very lonely life. If we show our true colors, then we are pegged as weird. If we stand for what very few believe in, then we are outcasts.
These are all true.... BUT...
“Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Luke 13:24 ASV
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7: 13-14
The Word tells us that the way to Heaven is Narrow and MANY will NOT get in! So, by that we can see that we should NOT do what the "many" do! Following the world will lead us to the wide road of destruction! That would be Hell Y'all!!
Trusting and accepting God is not easy to do because most of the world doesn't want to do this. It exposes our faults, weaknesses, flaws, and the world is all about covering those up - am I right?! God wants us exposed so He can FIX US!! There is a hole inside and you are searching and seeking something to fill it - right? I know y'all, I have been there. I stood at that crossroad more times than I can count! Each time I chose the destination that looked good or easy and it was WRONG!! I ended up back where I started every time!!
There is nothing in this world that will fill that hole folks! NOTHING and NO ONE!!!
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:4
What's that say? How did God demonstrate His love toward YOU? WHILE YOU WERE STILL A SINNER!!!! You didn't have to change child!! You just had to lift your head to THE ONE who saves!!!! God accepts us for who we are at that moment!! You don't have to work hard to "fit in", you don't have to become someone you are not, and you certainly don't have to lie your way in!! COME AS YOU ARE!!! God will do the rest!
"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." 1 Timothy 4:4 ESV
For those of you who have caught my videos on Facebook, this post is a "Wrap UP", if you will, of the first 3 videos. If you have not watched them, they are still there for your amusement - LOL
Taking off our masks is not something that any of us "want" to do. In fact, the world teaches us just the opposite. We are trained to be happy no matter what, look on the bright side, be inspired to always want more, let the desires of your heart lead you, and the list goes on and on. We wear these masks so that no one else knows the REAL US.
If we are too real then we would not be accepted and we would live a very lonely life. If we show our true colors, then we are pegged as weird. If we stand for what very few believe in, then we are outcasts.
These are all true.... BUT...
“Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Luke 13:24 ASV
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7: 13-14
The Word tells us that the way to Heaven is Narrow and MANY will NOT get in! So, by that we can see that we should NOT do what the "many" do! Following the world will lead us to the wide road of destruction! That would be Hell Y'all!!
Trusting and accepting God is not easy to do because most of the world doesn't want to do this. It exposes our faults, weaknesses, flaws, and the world is all about covering those up - am I right?! God wants us exposed so He can FIX US!! There is a hole inside and you are searching and seeking something to fill it - right? I know y'all, I have been there. I stood at that crossroad more times than I can count! Each time I chose the destination that looked good or easy and it was WRONG!! I ended up back where I started every time!!
There is nothing in this world that will fill that hole folks! NOTHING and NO ONE!!!
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:4
What's that say? How did God demonstrate His love toward YOU? WHILE YOU WERE STILL A SINNER!!!! You didn't have to change child!! You just had to lift your head to THE ONE who saves!!!! God accepts us for who we are at that moment!! You don't have to work hard to "fit in", you don't have to become someone you are not, and you certainly don't have to lie your way in!! COME AS YOU ARE!!! God will do the rest!
"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." 1 Timothy 4:4 ESV
When the trials and temptations come, turn to The One who knows you better than anyone! Turn to The One Who already defeated Satan! Turn to YOUR FATHER, YOUR CREATOR, YOUR KING! Let Him fight for you!
"We are hard pressed on every side, but NOT crushed; perplexed, but NOT in despair; persecuted, but NOT abandoned; struck down, but NOT destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
If that don't get your blood pump'n - honey CHECK YOUR PULSE!!!
Don't be fake - Be who God created you to be
Don't loose heart in the storm - turn to your Creator
Don't fight the battles - they belong to the Lord
"In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37
Saturday, January 20, 2018
The Grass is Greener on God's Side
You attend church, even become active in the church. You are willing to volunteer and sign up where help is needed. You encourage others, when things are working out for ya. You go to others for advice when things are not working out for ya. You walk in this pattern diligently and you make sure that it becomes a routine; to serve, be there, and become acquainted with those who are Christians.
So why aren't things changing, getting better? Why are you not feeling closer to God?
Ya ready for the answer?
Here it is...
You are not growing!!!
That's it! You are content with the routine and not looking beyond that to find out how God wants you to grow. We become so comfortable with the routine and at times we don't even realize we are in the routine. It is our lives. It is just what we do. The problem with that is you are not open to growth. You go through the motions but don't let the outcome of those motions change you, grow you closer to God. You cannot move forward if you are chained to a pole.
So why aren't things changing, getting better? Why are you not feeling closer to God?
Ya ready for the answer?
Here it is...
You are not growing!!!
