Dr. Emil Dean Peeler wrote an emotionally packed, divinely inspired, Biblically sound devotional study guide based on the Luke 19:1-10, the conversion of Zacchaeus. Now if you don't know the biblical story of Zacchaeus, he was rich tax collector during the time of Jesus. The Bible says he was a Publican. "The Publicans were gatherers of the Roman taxes; they were infamous for their abominable extortion; their very name therefore became so odious, that we find the Pharisees often reproached our Lord, as very wicked, because he was a friend unto and sat down to meat with them. Zacchaeus then, being a Publican, was no doubt a sinner; and, being chief among the Publicans, consequently was chief among sinners.1"
Dr. Peeler uses this biblical encounter to let you know that "God has a plan for you - a divine scheme for your existence, a holy blueprint for your life.2" This small powerful book takes us through thirteen steps, which are thirteen sermonic expositions, which let's us know that despite your circumstances of life, despite what you may think of yourself, despite what others may think of you, God has a plan for you! In fact, He may be stopping by right now, as you read this to remind you of this divine certainty.
After each step, chapter, the author shares topical scripture chosen for you to meditate on and to use as introspection, and reflection into your life, to search your heart to find what God has in store for you. Finally each chapter ends with ten questions, that as you answer, you grow in your faith and in your understanding of God's plan for your life. These questions help you to see that "The greatest obstacle on the way to seeing Jesus is likely the person you face each day in the mirror.3"
Because of his stature, and the crush of the crowd, which blocked out his view of the Savior, Zacchaeus climbed a tree so that he could get an unobstructed view of his Savior. Seeing Zacchaeus in the tree, Jesus called him by name, Zacchaeus, come down, "for today I must abide at thy house." Luke 19:5 KJV. This book encourages you to get above the crowd, in fact, ignore the crowd, and "Find Your Tree," and climb it so that you can see the face of Jesus. He is stopping by even now, hear His voice calling your name.
Biblia, by Faithlife.
Emil Dean Peeler, Finding Your Tree, Making Small Steps on The Path to Joy, (Spirit Reign Communications, 2013), 130, Kindle
Peeler, Finding Your Tree, 447
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