Luke 19:4 -- Zacchaeus: Star Struck Sinner? or Misjudged Follower?

Was Zacchaeus a star struck sinner? or a misjudged follower?

So he (Zacchaeus) ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. Luke 19:4 NAB

'Sycamore leaf' by Kevin Eddy

According to the gospel today, Zacchaeus was "a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man." He must have been an enigma to the people around him at that time. Tax collectors were supposed to sinners and, therefore, cursed. But wealthy men were blessed! So, where did Zacchaeus fall in their labeling game?

Philippians 1:24 -- Heaven can Wait

Apostle Paul practically said here that heaven could wait, if only it was his choice to make . . .

Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit. Philippians 1:24 (NAB)

"Into the Light" by flickr.com/photos/85581039@N00

Parents say this in prayer for the sake of their children whom they love so dearly, don't they? I said this prayer just last night while I was on my way home at 10pm. I caught myself saying, "Lord, for the sake of my kids, protect me and preserve me in spirit and flesh. Let heaven wait. Amen." I know I was not the only one saying that prayer.

Philippians 1:9-10 . . . Discern What is of Value

May we all discern what is of value. This message has filled me up today, from the first reading of today's gospel.

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10

Breaking Wave, Tenerife at http://www.flickr.com/photos/43355249@N00

Mark 9:24 -- A Prayer For More Faith

In Mark 9:24 I found a perfect prayer that helps me through times when I feel like my faith isn't strong enough.

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 NIV)

'Prayer is the language' thanks to http://www.flickr.com/photos/22779530@N02

I am grateful to God everyday for guiding me through each turn in my life. My family and I just made a move back to our permanent address 60km south of the city. At the same time, I am starting a new business and am paying mentors handsomely to guide me through.