That's it! You are content with the routine and not looking beyond that to find out how God wants you to grow. We become so comfortable with the routine and at times we don't even realize we are in the routine. It is our lives. It is just what we do. The problem with that is you are not open to growth. You go through the motions but don't let the outcome of those motions change you, grow you closer to God. You cannot move forward if you are chained to a pole.
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up
in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"
We are to walk the walk folks! Not just talk the talk!
God cannot work in us if we are not growing in Him! It is that simple! You walk along this routine you have built up and wonder "why?" Why are things not getting better? Why hasn't anything changed in your life? STOP WALKING THE SAME PATH!
You ever see what the area around a chained up dog looks like? The path is worn around where the dog has paced back and forth. Beyond where the chain will let him go is beautiful, unchartered grass. It is the same with us folks! Beyond that path of routine you keep walking is unchartered ground! God is waiting for you beyond the chain! He cannot release you if you do not run to Him!
Stop walking the same paths
Stop following the same routine
Start running after the unknown
Start running after what God has in store for you
"You will be surprised to see that the grass IS greener on God's side"Tuesday, January 16, 2018
"Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God" Job 22:26
I pulled this verse from a story of Job who went through so much loss and he had his friends and his own wife blaming him and they were convinced he had done something to deserve the awful things that were happening to him and his family. Yet, Job stood firm and knew that God had a reason, even though he didn't know what that reason was. Job never stopped believing and having faith!
The story of Job is so powerful in so many ways! I feel uplifted encouraged, and humiliation.
Yes humiliation...
When I complain about what little I have lost or what little I have had done to me, I am reminded each time of Job and it humbles me to silence! While I murmur and complain, God is trying to show me a new way, a different way. He is trying to give me a challenge to overcome to make me stronger. He is protecting me from something worse that Satan could do to me!
Our trials are temporary. Our troubles are short. Our pain will not last forever.
Does all this make what we are going through less meaningful, NO. We can wish we weren't going through it or it hadn't happened. We can not be happy about what is happening. But we should NOT find ourselves lost in the pit of Satan's lies that have us asking, "Why me?" Because God chose you, that's why! God noticed you needed a change, a challenge, a renewing of faith, an eye-opener, whatever it may be; He noticed and done something about it! Be thankful for that!
"Surely then"....
Even through the pain and the troubles and the trials... Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God!!
When the road you are on suddenly takes you nowhere. When you feel as though your back is against the wall an you have no choice. When you know what you have done has hurt others. When you think no one cares. When it seems as though all is against you. Even then...Surely then....Praise Him!
What's in it for you?
Other than eternity.... peace, calmness, joy, and so many other wonderful feelings when you know that God has you. When you trust in His steps and not your own! In the moment, you feel uncertainty and you are unsure of what is happening or how it will turn out. Don't focus on that moment! Focus instead on the moment when God said, "That's enough Satan! She/he is belongs to me."
Even then, Surely then... Find delight and lift your head high!!
I pulled this verse from a story of Job who went through so much loss and he had his friends and his own wife blaming him and they were convinced he had done something to deserve the awful things that were happening to him and his family. Yet, Job stood firm and knew that God had a reason, even though he didn't know what that reason was. Job never stopped believing and having faith!
The story of Job is so powerful in so many ways! I feel uplifted encouraged, and humiliation.
Yes humiliation...
When I complain about what little I have lost or what little I have had done to me, I am reminded each time of Job and it humbles me to silence! While I murmur and complain, God is trying to show me a new way, a different way. He is trying to give me a challenge to overcome to make me stronger. He is protecting me from something worse that Satan could do to me!
Our trials are temporary. Our troubles are short. Our pain will not last forever.
Does all this make what we are going through less meaningful, NO. We can wish we weren't going through it or it hadn't happened. We can not be happy about what is happening. But we should NOT find ourselves lost in the pit of Satan's lies that have us asking, "Why me?" Because God chose you, that's why! God noticed you needed a change, a challenge, a renewing of faith, an eye-opener, whatever it may be; He noticed and done something about it! Be thankful for that!
"Surely then"....
Even through the pain and the troubles and the trials... Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God!!
When the road you are on suddenly takes you nowhere. When you feel as though your back is against the wall an you have no choice. When you know what you have done has hurt others. When you think no one cares. When it seems as though all is against you. Even then...Surely then....Praise Him!
What's in it for you?
Other than eternity.... peace, calmness, joy, and so many other wonderful feelings when you know that God has you. When you trust in His steps and not your own! In the moment, you feel uncertainty and you are unsure of what is happening or how it will turn out. Don't focus on that moment! Focus instead on the moment when God said, "That's enough Satan! She/he is belongs to me."
Even then, Surely then... Find delight and lift your head high!!
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