The Pharisee And The Tax-collector

 Luke chapter 18:11-14

 The Pharisee stood by himself when he prayed. He said, “I thank you, God, because I am not like other people. I am not greedy or unjust. I do not have sex with other men’s wives. I thank you that I am not like that tax-collector over there.

“ I go without food twice a week. I give you one tenth of all my income”.

  But the tax-collector stood at a distance. He dared not even look up to heaven. But he hit his chest and said, “God, pity me! I am so bad!”

 Jesus said, ‘I tell you this. God forgave the *tax-collector when he went home. But God did not forgive the Pharisee. If anyone thinks that he is important, God will make him humble. God will forgive anyone who is humble’.

Are you the Pharisee or the tax collector? Are you sure that you are Holy because of what you do for God, or do you know that you are Holy only because of the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ?

Who is righteous in God’s eyes? He knows who are HIs, but if you look at some people and judge them based upon what you believe is Holy behavior, you need to stop thinking this way and ask the Lord for His wisdom and His advice on how you should see the people in this world. 

How will you know that you are looking at people from God’s perspective? First, make sure that you have a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can save you and transform your heart and mind so that you can see everything clearly with the help of the Holy Spirit who comes to live within you. You must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior..

Secondly, you must read the word of God. The bible should become your favorite book to read, and you should meditate on its truth and wisdom every day. This is an important task that God expects all believers to do frequently. You will never be able to function well as a follower of Jesus Christ if you refuse to read the bible or ignore its importance in your life. 

The word of God only becomes real to you when it becomes a living testament to the power of God in your life.

Thirdly, spend time in the presence of God, with singing, prayer and meditation. Worship in His presence, give the Lord time to show Himself to you. Your private time with the Lord will reinforce your love and devotion to Him.  When you show up for The Lord, He will show up for you. He will listen to your prayers, He will give you peace and joy. There is healing, love and happiness in the presence of the Lord.

It’s all about having a  relationship - that is what Jesus wants from us. It is wonderful when you live by God’s standards, it is great when you do good things in His Name. It is good when you show compassion and kindness to other people. These are all signs of a surrendered heart to the Lord, but the most important thing that you will learn to do in this life is to love Jesus Christ with all of your heart, your mind, and your soul. It is the most precious and rewarding relationship you will ever have…

Quick Prayer

“Lord, I want to know you better, help me with my unbelief, show yourself to me, I feel so alone and weary, Jesus please come into my heart right now, and set me free…AMEN

Rooftop Confessions

 Luke chapter 12: 1-7

 Thousands of people had gathered. There were so many people, that they were walking on each other’s feet. Jesus spoke to his *disciples first. ‘Be careful, avoid the *yeast of the *Pharisees.  God will lift the cover from everything that people want to hide. He will display every secret. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark, people will hear in the light. Whatever you have whispered in a private room, people will shout from the roofs of houses’.

‘I tell you this, my friends. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body. After that, they cannot do any more.  I will show you whom to fear. Fear God. He has the power to kill people and to throw them into hell. Believe me, he is the one whom you should fear! People sell five sparrows (little birds) for two pennies. But God cares for every one of the sparrows.  God even counts the hairs on your head. So, do not be afraid. You are more valuable to God than many sparrows’.

Everyday I hear something new about a spiritual leader who has gone astray. They are accused of various crimes and sinful behaviors. Everything that has been said in a secret room is now being shouted upon the rooftops of the media and the internet. Why are so many people being exposed in 2024?

Judgment will come to all the people of the world, but the Lord makes sure to clean house in His own Kingdom first. We are the ones who have been entrusted with His salvation campaign. We have the words of life flowing from our hearts. If we cannot keep our integrity in dark times, then no one else will be able to find the truth that will set them free!

We cannot pull back or ignore the truth about ourselves and our society any longer  - the Lord Jesus is on the move. He protects us from the devil and his demons everyday, but He cannot save us from our fears, our sins or selfish desires unless we surrender them at His feet.

We need to keep our hearts and minds upon the truths that exist in Jesus Christ. He will fight our battles, and we must do our part as well, by living a righteous life in a world full of conflict and hate. It is not easy, but it is fulfilling. Let the God of the final harvest live freely within your heart. Let Him heal you of all your sicknesses,  let Him carry your burdens, let Him transform your heart and mind. Give all of your fears, sexual sins, addictions, pains and sufferings to Him. He is the only one who can help you right now. He is the One who will always love you, even when you do not love yourself - never ever doubt His love for you, because His love will never fail you…

Quick Prayer:

“God, I can’t do this anymore - I can’t stop doing these things that are ruining my life - Please Help Me!”