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April 19
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“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47, NASB)

The more we value something, the higher it rises in our list of what is important.

The woman in today’s scripture valued the forgiveness of God.  It wasn’t something she had taken for granted, and this singular act of God’s grace was always clear, near, and present.

Simon, who is also a part of the narrative of this scripture, took God’s gifts for granted — and it was apparent that he “loves little.”

Who are we: The woman who was filled with gratitude, awe, and love for her Lord because she appreciated the gifts of God; or Simon, who didn’t see the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?   – Luther

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April 18
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“[Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” (Luke 19:3-4, NIV)

Our circumstances will often conspire to keep us from seeing Jesus — which includes doing the thing we know in our heart that we ought to do.

Zacchaeus was short.  The crowd was large — and taller than Zacchaeus.  But Zacchaeus didn’t curse the crowd.  He didn’t blame God; and he didn’t shrug his shoulders and surrender his desire to see Jesus.

Although short in stature, Zacchaeus’ mind was as good as anyone’s.  His will was as strong as anyone’s.  So, he didn’t focus on what he lacked; instead, he used what he had. The scripture says that Zacchaeus “ran ahead. . .”

Today, circumstances may conspire to keep you from following Jesus; but don’t give-in.  Do not focus on what you lack; seize and employ the things you have, as Zacchaeus did — and you will not only see Jesus, but Jesus will see you!  – Luther

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April 16
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“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”   (Psalm 55:22, NKJV)

The key to longevity and stability in a wide variety of aspects (e. g. moral, emotional, spiritual, relational) is the act of casting your cares on the Lord.  The more of our cares we give to Him, the more of His wisdom, confidence, and strength we receive in return.

The times we prefer to coddle our concerns in the privacy of our minds is the precise time we ought to be casting — throwing — those same concerns onto our heavenly Father.  Sharing multiplies our joys and divides our sorrows.

When we choose to keep to ourselves the very concerns that wring all of the joy from life, we deprive ourselves of a Confidant who has never revealed a secret; a Friend who has never betrayed a trust; a Defender who has never been defeated.  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on its usual Sunday break tomorrow.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday.  Have a great time in Sunday worship.  God is good!

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