Sooie, Pigs, Sooie

Mark 5
Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, "Go home to tell thy
friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for
thee, and hath had compassion on thee."

LET IT GLOW

There was a man who was possessed of unclean spirits, devils, that
lived in caves. When the man saw Jesus, he worshipped Jesus. Then
Jesus commanded the many devils to come out of the man and enter
swine, about 2,000 scripture says. The swined ran into the sea and
drown.
I wonder if the owner of the pigs was calling them, "Sooie, pig, sooie,"
as they ran towards the water. (The owner lost his swine because of this
man's deliverance.) Just a thought. I hear the phrase often
since I live in "Razorback Country", which is near the University
of Arkansas, whose mascot is the razorback hog. Perhaps you have
heard us "call the hogs" at ball games. (Free Tidbit)

I often tell friends about the great things the Lord did for us while
we lived elsewhere for 17 years. I know He had compassion on me
and my family.

LET IT GROW

In verse 22, a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, came to Jesus. His
daughter was dying and and he asked Jesus to come lay hands on
her so she would be healed and live. While Jesus and Jairus were on
their way, they were interrupted, and Jesus took time to heal the woman
with the 12 year blood issue. By that time, a messenger told Jairus that
his daughter was dead so don't bother the Master.

What did Jesus say to the ruler? He said, "Be not afraid, only believe."
Then Jesus went to the girl and told her rise. Immediately she did, and
walked, also. What was the reaction of the people? They were
astonished with great astonishment, verse 42 tells us.

I find it unusual that Jairus was a ruler in the Jewish synagogue, who
came to Jesus with his problem. His group of people were the very ones
who conspired to kill Jesus-the scribes and Pharasees. However, he
didn't let their attitude about Jesus influence him and keep him from going
to Jesus for help. (If he had, would his daughter have lived?)
He obviously had the faith that Jesus was talking about because Jesus
healed Jairus' daughter.

Do I allow others to keep me from going to Jesus? Do I let their
attitudes influence me? What do I miss when I do?

LET IT GO

Tell of the great things the Lord has done for me.
Share His compassion.
Don't allow others to discourage me from going to Jesus and
following Him.
Do I allow others to keep me from Jesus?

Tooty-Fruity

Mark 4
Let us pass over unto the other side.
                                               Mark 4:35b

LET IT GLOW

Jesus had a purpose for going to the other side of the sea-so the
disciples would experience His peace and power, and so a man
would be delivered from unclean spirits.

Does Jesus want me to pass over to the other side? Are there
attitudes and things that I need to leave behind and go? Do I need
to stop living by sight and pass over to living by faith?

Israel crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. They
left an old way of life, one spent wandering in the desert, and entered
into a new way of life, trusting God to defeat their enemies and
lived in very fruitful land..

I don't want to miss out on my "Promised Land" because of lacking
faith to pass over to the other side.

LET IT GROW

One of my favorite desserts is ice cream. A fond childhood memory of
mine is my sitting on top of the old, blue, handcranked  ice cream
freezer as my dad turned the crank while sitting on the back step.
(The weight pushed down the ice and salt rock around the container of
liquid, supposedly.) It was worth every minute of having a cold bottom
and listening to his complaints of sore arms.  Oooh, that lucious first
summer's bowl of banana or strawberry homemade ice cream that Mom
mixed up. It was out of this world! What I wouldn't give to have one
now.

When I read the scriptures about the sower, the seed, and the ground,
it reminded me of ice cream. Yes, ice cream. You see, my heart is like
the ground where the seed is sown. The seed is God's Word.

My heart can be like "Rocky Road" ice cream-rough with chucks of
sin, where Satan snatches God's Word away.

My heart can be like "Blackberry" ice cream-dark spots where the
materialism, world, and riches choke out the Word of God.

My heart can be like "Tooty-Fruity" ice cream-sweet, lucious. The fruit
of the Spirit is evident and spread around to others. It brings forth fruit
that is thirtyfold, sixty, and one humdred fold as much as God's Word
grows in my heart.

I definitely want my heart to be like Tooty-Fruity ice cream. (I hope
there is such a flavor. If not, then I invented a new kind.)

LET IT GO

Have faith to follow Jesus when He leads me to cross over to the other
side.
Allow God's Word to grow in me so I can be sweet as Tooty-Fruity.

A Strong House

Mark 3
For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5

LET IT GLOW

In this chapter, where did Jesus go?

• the synagogue (verse 1)
• to the sea (verse 7)
• up the mountain (verse 13)

Wherever I go, I take Jesus with me because He is living in my heart.
Like Hebrews tells us, He won't leave us.
I take Him to church, work, walking, to the store, on vacation.
Am I taking Jesus places He wants to go or does  not want to go?

LET IT GROW

The house I live in is probably 80 years old. Four years ago, a very
high wind came through and blew against it. Still  the house stands. Its
foundation is strong.
The wind was so powerful that it uprooted many trees around the house
and took the tops of two trees on both sides of the house. It collasped
our barn and part of an old chicken house. How powerful my God is!
I am grateful that His hand of protection was on our house.


"And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand,"
Jesus was speaking in verse 25.

I remember the song from Sunday School as a child: " The Wise Man
Built His House Upon the Rock." In the song, the rains came down and
the floods came up, but the house on the rock stood still. What
happened to the house built on sand? It went splash. So build your life
on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will stand firm.
 (Matthew 7:24-27 is the story.)

