What's Holding You Back?

In Luke 19: 1–9, we see that Zacchaeus had a goal; he wanted desperately to see Jesus. However, a very large crowd was in his way and being a short man he couldn't see over the crowd. Instead of him saying "Well I can't do this", "I am too short", "The Democrats or Republicans are in power", “its Bush’s fault,” Zacchaeus came up with a plan.

Zacchaeus made a decision to see Jesus through the crowd. He decided no one would stop him. No matter what, or who, Satan puts in our way, even if the doors seem closed, or barriers are in the way to accomplish your dream, be like Zacchaeus!

So Zacchaeus ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by. Zacchaeus refused to say no. "If I can't get past the crowd I will climb that tree to see Jesus."

Zacchaeus was an unlikely person to have an encounter with Jesus because he was a tax collector, he wasn't part of the "in" crowd that seemed like they should be blessed and have success in Jesus.

Jesus saw Zacchaeus when he got to the tree; he looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Jesus wanted it to stay at his house.

Zacchaeus expected Jesus to show up by the sycamore tree. He made a plan. He didn't allow others to dictate what he would receive from God. He didn't allow others to dictate the outcome of his dream.

Let's now examine our lives. You have a God-given dream and whatever barriers you see are only temporary obstacles. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells us to speak to our mountains.

It is no coincidence that the parable of the ten minas is found immediately afterwards. In this parable, the king tells his 10 servants to put the 10 minas to work – until his return.

Don't let others inhibit your God-given dreams! Make a plan, be creative, and aggressively pursue Jesus. He will pass by and He will see you. Jesus wants to stay in your house!

What are you investing in? Our King is coming again.

America's Only Hope

I have seen numerous yard signs over the past few months with the inscription, “PRAYER, America’s Only Hope” 2 Chronicles 7:14. The only problem with these signs is that they are wrong. Jesus Christ is America’s only hope.

I believe the context of the yard signs was done with the most honorable intent and I commend the people responsible.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

There are four things God tells Solomon that Israel must do in this passage:

1. Humble themselves – That one is always the hardest

2. Pray

3. Seek God’s face

4. Turn from their wicked ways

There are also three promises from God here:

1. God will hear from heaven

2. Forgive their sins

3. Heal their land

Why wait for another year to pass to do the right things? The New Year is here and there is no time like now to get started. Love more, forgive more, volunteer more, give more to our church and charities, and attend church or synagogue.

If we as American’s will only do what God tells us to do, what a paradise America would be. Prayer is not America’s only hope, or the worlds only hope, Jesus Christ is. Well, what are we waiting for? When Jesus returns, it will be too late. Let’s start now!