Zacchaeus had the very loathsome job title in Jericho of chief tax collector. His great wealth had come from extorting money from the citizens, thus he was not very well liked by them! When Jesus invited Himself to his house, the people were outraged that He would even consider going into a home of such a “sinner”. But meeting Jesus face to face profoundly changed Zacchaeus forever…he pledged to give half of his wealth to the poor , and to repay anyone who felt they had been cheated four times the amount back. Zacchaeus didn’t realize when he climbed up into that sycamore tree that he’d have a divine appointment with the Lord.
Tag: faith
John 13:8 ” ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ “
The place is the Last Supper…Jesus is washing the disciples feet one by one when Peter refuses Him. In Jesus’s reply He did not say, “You have no part in Me.”…which would mean that Peter was unsaved, but rather Jesus said, “You have no part with Me.”…which means having no communion or fellowship with Jesus. The Lord was showing Peter the necessity of regular spiritual renewal or cleansing in order to remain in fellowship with Him…and that simple act of foot washing symbolized sanctification…
being set apart for God.
Proverbs 17:1 ” Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.”
This Proverb can only conjure up unpleasant memories for many of disputes around the dining table! Sadly, so many times a beautifully prepared meal has been marred by quarreling and contention of those gathered to partake of it. This Proverb was written by King Solomon, who having 700 wifes and 300 concubines, probably had rather lively discussions around his table…and could have been wishing for more peace and quiet in his own life!
Romans 12:13 ” Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Because of our location, our home is a crossroads for many friends. Those traveling from the West Coast eastward stop, as does those in the Midwest headed West. And the many visiting Yellowstone National Park end up staying here to. It says that we need to practice hospitality… that means doing it over and over again until we get good at it. Yes, it takes practice to be friendly, generous, warm, and welcoming to all those who come into our homes. I Peter 4:9 states that we should “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” By opening our homes up to others we show the love of Jesus in very basic and practical ways…food and shelter given with kindness and love.
II Corinthians 9:6 ” Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Most people who read this scripture think it has to do entirely with money. But showing benevolence towards others has so many varying facets. Several of the Proverbs talk about a generous man prospering and being blessed not just monetarily, but with abundant joy. But the opposite is also true…if you are lacking in certain areas of your life, if you sow it into others, you yourself will it reap back…for it says in Galatians that a man reaps what he sows. In other words, if you are lacking, pour into others, and you will receive back lavishly.
Ezra 8:22 ” I was ashamed to ask the King for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the King, ‘the gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him, but His anger is against all who forsake Him.’ “
Ezra was going to lead a group of Israelites from Babylon back to Jerusalem over dangerous and isolated territory. He had boldly told the King that God would protect them during this journey,…but now he had to believe his own words. Ezra called a fast, in order to humble themselves before God, committing the trip to Him, and asking for safe passage. When God tells us to do something, in the back of our heads we’re always thinking…but what if God doesn’t show up?!…I’ll be humiliated! First, there is boldness in stepping out when God speaks to you, then there is obedience when you follow through…and just like Ezra, God will be there every step of the way.
I John 4:18 ” There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.”
Fear, panic, anxiety…these are all negative emotions that can stem from something that happened to us a long time ago, but when triggered, can cause the same feelings as when the original event happened. We know in our head that we’re safe, but our emotions are telling us something completely different. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in fear. The Bible states that God is Love, and this perfect Agape love of God’s will drive all fear from our lives if we allow Him. His powerful love will break through all negative emotions and bring us peace. I pray that if you are battling negative emotions today,ask the Lord to fill you with His Agape Love.
II Kings 5:10 ” Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ “
Naaman was the commander of the King of Aram’s army…a great and highly regarded soldier…but he had leprosy. He was told that the Prophet Elisha could heal him of this, so armed with a letter from the King, gold, silver, and other gifts he went off to find him. But when Elisha did not personally greet him or accept his gifts, but rather sent a servant out to instruct him on what to do, Naaman went ballistic! He wanted fireworks and a sideshow, but all he got was direction on a simple task. After his master’s tirade had subsided, his servant wisely asked him…”If Elisha had told you to go do something outlandish in order to be healed, you’d do it! So why won’t you do something simple?” Naaman reconsidered, and obediently did what Elisha said…which is exactly what the Levitical Law decreed for purification…and he came out of the Jordan with skin like a little boy. Why do we think the more grand and elaborate the prayer for healing the better? Sometimes it may be as simple as praying…In the name of Jesus , be healed.
Psalm 31: 1-2 ” In you O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
The hard fact is that people will hurt, disappoint, and betray you…even those that tell you they love you. You trust someone, and they stab you in the back. You reach out to someone, only to have them reject you. At those times, you need to look to this scripture to help bring balance back into your life. Seek spiritual refuge in the Lord. He knows, and hears your prayers, and will deliver you…for when everything and everyone is taken away from the equation….it’s just You and God.
I Timothy 2 :1-2 ” I urge,then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
We are to pray for all those in authority over us…whether these people are believers or not. You may not agree with their political views, or approve of their actions, but you are still called to pray for them. The purpose is two fold…First, God has placed these people in places of power for a reason…so trust God. Secondly, it says ” that we may live peaceful and quiet lives”…praying for those in authority will only benefit us in the end.
Safetypinlove 