My house, which is my life, is built upon the Lord Jesus Christ and His
teachings. I want to stay in agreement with His Word,and  obey.
If I don't, then my life to be divided and  fall apart.

I want a strong house, family, that withstands the storms.(So far, it has
stood 37 years.) It  needs to keep Jesus as its foundation. When the
children were home, we would discuss family matters with each other
and be in agreeement. The family stood firm and was not divided, so it
did not  fall apart.


LET IT GO

Be aware of where I am taking Jesus throughout the day.
Keep God's Word in my heart.
Have unity in my family.

What a Dinner Party!

Mark 2
But that ye may know that the Son of  man hath power on earth to forgive
sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy.)        Mark 2:10

LET IT GLOW

Jesus ate at the home of a publican, Levi. Other dinner guests were
tax collectors and disreputable sinners. What a dinner party!
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked the disciples,"Why does he eat
with such scum?"
Publicans were tax collectors; they took bribes; they were corrupt;
they were ornery and sinful (my description).

When Jesus heard this, He told them, "Healthy people don't need a
doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they
are righteous, but those who know they are sinners. (verse 17 NLT)
[my emphasis]

I am so grateful that Jesus, who is the "Bread of Life" and the "Living
Water", spiritually speaking, dines with me, a sinner. His Word daily fills
me and sustains me.

Jesus was selective all right. He chose to eat with people who needed
Him as Savior, like me.

Do I share this Bread and Water with other sinful scum like me? Am I
selective with whom I eat?


LET IT GROW

In the first part of chapter 2, we read a familar story of the four friends
who took their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. I think they cared
a lot about this man  because they carried him through town on a mat.
Also, I think they had a lot of faith in Jesus' healing power.

When the five arrived at the house where Jesus was staying, it was
crowded. So crowded that they could not get inside, so the friends
carried the paralytic up on the roof. They lowered him down in front
of Jesus. What determination and love. They didn't say,"Oh well, we
tried" and left. No, these friends did whatever it required to get their
friend to Jesus.

In verse 5, Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "My son, your
sins are forgiven."  Wait. Hold the phone. Did He say the man's sins
were forgiven? That's blasphemy! Only God can forgive sin. These
were the thoughts of the scribes. Of course, Jesus could read their
thoughts.

Jesus asked the scribes which was easier to say the man's sins were
forgiven or to heal him.
"But in order that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on
earth to forgive sins," He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, take up
your pallet and go home." verses 10-11 NAS

Jesus proved that He had the power, authority, to forgive sins. Praise
God! Immediately the man stood up, picked up his mat, and went
outside.

How did the onlookers react? They were amazed and praised God. "We
never seen anything like this," they said.

LET IT GO

Do I love my friends enough to do whatever it takes to bring them to
Jesus?
I don't want to be selective with whom I eat, but share Jesus with all.

Immediately

Mark 1

LET IT GLOW


When my children were growing up, I often responded to their "Mom"
call with a "Wait a minute." That wasn't what they wanted to hear and
they would keep calling me until I came to them.
I am so glad that Jesus doesn't wait, but answers immediately.

The word immediately is used over 40 times in the book of Mark.
It means now, instantly, promptly, instantaneously, directly, straightway.

I found this word, immediately, or its synonyms, used 10 times in
chapter 1:

1. when the Spirit like a dove came upon Jesus-verse 10
2. when the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness-verse 12
3. how soon Simon Peter and Andrew followed Jesus-verse18
4. when Jesus called James and John as disciples-verse 20
5. when Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum-verse 21
6. how the news about Jesus spread-verse 28
7. when they went to Simon & Andrew's house-verse 29
8. when they told Jesus of Peter's mother inlaw's sickness -verse30
9. how soon the leper was healed-verse 42
10. when Jesus sent the healed leper away-verse 43

Jesus didn't waste time. He had the Father's power and He changed things
immediately. When He spoke to or touched someone, His command
happened right them.
How do I respond to Jesus? Is it later, when I make the time? The
disciples responded immediately when Jesus called them.

LET IT GROW

And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and
went out and departed to a lonely place, and  was praying there.
Matt. 1:35 NAS

Jesus went alone and prayed. It was dark and early in the morning when
He went.Since Jesus is my example, I should pray early in the morning,
alone, in a quiet place. My prayer time is sometimes outside on the porch
swing; sometimes it is in my living room; sometimes it is while I'm walking
on the treadmill. I call it my "meeting with Jesus" time. Do you have a
special place and time to meet with Jesus in prayer?

LET IT GO

Be faithful in my prayer time.
Listen, then immediately respond when Jesus calls me.

Woman's Work is Never Done

Matthew 28
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I
know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He
is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
                               Matt.28:5-6

LET IT GLOW

It sure is a nice feeling when housework is caught up, dishes and laundry
are done and I can relax. It doesn't last very long though, because it is
soon time for another meal, someone changes their dirty clothes, or
something needs to be put away. Whoever canned the phrase "woman's
work is never done" must have been a woman. Do I hear an amen?
But that's life. We serve our family out of love.

In today's scripture, we see three women, Mary Magdalene, Jame's
mother Mary, and Salome (Mark 16:1) going to Jesus' tomb to annoint
His body for burial. They were up and at it at the crack of dawn. This
work took priority before their housework. They couldn't have done it
earlier because of the sabbath. What do I do at dawn? Am I reading
God's Word and praying?

