Devotional: Hope for Shorty -A Journey with Zacchaeus

 Day 1: Seen by Jesus

Scripture: “When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’” — Luke 19:5

Reflection:

Zacchaeus was used to being unseen — or worse, ridiculed. He was short, rich, and despised. But on that day in Jericho, Jesus did what no one else had ever done: He looked up.

Jesus didn’t avoid him. He didn’t shout insults. He saw him.

The crowd saw a corrupt tax collector. Jesus saw a child of Abraham.

He saw beyond the labels, beyond the shame, beyond the story others told — and saw the story that could be.

Jesus still does that. He sees the overlooked, the outcast, and the ashamed — and He calls them by name.

You may feel small or unseen today, but Jesus knows exactly where you are — and He’s looking up for you, not down on you.

Application:

Ask yourself: Where do I feel unseen or unworthy? Invite Jesus into that place. Picture Him calling your name with kindness, not condemnation.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You see me — not just my mistakes or weaknesses, but my heart. Help me believe that I matter to You. Teach me to look at others the same way You looked at Zacchaeus. Amen.

Devotional: All Things New

 Day 5: Remembering and Hoping

Scripture:

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.” — Psalm 130:5

Reflection:

All Saints Sunday brings us to this tension—between remembrance and anticipation. We look back with gratitude and forward with hope. The saints remind us that faith endures, that love never fails, and that one day, faith will become sight.

Until that day, we wait with hope and live with purpose. We belong to God, and He will be our God forever.

Application:

Reflect on your own life and ask: Am I living for what is eternal? Am I ready for the day I see Him face to face? Make one decision today that invests in eternity—a word of forgiveness, an act of service, a moment of worship.

Prayer:

Faithful God, thank You for the hope of resurrection and the promise of being with You forever. Keep my heart anchored in eternity as I live faithfully today. Amen.

Devotional: All Things New

 Day 4: The Glory of His Presence

Scripture:

“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light.” — Revelation 21:23

Reflection:

Heaven’s beauty isn’t found in its golden streets but in the unbroken presence of God. There, His light dispels every shadow, and His peace replaces every fear.

Even now, glimpses of that glory appear when we draw near to Him—through prayer, worship, and acts of love. The more we fix our hearts on God’s presence, the more His light shines through us in a dark world.

Application:

Spend 10 minutes today in quiet worship—no requests, just gratitude. Reflect on one moment this week where you sensed God’s nearness. How can you carry that light into your relationships or workplace?

Prayer:

Glorious Lord, be my light and my joy. Let Your presence fill my heart and guide my steps. May my life reflect the radiance of Your grace. Amen.

Devotional: All Things New

 Day 3: A Vision of What’s to Come

Scripture:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4

Reflection:

John’s vision in Revelation offers not just comfort but transformation. Heaven isn’t an escape—it’s a restoration. God will make all things new: no more sorrow, no more pain, no more death. The old has passed away.

Every broken thing will be made whole. Every injustice will be made right. The presence of God will fill everything with light and life.

Application:

When you see brokenness in the world—or in yourself—pause and whisper: “You are making all things new.” Let that promise guide your response, whether in compassion, service, or worship.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to live as someone who believes in Your renewal. Let the hope of heaven shape how I love, serve, and persevere on earth. Amen.

Devotional: All Things New

 Day 2: Redeeming the Fear of Death

Scripture:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” — Psalm 23:4

Reflection:

The ancient world feared death and the unseen. But through Christ, the Church declared that death has lost its sting. Those who die in Christ are not lost to us forever—they live in His presence. We are joined together with “all the company of heaven” each time we worship.

Our faith transforms fear into hope. We grieve, yes, but not as those without hope. The resurrection changes everything.

Application:

Bring your fears about death or loss before God. Name them honestly in prayer. Then, speak aloud this truth: “Because Jesus lives, I will live also.” (John 14:19)

Prayer:

God of life and resurrection, thank You that death does not have the final word. Calm my fears and strengthen my faith in Your victory. Help me live with eternal hope today. Amen.