Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Don’t Hide in the Tree

Posted on By jennifer

Zaccheus climbed the tree because of the crowd.  And right there among the crowd, Jesus noticed him and called to him.  Not to embarrass him.  Not even to ridicule him for being a greedy tax-collector, but because He wanted to be with Him.  He wanted a relationship with Zaccheus and He wanted the crowd to know it.

So many wonderful things done not only for a crowd but also right in the middle of a crowd.  Jesus seemed to delight in crowds.  Among the largest crowds, He performed the miracle of loaves and fishes – on multiple occasions.  Thousands were fed and benefited from His goodness.  But it was also from among a crowd that He miraculously healed one.  The woman with an issue of blood.  After He healed her, He called her out as well – much like Zaccheus.  Again, not to shame her or to rebuke her, but in order that her shame would be removed.  He wanted the crowd to know she was healed – no longer unclean nor an outcast.

Without question, there are wonderful moments between the savior and His children during quiet times alone.  Finding times to “come apart” and “to be still and know” are needed – daily – and are precious.  But we cannot keep to ourselves all that Christ has done – and is doing – for us and through us.  Often we need to share with a crowd.  Our crowd might not be 5000….or even 50.  But when we are given the opportunity, we need to be willing to be called out.  To speak up and testify.  Sometimes that is easier than at other times.  Sometimes, there is fear and trembling.  But, no doubt our heavenly father is pleased when we will step out of the crowd.  And the crowd can be instructed, rebuked, encouraged and changed as well.

 “And Jesus said, Who touched me?…….. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.”   Luke 8:45 and 47  (emphasis mine)

Today’s FMF prompt:  Crowd.  Go here to see what the others have to say about a crowd.  I had thought I would continue some thoughts from Tuesday’s post – today is my anniversary and I must have marriage thoughts on my mind:) – but I decided to finish those thoughts next week.  I really enjoy Five Minute Friday and the community of writers who join each week.  So – these are my five minute thoughts!

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Comments (10)

  3. I love how Jesus noticed Zacchaeus and the woman even in the middle of a great crowd, and how he took the time to speak to them and help them individually. It's reassuring to know that he sees us and cares for us as individuals too!

  4. Oh my goodness! I replied to your comment on my post and brought up Zaccheus before coming over here to see what you had written about. Clearly God wants me to meditate on this. 🙂

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