Did they let the earthquake stop them from fulfilling their purpose?
No, in fact they were blessed with an encounter with one of God's
angels. What if they had been too sleepy or too busy with housework to
make the walk to the graveyard? Would they have missed this
experience of a lifetime?

An angel encouraged the trio to see for themselves that Jesus' body
was not in the tomb. They did and knew for a fact, first hand, saw with
their own eyes, that "Jesus had risen!"  With fear and great joy the
women ran to tell the disciples. Hey, wait a minute. Why had the men not
come to check it out, to see if Jesus had risen as He said He would?
Where were these guys? They went back home and life was back to
the usual, fishing.

At any rate, this trio was blessed and double blessed-they had an
encounter with the RISEN LORD JESUS. In verse 9, Jesus spoke
to the ladies, "All hail." They knew who He was, no question about it.
How did they react? The women fell down at His feet and worshipped
Jesus. Oooh, should we do any less?

LET IT GROW

This group of women were on a mission trip. The angel told them to go
quickly and tell his disciples that Jesus was risen from the dead, and He
would meet them in Galilee. They encountered Jesus and He told them
to do the same thing. Was this an important message or what?

Go quickly, go tell, go ye. Sounds like a lot of going to me. I like to go.

At the end of the chapter and the end of the book of Matthew, we read
about Jesus giving the 11 disciples the Great Commission in verse 19-20:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world.

Where is Jesus sending us? Into our world, next door, around the block,
in another state, or in another country He sends us. Why? Our purpose
is to share the good news of our Risen Savior.

LET IT GO

Here I am Lord, ready to go into my world with the greatest news of all
times-Jesus Christ has risen from the dead! Remind me throughout my
day that "I am on a mission trip." Use my mouth to share Your love
around my world. I want to teach Your Word. I want to obey Your
calling. I want to support and pray for other missionaries as they go and
tell.

Not my will but Your will be done.

What Shall I Do?

Matthew 27
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called
Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. Matt. 27:22

LET IT GLOW

Monday I was leaving for the dentist with ten minutes to spare. I thought
that was good for a Monday morning. When I backed out of the
driveway, there was a cow coming down my country road. I thought to
myself, "What shall I do? Oh, I have plenty of time to open the gate and
let her into the pasture." NOT
The cow trotted in the opposite direction. I got into my car and drove
after her. She turned around and went back, into my driveway. Her
baby was even bawling on the other side of the fence. How hard is it to
just walk through the gate? Apparently the c-o-w wanted to do it her
way, because she never did go in for me. I called the owner and left
with her trotting down the road.

She must have been put back into the pasture because after 2 hours I
returned and she was no where around.
I realized that I have been like that old cow-stubborn, going my own
way when Jesus opened the gate for me. Many times.

What shall I do with Jesus? Do I take Him with me throughout the week,
or leave Him at church? Do I talk with Him along my country road of
faith? Do I listen to Him as I read His Word?
Pilate listened to those around him. He should have listened to his heart
and to his wife. What shall I do with Jesus?

LET IT GROW

In verse 46, Jesus said,"My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken
Me?" His Father turned away from Jesus. Why? Because God cannot
look upon sin. Jesus had everyones' sins upon Him.

Who else forsook Jesus while He was on the cross?
priests, Pharisees, Saducees, the crow, Judas, religious people,
Roman leaders, disciples (except Peter and John), followers (except
the 3 Mary's, Martha, and Lazrus) and Salome, one thief on the cross,
Joseph the tomb owner

Jesus didn't come down; He stayed and endured the pain of the cross.
He loved you and me so much that He took our place so we don't have
to pay for our sins. What love!

Just a small crowd remained faithful to the end to Jesus.
Where are the 5,00 men and the 4,000 men He fed?
Where are all those people He healed? Those He cast demons
out of?

They forsook Jesus. I don't want to forsake Jesus. I want to be
a true and faithful servant to the end.

LET IT GO

Surrender my life to Jesus.
Seek His way, not mine, then do it when I find out what it is.
Go through the gate when He opens it.
Stay with Jesus, don't forsake Him.

Precious Perfume

Matthew 26

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be
preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman
hath done, be told for a memorial of her.   Matt. 26:13

LET IT GLOW

How I enjoy going to "Bath and Body" and testing their various perfumes.
It seems like a different world when I step through the door. Time stops.
Linda is lingering at her leasure. It's so relaxing. (We only have a shower,
so I can't say like warm bubble bath on a cold winter day.)

Here we have Jesus and His disciples at the home of a former leper, in
the city of Bethany. That's where Jesus' good friends  Mary, Martha, and
Lazarus lived. So they were probably there, too. It was probably Mary
who was the woman that poured the precious ointment from her
alabaster box on Jesus' head. This may have been the last visit this family
had with the Savior before His crucifixiion. Mary had spent many hours
sitting at Jesus' feet listening, learning, loving. She believed Him when
Jesus told about how He must die and rise again on the third day. More
details are found in John 12:1-8 if you want to read it.

Joanna Weaver, in her book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"
says this:

But what did Mary have? With no father to arrange her marriage, time
was ticking away. The alabaster jar of perfume may have been a part, if
not all of Mary's dowry. Worth more than three hundred denarii, nearly
a year's wages, this was no ordinary perfume. Though unromantic by
name, nard  was rare, made from the aromatic oil extracted from the root
of a plant grown mainly in India. It had to be imported. Mary couldn't get
it over the counter at Wal-Mart. I'm not sure she would have found it at
Saks Fifth Avenue. In fact, there is no perfume I know of today that can
even compare in worth-approximately thirty thousand dollars a bottle.
What mattered most-what matters still today-is the treasure the container
holds. And the treasure Mary poured out that day was more than an
expensive perfume. She was pouring out her very life in love and sacrificial
service.

