Reborn Identity
January 9, 2013
READ: Luke 19:1-10
If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold. —Luke 19:8
It was a perfect day for our garage sale—bright and warm. People rummaged through clothing, paperbacks, and mismatched dishes. I noticed a young woman looking at a string of white beads. A few minutes later, the necklace vanished along with its admirer. I spotted her in the street, jogged the length of my driveway, and discovered the missing jewelry nestled in her palm. As we faced each other with the knowledge of what had happened, she volunteered to pay for the stolen item.
Zacchaeus, the tree-climbing tax collector, met Jesus and was changed. He vowed to repay four times the amount of money he had dishonestly taken from others (Luke 19:8). In those days, tax collectors frequently overcharged citizens and then pocketed the extra funds. Zacchaeus’ eagerness to pay back the money and to donate half of what he owned to the poor showed a significant change of heart. He had once been a taker, but after meeting Jesus he was determined to make restoration and be a giver.
Zacchaeus’ example can inspire us to make the same kind of change. When God reminds us about items we have taken, taxes left unpaid, or ways we have wronged others, we can honor Him by making it right.
— Jennifer Benson Schuldt
In all that I say and all that I do;
Give me the courage to do what is right
To bring to the world a glimpse of Your light. —Fasick
A debt is never too old for an honest person to pay.
Source: Our Daily Bread
We should resolve our identity crisis and we must be indentified with Christ by being reborn in spirit as it says in( 2 Chor.5:17)
(Pro.21:23,18:21,Matthew8:11,16-17)
Thank God, have worship Him since baptism in 2001. Have been reading the Bible, praying, sharing, praising God with musical instrument, of which i learnt from a brother in Church. Thank God for the purchase of the new instrument at a discounted price, hope to praise Him every night with worship songs on my instrument before going to bed.
Cut down on personal entertainment, participate in fellowship gatherings, encourage brothers and sisters to be strenghtened in their faith, Amen.
God bless.