Faithfully Yours Forever

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  Luke 19:9-10 (NIV)

Today’s passage is about the man named Zacchaeus.  He desperately wanted to see Jesus.  He was wealthy, but was willing to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back anyone he had cheated.  His life had been changed by an encounter with Jesus.

Father God, may we have a fresh encounter with Jesus today.  Just as Zacchaeus did on that day in Jericho, may we anticipate an experience with the Lord with a similar degree of enthusiasm.  May we be open to a renewed spirit and a changed life.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: Luke 19:1-10

The Apostle Paul said, Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing [Acts 15:36 (NIV)].  Sometimes we forget that new believers… and even older believers… need to reconnect with others that have helped guide them along in their spiritual journeys.  It can be an encouragement to everyone when we take the time to reconnect.  Life has a way of challenging us, discouraging us, and weakening us.  We often can benefit from other believers coming along side of us when we are down or doubtful.  May we take advantage of those opportunities when we can be an encouragement to others, a support to others, or even a lifeline for others.  May we make the effort to reconnect.  May we be sensitive and responsive to the times when others are trying to reconnect with us.  May we lift each other up as we make our journey through this life.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: Acts 15:36-41

They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior [Psalm 24:5 (NIV)].

In remembering the covenant we have made to the Lord, our God, consider the promises made; He will be our God and we will be His people.  But what does it take to be His people?  Today’s passage sheds light upon that question.  Verse 4 states that the one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god may ascend the mountain of the Lord.  But how will the Lord, our God, show us that we are His people?  Again look to the Scriptures.  In verse 5 it states that His people will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.  Praise the Lord, our God for the many blessings He bestows upon us each day!  May we:

Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in. [Psalm 24:7 (NIV)]
But, who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle. [Psalm 24:8 (NIV)]

May we open up the doors of our hearts and let the King of glory come in.  Enjoy this blessed day!

Passage: Psalm 24:1-10

Jesus said, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.  He also said,

Do this and you will live [Luke 10:27, 28 (NIV)].  This sounds simple… until you try to do it.  Truly loving the Lord requires us to put Him ahead of all others – ourselves, our families, our friends.  It requires us to put Him above all other things – our finances, our property, our desires, our dreams, or our lives.  Now, how easy does it sound?  Next, we are told to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves… which includes our families, our friends, our finances, our property, our desires, our dreams, or our lives.  While it sounds quite costly, we are also told if we love the Lord our God, He will honor His covenant and we will live, and increase, and be blessed.  May we live, increase, and be blessed… according to His mercy and grace.  Amen.

Passage: Luke 10:25-28