Reading: Luke 19:1-10

Devotional: Zacchaeus's story reminds us that God sees us even when we try to hide. Like Zacchaeus, we often conceal parts of ourselves from God and others, thinking our flaws or sins make us unworthy. But Jesus actively sought out Zacchaeus, calling him by name and inviting Himself to Zacchaeus's home.
Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be hiding from God. Are there sins you're ashamed of? Fears you're not confronting? Callings you're avoiding? Remember, God's love is not contingent on our perfection. He sees us fully and loves us completely.

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to step out of hiding and into Your loving presence. Help me trust in Your unconditional love and acceptance.

Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Devotional: Zacchaeus didn't just passively hope to see Jesus; he took intentional action. He ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree, demonstrating his determination to encounter Christ. Similarly, Matthew 6:33 instructs us to "seek first the kingdom of God."
In our busy lives, it's easy to relegate our relationship with God to the margins. But true seeking requires intentionality and often sacrifice. What crowds or obstacles in your life are preventing you from fully seeking God? What trees might you need to climb – what extraordinary measures might you need to take – to position yourself for a divine encounter?

Prayer: Father, ignite in me a passion to seek You above all else. Show me what I need to reposition or reprioritize in my life to draw closer to You.

Reading: Luke 15:1-10

Devotional: When Jesus called to Zacchaeus, the tax collector "received him joyfully." This mirrors the overwhelming joy described in Luke 15 when the lost sheep and lost coin are found. There's a profound shift that happens when we realize we're not just seeking God, but that He is actively seeking us.
Reflect on times in your life when you've felt "found" by God. Perhaps it was a moment of unexpected grace, a sudden realization of His presence, or a dramatic turning point in your faith journey. How did it feel to be pursued by the Creator of the universe?

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for seeking me out even when I was lost. Help me to live in the joy of being found by You, and to share that joy with others who are still searching.

Reading: Ezekiel 33:10-16

Devotional: Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus led to immediate and concrete changes in his life. He pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he had cheated. True repentance often involves not just feeling sorry, but taking action to right our wrongs.
Consider areas in your life where God might be calling you to make restitution or restore broken relationships. Is there someone you need to forgive? A habit you need to break? A wrong you need to make right? Remember, restoration isn't about earning God's favor, but about aligning our lives with His will and experiencing the freedom that comes with it.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, reveal to me any areas where I need to make amends or changes in my life. Give me the strength and courage to follow through on what You show me.

Reading: Romans 5:1-11

Devotional: Jesus declared to Zacchaeus, "Today salvation has come to this house." This wasn't just about Zacchaeus's individual salvation, but a transformation that would impact his entire household. Our encounters with Christ should have ripple effects, changing not just us but influencing those around us.
Reflect on how your relationship with God has impacted your "house" – your family, friends, workplace, or community. How has the salvation and transformation you've experienced in Christ overflowed into the lives of others? Consider how you can be more intentional about sharing the hope and love you've found in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, let the reality of my salvation overflow into every area of my life. Use me as a vessel of Your love and grace to bring transformation to my "house" and beyond.

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church Community. Here is a short discussion guide based on Minister Michael's sermon "No Hiding, All Seeking".

Opening Question: What was your favorite childhood game and why? How might that game relate to our spiritual lives?

Key Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways do you find yourself "hiding" from God in your daily life? What makes it challenging to fully seek Him?
2. The sermon mentions that we can't hide and seek at the same time. How does this apply to our spiritual journey?
3. Discuss the five steps Zacchaeus took to move from hiding to seeking: a. Reprioritize b. Reposition c. Realign d. Release e. Rejoice Which of these steps do you find most challenging and why?
4. How does Zacchaeus' story demonstrate the transformative power of encountering Jesus?
5. The sermon states, "We have to move from living a good life to a GOD life." What does this mean to you, and how can we practically apply this concept?
6. Reflect on the statement: "When we stop HIDING and start SEEKING - God begins to REVEAL us to us." How have you experienced this in your own life?

Key Takeaways:

1. We can't hide and seek God at the same time; we must choose to actively seek Him.
2. Seeking God often requires intentional changes in our priorities, position, and perspective.
3. True encounters with Jesus lead to transformation and a desire to make things right.
4. God is always seeking us, even as we seek Him.
5. Moving from hiding to seeking allows us to experience the fullness of God and understand our identity in Christ.

Practical Applications:

1. Identify one area of your life where you've been "hiding" from God. Commit to bringing this area into the light through prayer and accountability.
2. Practice the five steps (Reprioritize, Reposition, Realign, Release, Rejoice) in your daily spiritual walk this week. Journal about your experiences.
3. Set aside dedicated time each day this week to "seek" God through prayer, Bible study, or worship without distractions.
4. Reflect on Matthew 6:33. Write down practical ways you can seek God's kingdom first in your daily life.
5. Share with the group one "revelation" God has given you about yourself as you've sought Him more intentionally.

Closing Prayer: Lord, help us to stop hiding and start seeking You with our whole hearts. Give us the courage to climb higher, separate from the crowd, and position ourselves to encounter You. Transform us through Your presence and reveal to us who we truly are in You. Amen.