What did Mary do? Mary showed extravagant love. She gave her all.
She showed her highest respect for Jesus as she believed He was God's
Annointed One. Take a deep breath. Can you smell it in the air?

Then the criticism start-Why not just a few drops? Why break the jar?
Why the hair? Tell her to stop sobbing. It could have been sold and the
money given to the poor. Is this why Mary was crying? The onlookers
misinterrupreted her actions. But Jesus saw her heart. He defended
her actions.

In verse 11-12, Jesus says," For ye have the poor always with
you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment
on my body, she did it for my burial."

Sweet Mary knew her Savior was going to die and she wanted to do
one last thing for Him. What will be my last action or words on this
earth? Will they be remembered as sacrificial?

(By the way, alabaster is a marble-like mineral that is white. How
 beautiful and expensive the container must have been.)

LET IT GROW

Peter experienced so much while walking with Jesus. He:

• carried a basket of excess fish and bread, maybe 3 times
• saw what happened on the Mount of Transfiguratioin
• had a mother in law that was healed
• caught a fish with a coin in its mouth so he could pay taxes
• walked on water with Jesus
• experienced the miracles Jesus did
• sliced off a soldier's ear and saw Jesus put it back on

After experiencing all of those things, Peter followed him afar off
according to verse 58. Even after seeing and hearing Jesus for 3 1/2
years, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Then he wept bitterly. He realized
what he had done.
How many times do I deny knowing Jesus? Maybe not saying it in
words, but my thoughts and actions? Maybe I don't stand up for Jesus
like I should. Guilty. Do I follow Him at a distance?
I wonder, if Peter cringed whenever he heard a rooster crow the rest of his
life?

LET IT GO

Stay near Jesus.
Pour out  extravagant praise on Jesus.
Pour out extravagant love on people.
Don't deny Jesus.

Come On Ya'll

Matthew 25
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed
of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world.                Matt.25:34

LET IT GLOW

When a friend invites me to go with them somewhere, it makes me feel
special. "Come on ya'll (everyone), let's go, is a personal invitation to join
the group going.

King Jesus will invite us to come into the kingdom that was prepared
before creation and that is our inheritance from  our Father God.
Everytime I hear the song,"I Can Only Imagine," I cry.
Being allowed to enter such an awesome place as heaven will be reward
enough for me. Then seeing my Savior who took my punishment for my
sins. What love!

LET IT GROW

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40

Done what?
Feed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, lodged a stranger, clothed the
naked, visited the sick and imprisoned. Do I meet the physical needs of
people?

What about the spiritually hungry for love, thirsty for a purpose in life,
needy for shelter from hurts, naked needing the righteousness of Jesus 
to wear, the sin sick, or captives with their addictions or
past?

LET IT GO

Open my eyes to the physical and spiritual needs of people.
Meet those needs as though I am doing it as unto Christ.

Words

Matthew 24
...they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven
with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a
great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect
from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24:30b-31

LET IT GLOW

Words. How important are they? They are very important to us. We use
words to express our ideas, feelings and thoughts, and to communicate
with others every day. They can be written, oral, or just thoughts. They
can be encouraging or hurtful.
What would we do without words?  Communication is difficult without
words. My two year old granddaughter is learning to say new words. We
often communicate with the motions of our hands. I keep her every other
week, so it's easy to understand her. How would it be with strangers?
I'm glad to have our language.

Most of all, I'm appreciate the written Word of God. He talks to me
through It. Once while on a mission trip, my husband encountered a
Christian woman who did not have the Bible. She was so happy and
grateful to receive One in her language. Am I that excited to hear
from God when I open His Word?

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
verse 35

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall
stand for ever.       Isaiah 40:8

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Ps.119:11

How important are God's Words to me? Do I study It and memorize It
as much as I should?  One thing that will last forever is God's Word.
What He says goes. It will go on and on. It won't fade, wilt, rust, decay,
change, or be destroyed. That sounds very dependable.

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, Jesus told His disciples about the sign of the end of the
age (verses 4-26), the sign of His coming (verses 27-35), and talks
about the temple being destroyed (verse 2).
 [Information from "Illustrated Bible Handbook"]

In verse 42, Jesus tells us to "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour
your Lord doth come."

In verse 44, He says,"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as
ye think not the Son of man cometh."

So these verses tell me that I should be watching for Jesus and be ready for
Him to come back to earth.
What preparations need to be made?
Ask Jesus to be my Savior and forgive my sins-check
Be in His will for my life-check
Help family and friends get prepared-check partially.
Make preparations for my death in case it comes first-uh, some
Leave a spiritual legacy for my children and grandchildren-in progress

I'm sure you can add to my list, especially if your bus for heaven was
leaving tomorrow.

I have been working on a spiritual journal to leave my family. It
contains meaningful scriptures, words of wisdom from others, my life
lessons, sayings, highlights from Christian books I've read, and my
doctrine. I want it to be useful in their walk of life and faith here on earth.

LET IT GO

Read and memorize more of God's Word.
Watch for Jesus' return.
Be ready for His return.
Help others get ready for eternity.

