We’ve all seen “before and after” pictures of someone who has had a makeover. As Jesus walks closer to the cross, he comes across a little guy named Zacchaeus who is perched in a tree. In this account, Zack encounters Jesus in a way that radically transforms his life – his “before” picture is nothing at all like the new and improved one! Are you looking for change in your life? Do you want your life to be different than it is right now? Walk with Jesus to the cross and you will have the best makeover ever.
Text: Luke 19:1-10The attitude of hope can go a long way in helping us face the future. But, hope is not just a feeling of optimism. It’s much deeper than that. Hope happens when we realize that God is in control of everything. As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded that the gift of Jesus is the best hope of all.
Text: Romans 5:4While everything is moving faster and getting more complicated, there are three things that will never change: 1) God’s love; 2) God’s word; and 3) God’s purposes. Change is inevitable in our lives but when we’re anchored to the God who does not change, we can manage whatever comes our way.
Text: Mal. 3:6; Mt. 5:24When faced with the future, some of us spend a lot of time worrying about what might happen. Because only God knows what will happen in the future, we need to put our trust in what will last for the long haul. While this is not easy to do, the Bible offers us some warnings and some exhortations to help us face the future with confidence.
Text: James 4:13-17Most of us are accustomed to getting what we work for, of receiving what is due to us. In this parable, Jesus challenges us with the scandal of grace – He gives freely to people no matter how hard they work for it. While we love the benefits of grace, it’s often difficult for us when that same grace is bestowed on others.
Text: Matthew 20:1-16Nicodemus was on a search for grace when he came to Jesus at night. Just as Jesus pointed him to the second birth, so too, He challenges us today to complete our search for grace by putting our faith in Him. Grace is a gift, but it has to be received in order for it to be activated in our lives.
Text: John 3:1-18