Good morning friend, here is today's prayer...

Dear Father God, Truly blessed are the feet of those who share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray for every Christian, and every Christian leader, who shares your love and gift of life with others. I pray for protection and blessing upon those lives. I pray that you will give each of us the messages that you want us to speak and nudge us through your Holy Spirit to speak at the right times and the right places. Through your power, may the world know that you are God and through our ministries, may you be glorified, souls saved, and Christians united in strength and love. In the Savior’s name I pray, amen.

Breaking Down Boundaries

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death. The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked (Proverbs 10:1-3 NIV).

Go Deeper: Deuteronomy 29-30:10; Luke 18:31-19:10; Proverbs 10:1-10

Zacchaeus was a wee little man… Those of us who went to Sunday school can pick up that little tune and finish the song. In the middle of ancient Jericho is the “Zacchaeus tree,” a sycamore that has been there for over 2,000 years. Zacchaeus’ story isn’t a parable; it occurred in real time. This little man didn’t intend to be canonized; his curiosity was peaked, and unknowingly he thrust himself into biblical history. 

Zacchaeus’ personality wouldn’t allow him to rely on other people's word; he had to discover Jesus personally. A less tenacious man would have dis­missed the extra effort as wasted, but not Zacchaeus. He was small and couldn’t see through, over, or around the masses, but he was resourceful. He found a tree and climbed it. Not even his physical limitations would stop Zacchaeus from at least seeing Jesus. 

His intentions were to sit in a tree and draw his own conclusions; he wasn’t prepared for what happened. From his tree perch, his eyes met Jesus’ eyes. When any man truly looks into the eyes of Jesus, he will never be the same. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and announced that He needed a place to spend the night. Stunned, Zacchaeus obeyed. Not only was Jesus his house guest, but He became a permanent resident of Zacchaeus’ heart and life.

At what distance and to what extremes have you gone to see Jesus? What limitations or excuses are keeping you from seeing over or through or around the problems and situations of your life? There are no accidental encounters with Jesus. He yearns to come into your life, sit down and fellowship, and truly be your friend.

Break down the boundaries that are keeping you from Jesus.

The Word in Real Time © copyright Kathy Slamp, Vessel Press/Vessel Ministries.