Cluck, Cluck

Matthew 23
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Matt.23:39

LET IT GLOW

When I was a child, my family had a few hens on our farm so we could
have fresh eggs. Sometimes a hen would have baby chicks hatch. We
also had cats and dogs. They were all free to wander in the yard.
When a cat or dog got too close to the chick, the mother hen would
cluck loudly and furiously until all of her babies were safely under her wings
of protection. What a sight it was to watch the baby chicks run as fast as
their tiny legs would carry them to mamma.

What's worse than a mad hen pecking you? Ouch! Nothing in my book.
Especially when you are trying to get her eggs out from under the hen.
I'm sure the cats and dogs would agree with me. If they came near that
mother hen and her chicks, she would flog them. (Is that where the
description of an angry person came from-" madder than an ole wet
hen?") Probably.

In verse 37, Jesus spoke of His love and protection He would have given
to His children of Jerusalem (Jews), but they would not come to Him as
the Messiah or Savior. I want to stay under His wings of protection by
obeying Jesus.

LET IT GROW

The scribes and Pharisees were teachers and interpreters of the Jewish
law. Jesus described them as "hypocrites." (He warned the crowd and
His disciples about them.) Jesus pronounces "woe" onto them. It means
sorrow, grief, intense unhappiness. It was because of the way they
acted. Let's check it out a little closer:

1. They did all they could to keep people from believing in Christ.
2. They stole the widows' estates.
3. They didn't practice what they taught.
4. Everything they did was for a show.
5. The things of God were not considered sacred.
6. They neglected justice, mercy, and faith.
7. Ceremonial cleanliness was more important to them than a clean heart.
8. They honored dead prophets more than truthful living ones. 

Jesus called the scribes and Pharisees serpents, a generation of vipers.
Wow! He didn't beat around the bush.
Lord, what do I need to work on so I am not a hypocrite?


LET IT GO

Listen when Jesus calls to me. Come quickly.
Work at not being a hypocrite. I don't want to keep anyone from
coming to Jesus.
    

Wedding of All Time

Matthew 22
God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Matt.22:32


LET IT GLOW

I remember the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Dianna.
It was probably the one wedding that was covered by the media world
wide. If you were like me, you ooh and awed over the whole thing-her
dress, the red carpet, the attendants, and her prince. Oh, to have been a
special, invited guest.

But as splended as that wedding was, there is one to come, even more
majestic than we could ever dream. It will be ever more excentric than
England's wedding of the century.

In verses 2-14, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding feast. In this
parable, there are special characters:
God is the King; Jesus Christ His Son is the bridgroom; the church,
we believers, is His bride; first invited guests are the Jews; the servants
are ministers preaching the gospel, inviting other guests, Gentiles to
salvation.

Christ provided salvation free for those who will accept the invitation to
come to Him. Some are not wearing the right wedding garments, which
are the righteousness of Christ and grace. The King sends them away.

Many are called to the wedding feast, but few are chosen (verse 14)
to wear the garment of Salvation, and are sent to Hell.

I don't know about you, but I want to be a included as one of Christ's
bride-the church. What a glorious wedding feast that will be!  We will
sit at the table with our Prince. Our only preparation will be to come
to Christ when He invites us to salvation.


LET IT GROW

A lawyer, that was a Pharisee, asked Jesus a question, "Master, which
is the greatest commandment in the law?" (verse 36)
Jesus' answer wasn't a judicial law, a ceremonial law, or a moral law.
"Love God and your neighbor," was Jesus' answer, plain and simple.

How much do I love God? Jesus told us to love God with all our heart,
all our soul, and all our mind.

Matthew Henry says,

                              "This is the will, affections, and
                    understanding;  it is the vital, sensitive, and intellectual
                    faculties.It is to be a sincere love, a strong love, a singular
                    and superlative love. We must love Him more than
                    anything else. This is the first and greatest commandment."

The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
(verse 39) It is like unto the first. It is evidence of our love to God.

If someone says, "I love God,: but hates a Christian brother or sister,
that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can
we love God, whom we cannot see? 1 John 4:20 NLT

We do and should love ourselves. Therefore, we can show love to our
neighbor; we do so  by honoring, esteeming, and doing good to them.

Romans 13:10 says,"Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love
is the fulfilling of the law."

How much do I love my neighbor/Christian brother or sister?

Jesus summed up the Ten Commandments with these two commandments.
Do I trive to live by them or the law?

LET IT GO

Be ready and dressed for the "wedding of all times."
Love God with all of me-heart, soul, and mind.
Love others as I love myself.
Work seriously on these every day.

Here He Comes!

Matthew 21
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried,
saying,"Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is He that cometh
in the name of the LORD; Hosanna in the highest." Matt.21:9

LET IT GLOW

Hosanna means "save we pray thee."  Sounds like the people were calling
Jesus Savior.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem (5 days before His death) on a borrowed
donkey, not in a golden charriot, humbly coming as a king. Verse 5 is
from Zech.9:9.

Did you notice the city was moved by all this. People, believers, spread
out their garments and palm branches before Him. They rolled out the
red carpet, so to speak. What a King! His blood became the red carpet
from my heart to God's heart.

Our little town of 667 has a regional airport. We have had 2 presidents
fly into our big city. Preparations for these events were made-road
blocks, air traffic stopped, highway clean-ups, media coverage, officials
present, etc.
I wonder what kind of welcome Jesus would get if He flew into town?

The question is, do I treat Jesus as King of my life?

The next time He comes, "they shall see the Son of man coming in the
clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels
with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect
from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Matt. 24:30-31

Revelation 19:16 says, "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a
name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.' "

Only He is awesome and majestic!

