Pay unto God what is God's

Ezra 7; Ezra 8; Luke 20

Luke 20:20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

23He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24"Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?"

25"Caesar's," they replied.
He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

Spies came to listen to Jesus in hope of finding a reason for Him to be arrested. Jesus saw through their facade. It is the same way with us. We may try hard to fin fault in Jesus and in the same way pretend to be devout Christians. Jesus sees right through us. Jesus also restates the importance of giving God what is His. What belongs to the world should be given to the world. However, The world belongs to God, so we should give back to God what He has given to us.

I will give God my world: my life, my work, my schooling, my family, my friend, my everything; for He as given me everything and everything belongs to Him. We shall also not call ourselves Christians, and try to consistently find fault in Christ. How can we look for fault in something we are trying to be [Christian=Christ like].

Dear Jesus,

I lift my life, my world, my everything to You, for it belongs to You. I pray that You find me becoming more and more like You every day. Lord, I pray that You teach me to be more humble and more willing to believe in You without doubt. Give me knowledge so I have no doubt. I thank You Lord for today.

In Your name,

Amen

Like a child

Esther 3; Esther 4; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7; Esther 8; Luke 18

Luke 18:17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Children are a great example of how disciples should be. Children trust and count on their parents. In the same way we should rely on our Father. We must remember to trust God with every part of our lives. We must run into or Father's arms with no hesitation, knowing that He will always take care of us and in doing that we will enter His kingdom.

I need to turn to God with the same innocence and trust as a child to his parents. I know that He will be there. God needs to be my first choice whenever a hardship arises.

Father,
Make me like a little child. Lord, I pray I have the innocence and trust as a child. Father, You are the one I need to turn to at all times. Father, be the one I rely on, be the one I trust, be the one to take care of me, when I need it most. I love you,
Amen

For He is my shepherd

Zechariah 13-14; Psalm 147; Luke 15

Luke 15: 1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Many frowned upon the fact that Jesus ate with sinners. Jesus reassures the Pharisees and the teachers. Jesus states that heaven is rejoicing for every single lost person out there. Yes, they may have sinned and they may be lost, but that does not make them less worthy to be rejoiced. It actually makes their salvation more rejoiced. Those that are lost are not forgotten, but are constantly being looked for by our Shepherd.

God rejoicing in the return of one of his lost sheep is what reminds me of the patience and mercy of Him. He never gives up looking for us and showing us that He loves us. It's awesome to see His open arms waiting for me after being lost from His herd.

Amazing God,
You are so great. You are the Shepherd that I do not deserve. You remind me every day of your mercy and your acceptance. You wait for us while we are lost and You rejoice when we return. I thank You for joyfully picking me up on Your shoulders and taking me back to Your kingdom. I love You, Father

Amen.