Luther Burbank, the famous horticulturist, enjoyed entertaining and getting to know his guests. He always insisted that they sign his guest book before leaving. One column in the book asked the guests to describe their interests.

When Thomas Edison visited, Burbank asked him to be certain to sign his guest book. In the column where the guests were to describe their interests, Edison wrote the word, “Everything!”

His life reflected his interests. Among his many inventions were the phonograph, the telegraph, the incandescent light, the motion picture camera, light sockets, the dictating machine, iron ore products and wax paper.

The Bible tells the story of a short, determined, tax collector. He was desperately interested in seeing Jesus, but he could not see Him because he was so short and the crowds so large. He solved his problem by climbing a tree. Not only did he see Jesus, but Jesus also saw him and went to his home. As a result, Zacchaeus got saved. When our primary interest in life is to see Jesus, we can be assured that He will make Himself visible.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we look above the crowds and the things of life to seek, find, and know You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Luke 19:1-10 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Click to read more.)

"Never trust Tom. I did and he disappointed me twice!" said his employer.

"Why should I not trust him?" his friend asked.

"People never change. Once a thief, always a thief! Once a liar, always a liar," he raged on.

But that is not always true.

Few people were more despised than the tax collectors in Jesus' day. The Romans were attempting to establish a world empire and it was a costly venture.

To accomplish their goal they levied heavy taxes on all of the nations that were under their control. Without the tax collectors the Empire could not survive. So it was no surprise that the people were shocked when Jesus went to the home of Zacchaeus. How could someone as honest as Jesus associate with such a dishonest thief and liar?

When he met Jesus, he realized that he needed to straighten out his life. And he did! "Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor. If I have cheated anyone of anything, I will pay him back four times."

The new birth brings new behaviors. When we change on the inside, people will see it on the outside.

Prayer: Forgive us, Father, if we claim to be born again but live as we always have. May we repent, now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10