LET IT GROW

And said unto them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED
THE HOUSE OF PRAYER'; but ye have made it a ' DEN OF
THIEVES.' " Matthew  21:13

Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7, "...for mine house shall be called an house of
prayer for all people."

Jesus called His house "The House of Prayer."
Because some Jews traveled a long distance to the Temple for sacrifice
and worship, there were merchants in the Temple. They sold doves and
sacrificial animals. It would be hard to keep a pure animal unspotted
while traveling through rough terrain. However, the merchants were
selling for a profit, not to help fellow Jews. Also, they sold in the Temple.
Jesus turned over their  tables and said they made the Temple a den of
thieves. I think He was quite loud and upset about this.

How do I treat the House of God? Is it a respected place where burdens
are left at the altar? Do I make it a house of prayer? Does God meet with
us? Is He pleased with the way people treat His house? Listen and watch
next Sunday.

LET IT GO

Recognize Jesus as my King  and Lord.
Make the church a House of Prayer.

Busy, Busy Bee

Matthew 20
So the last shall be first and the first last; for many be called, but
few chosen.                      Matthew 20:16


LET IT GLOW

Last night as I was reading the Bible outside in the cool breeze, I heard
a bee buzzing around. It was flying from clover bloom to clover bloom
drinking in the nectar. (Our yard is full of clover blooms when the grass
grows up.) It was so busy, around my feet, but it didn't pay any attention
to me and my cat. I, too, get busy going here and there, doing this and
that.

And Jesus stood still, and called them... verse 32

Jesus and His followers were heading to Jerusalem. They were walking
along with a purpose. However, Jesus took the time and stopped to
talk to these two blind men. In all His busyness, maintaining the world is
a big job, Jesus stands still and calls out to me. Do I hear Him and
respond, or am I too busy to hear?

What do I do when Jesus passes by me? The blind men cried out for
mercy in their blindness. Do I? When I ask, Jesus gives me sight to
see the truth, just as He gave it to these two men.

LET IT GROW

Verse 27 say,"And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your
servant."

Am I serving others? Is my attitude that of a servant? Hmmmm.
Not always.

1Peter 5:5- be subject to one another and be clothed with humility: for
                  God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
                  (found in Is.57:15)
Romans 14:19-edify one another
Romans 15:2-please one another for good
1Corinthians 9:19-Paul said he made himself a servant unto all.

The way to be great and chief is to be humble and serviceable.
Many times I want or wait to be served instead of getting up and
serving others. If I am blind to others' needs, I won't get up.

James 1:22 say," But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves.

LET IT GO

See the needs of others.
Stop my busyness, humble myself, and serve the one in need.
Listen for Jesus to call out to me.

Mission Possible

I wonder why they titled the tv show "Mission Impossible" that when
they always succeeded . My hubby asked me if I would have watched
it if the show was called "Mission Possible." Probably not, at the first.
(Does this show my age?)

Matthew 19
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, "With men this is
impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matt. 19:26

LET IT GLOW

In the verses 24-25, Jesus told His disciples,"It is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly
amazed, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

Being saved, even a rich man, is impossible for people to do by
themselves. However, it is possible for God.

Concerning verse 26, I thought of the 5 w's we had in school:
What? possible things
Who? God does them
When? no expiration date
Where? unlimited
Why? because God loves us

God created everything; He controls everything; He knows everything;
He is all powerful.

With Linda it is impossible, but with God it is possible. At first I thought
He was talking about being saved, but Jesus used the word all. With
God all things are possible. That covers a big territory-marriages,
children, finances, economy, churches, jobs,  plans, etc.

Geneisis 18:14 asks, "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?"
Jeremiah 32:17 says,"Ah LORD God! behold, thou hast made the
heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and
there is nothing too hard for thee."
Luke 1:37 says,"For with God nothing shall be impossible."

Sometimes I need reassurance from the Lord. How about you?

LET IT GROW

In verse 20, the rich young man asked Jesus, "What lack I yet?"
He had kept the commandments Jesus mentioned. But, he had one
hang up. Obviously, this guy had a lot of possessions. Jesus told him to
go, sell, give, come, follow.

Since Jesus can see into peoples' hearts, He knew this man loved his
things too much. But more than eternal life? Apparently so, because
he went away sorrowful. (Jesus didn't mention the first 5 of the Ten
Commandments about loving God most.)

It's always good for me to take inventory of my heart and possessions.
Jesus, what am I lacking? Is anything keeping me from following You?

LET IT GO

Trust God with my impossiblilites.
Trust God that all things are possible with Him.
Let Jesus change what I'm lacking.
Let it go and give it (problems) to God.

Mercy Me

Matthew 18

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name,
there am I in the midst of them," Jesus was speaking.
Matt. 18:20

LET IT GLOW

This verse is reasurring to me. Jesus is here with you and me as we
study His Word. In verse 19, He said that if we agree on something and
ask for it, the Father will do it.

Several months ago as I read the prayer of Jabez, I, too, asked the
Lord to enlarge my territory. He paved the way for this blog. Will you
pray with me that it will  touch more people and feed them on God's
Word?

LET IT GROW

This chapter is difficult to read and digest. Like the cow who lies down
and chews her cud, I have been pondering and chewing on Jesus'
Words.

The chapter begins with the disciples asking Jesus who is the greatest in
the kingdom of heaven. He used a little child to answer them. A humble
child immediately obeyed when Jesus called him. I want to respond in
the same manner.

