Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.

Lord, may I always focus on You and never be envious or jealous of sinners.

Luke 19:8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Repentance is a powerful indication of life transformation. May I live my life “standing before the Lord.”

Proverbs 22:11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.

Lord, help me to always speak with grace.

Luke 19:7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

Making judgments before understanding context and motive is a dangerous and sinful thing to do. Lord, keep me from making snap judgments. May I remember that YOU are the Judge, not me. 

Proverbs 21:21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Lord, help me to pursue Your ways, including love and righteousness, so that I might do Your will.

Luke 19:6 So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Am I willing to humbly “come down” from my pride and my position in order that I might welcome Jesus with gladness? Lord, help me. 

Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.

Lord, help me to weigh all of my commitments before I pledge myself to them.

Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Jesus is always pursuing us and wants us to invite Him into our homes. 

Proverbs 19:3 A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.

Lord, I recognize that my sins are my own doing. May I always fear You, so that I will be Your servant and my heart will never be angry against You the rest of my days.

Luke 19:4 So Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

In order to see Jesus we must take the initiative to put ourselves in the right place. Only then can we see, hear, and encounter His miracle working power in my life.