When you think of “sinners” who might be excluded from God’s kingdom, does anyone come to mind? If so, you may be entering dangerous territory. The Pharisees were certain of their own seat at God’s table, convinced that the tax collectors and prostitutes had no such place. But Jesus came precisely for the people the religious crowd wrote off. He welcomes the broken, the fallen, the forgotten with open arms the moment they repent and turn to Him. God’s grace reaches farther than our judgments, and we may be surprised by those who are on heaven’s guest list!

Obeying God Despite the Consequences
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Researchers estimate that we make nearly a billion decisions in our lifetime. While most of these are subconscious and minor, some decisions have the power to alter the course of our lives. As followers of Christ, we face daily choices to either surrender to God’s will or assert our own. Often we’re afraid to obey because the outcome is uncertain, but our obedience should never be swayed by the prospect of gain or loss. Is there anything holding you back from obeying God because you’re afraid of what it might cost you? Pray that your love for Him will deepen so profoundly that surrendering to His will becomes your heart’s desire and greatest joy!