Jesus had a lot to say about relationships and offenses. The word
offense means sin, offend, to displease, hurt.

Did a particular incidence pop into your mind like mine?

Matthew Henry gives us an outline of  the kinds of offenses and how
Jesus taught us to handle them:

         1. General Offense-verse 7

         2.  Particular Offense:
              (1) by us to ourselves-verses 8-9
              (2) by us to others-verses 10-14
              (3) by others to us
                    -scandalous sins which are to be reproved-verses 15-20
                    -personal wrongs which are to be forgiven-verses 21-35

Verse 33 says,"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy
fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?" The lord of the servant
said that.

In their book, "Experiencing God Day-By-Day," the Blackabys touch
on mercy. "Mercy is a gift. It is undeserved. If not for His mercy, He
(God) would punish us each time we sin. But rather than letting us hear
the full punishment for our sin, God demonstrated His mercy when He
paid the penalty for our sin Himself.
Jesus commanded His disciples to extend the same mercy to others
that they had received from God.
Could any offense committed against us be as undeserved as the abuse
hurled against the sinless Son of God?
Nehemiah 9:17b says, ...but Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious
and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them
not. (He was talking about earlier Israelites.)
If you find it difficult to forgive others, you may need to meditate on the
mercy of God."

As I said earlier, these verses are hard. They are not even easy to read,
must less apply.

LET IT GO

Mercy me!
Ask for mercy and give mercy.
(Mercy is compassionate leniency toward an enemy or wrongdoer.)
Forgive others.
Ask to be forgiven.
Be humble.

Hang in there with me, ya'll. I know Jesus was straight forward and
told it like it is (truth). It's not easy to hear this when people
have deeply hurt me. Forgiveness isn't a one time thing. Verse 22
indicates it is unlimited. We are never more like Jesus than when we
forgive, in my opinion.

May our Lord  spread His love over us.
   

Fishing for Gold

Matthew 17

...This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye
Him.                           Matthew 17:5

LET IT GLOW

Temple tax collectors asked Peter if his master, Jesus, paid taxes.
Jesus' kingdom wasn't of this world, so He didn't owe any. But, lest He
offend these guys, Jesus agreed that they should pay.

Jesus had a plan. He sent Peter fishing for a piece of money
(gold, I figured). Peter probably enjoyed getting his hook back into the water.
Did you notice that Peter didn't ask any questions?

Matthew didn't tell us how this situatioin turned out. No other gospel
tells about this particular miracle. Did Peter go? I assume he was
obedient, found the money, and paid the temple tax for both Jesus and
himself. This was Jesus'  gift to Peter.

I can't say I have ever caught a fish with a coin in its mouth. Wouldn't
it be exciting? There probably would be more fishermen by trade if
it did happen. Isn't our Lord creative? He must enjoy meeting needs in
unique ways. He is the great "I AM."

LET IT GROW

And Jesus said unto them, "Because of your unbelief: for verily I say
unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto
this mountain, 'Remove hence to yonder place'; and it shall remove; and
nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Mountains are big, rugged, difficult to go around, hard to climb over,
and don't go away.

I have some problems which are like mountains. I can't seem to get
around them or over them. Unfortunately, my focus tends to stay on
them.

Jesus said I could tell my mountains to move over yonder (not my hillbilly
word) and it would, with one stipulation- I needed faith the size of one
grain of mustard seed to move it. That sounds simple enough.

Have you ever seen one mustard seed? It is so teensy weensy tiny that
I can barely pinch one seed.

Saturday, I poured a package of mustard seeds into a clear baby food
jar. Then I poured some into soil in a flower pot. (Left some for my
"faith" reminder.) I'll keep you informed of the progress of my mustard
seeds' growth :) . I understand they can get quite tall.

The disciples couldn't cast out a demon from a man's son because of
their unbelief. Jesus told them that kind didn't go out except by prayer
and fasting. Was the disciples' faith smaller than a tiny mustard see?
Is mine?

Jesus said that if I had this kind of faith, the size of a grain of mustard
seed, nothing would be impossible for me and you. Remember, it's
faith that pleases God.

I've got some mountains, problems, that I'd like moved. How about you?

LET IT GO

Trust Jesus.
Have faith in Him as big as a grain of mustard seed.
Have enough faith to move mountains, problems.
Pray and fast if it's required to move mountains.

Who is Jesus?

Dear Friends,
Today's lessons are hard, but please read all of it through. I fail so many
times.  Jesus is there to pick me back up, dust off the dirt in my life
(forgive), and walk with me on this road of faith. I pray you will let Him
do the same with you.


Matthew 16
He saith unto them,"But whom say ye that I am?" Matthew 16:15

LET IT GLOW

At first Jesus asked His disciples who men said that He was. They
answered that men said He was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or
a prophet. Then the big question was asked. Jesus made it personal.
NAS says it this way:"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'"

Peter makes his confession of faith,"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God."

To bring it on down to us, Jesus asks,"Linda, who do you say that I am?"
My answer is,"Jesus, You are The Christ, The Messiah, The Son of the
Only Living God."

Now, this question comes to you, my friend, "Who do you say that
Jesus is?" It is the most important question  you will ever answer. Your
eternal destiny depends upon it. I pray that you will believe in Him, too.

We know what happened later to Peter when the Holy Spirit got a hold
of him at Pentecost-3,000 were saved. Peter's faith was evident.

What can Jesus Christ do with you and me when we let Him be
The Living God in us? Limitless things!

LET IT GROW

"Then said Jesus unto His disciples,'If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.' " (verse 24)

Following Jesus requires me to do three things:

1. Deny self
2. Take up my cross
3. Follow Jesus

Henry Blackaby tells us in Experiencing God Day-By-Day,

God is not interested in receiving secondhand glory from our activity. God receives glory from His activity through our lives.  Your "cross" is God's will for you, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice. Neither circumstances you face nor  consequences of your own actions are your cross. Jesus does not follow us, we follow Him. Following Jesus requires absolute obedience. Following Jesus will lead you into experiences you never dreamed of!  

LET IT GO

Daily surrender to Christ as my Lord and Master.
Deny myself, take up my cross to do His will.
Follow Jesus wherever He leads me.

Eating Crumbs

Matthew 15

Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David.
Matthew 15:22

LET IT GLOW

A woman of Canaan, a Gentile, had a daughter possessed of a devil.
Jesus didn't answer her request immediately; the disciples wanted to
send her away. But she begged for mercy. His silence didn't mean He
wasn't listening to her. He wanted to test her faith, how strong or
weak it was.

She worshipped Jesus, then asked for His help. So many times I turn it
around and ask for His help, then worship Him.

In verse 26, Jesus answered and said," It is not meet to take the
children's bread, and to cast it to dogs." Was Jesus calling her a "dog" ?
It was common for Jews to refer to Gentiles as dogs, according to
Matthew Henry. I didn't know this. I thought it was degrading, but
I'm living in my society, now, not back then.

The woman agreed with Jesus,"Yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which
fall from their masters' table." She knew it was a little thing for Jesus,
The Master, to heal her daughter of the demon..

What was Jesus' answer? Remember, He can see into the heart.
"O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt," He said.
Wow, for Jesus to say I had great faith. This is my goal. This woman,
unnamed, is still known for her great faith because it is recorded in the
Bible. How many people have read of her great faith?

For without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

I want to eat crumbs from the Master's table. I am spiritually hungry for
His Word. This woman didn't get sidetracked when Jesus,"be it unto
thee even as thou wilt." Her deep love and concern was for her daughter
and her deliverance. She didn't ask for anything else.

LET IT GROW

In verse 30, others were cast down at Jesus' feet and He healed them.
It mentions who was brought to Him-the lame, blind, dumb, maimed,
and many others. What happened then?

According to NLT, "Those who hadn't been able to speak were
talking, the crippled were made well, the lame were walking, and the
blind could see again! And they praised the God of Israel." Talk about
a revival meeting experienced first hand, up on a hill by the Sea of
Galilee. We see His compassion again.
How wonderful it will be in heaven to see people made well.

LET IT GO

Cast myself at Jesus' feet for mercy. I am spiritually and physically
unable to speak, walk, see, and live without Him.
Daily  I want to eat crumbs from my Master's table (His Word).

Get Out of the Boat

Matthew 14
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying,
"Of a truth Thou art the Son of God." Matt. 14:33

LET IT GLOW

Jesus was moved with compassion toward the multitude of people
who followed Him into the desert. He healed their sick. He knew they
were hungry, because  it was passed supper time. In the desert there was
no place to eat, not even a McDonalds. And what a crowd-5,000 men
besides the women and children. What did the disciples suggest?
The people go into the villages and buy their own meal.

Now these are disciples who had seen Jesus heal a lot of sick folks
and heard His sermon on the mount. However, they had not experienced
His multiplying food. I wonder what their conversation was like when
they picked up the extra 12 baskets of fish and bread.

Can He feed me? Yes, both physically and spiritually. During our
college days our 2 children were small. When we needed milk, there
was a check in the mailbox providing the money. I know He feeds the
 hungry.

LET IT GROW

We know the story of Jesus walking on the water one night toward
 the disciples' boat. Peter stepped out of the boat and experienced
 walking on the water. When he took his eyes off of Jesus, Peter
began to sink. "Lord, save me," he cried. Jesus caught Peter's hand
and walked him back to the boat. He didn't take Peter to shore where
it was safe did He? No, Peter had to go back.
I fail too when I take my eyes off Jesus.

Why didn't the other disciples step out of the boat? Maybe their eyes
were on the waves and the storm. Maybe they heard Jesus call Peter
"thou of little faith." At any rate, they missed their chance to actually
walk on water. It was a once in a lifetime experience, at least not
mentioned again in scriptures. I do the same thing when in a storm in
my life comes. Oh I may have enough faith to get out of the boat, try
something new, but then I doubt Jesus can calm the wind blowing up
problems.

Once on a mission trip, the group was going to an island for a day of
relaxation. We were in a fast boat, with waves splashing high, strong
winds blowing,  and storm clouds overhead. I was so scared, that I
began to cry. (I don't like water over my head, which is less than 5 feet.)
O me of little faith-The Lord wouldn't let us sink, the missionaries
were in the boat with us. We made it safely and had a wonderful day.

Seeing this miracle caused the disciples to worship Jesus as the Son
of God. What do I miss when I won't get out of the boat? Notice,
Jesus didn't reprimand the disciples.

LET IT GO

Trust Jesus more, step out in faith more, and experience His mighty Hand.

Homemade Bread

Matthew 13

Jesus sayeth unto them, "Have ye understood all these things?"
They say unto him, "Yea Lord." Matt. 13:51

LET IT GLOW

Jesus tells many  parables, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning,
in this chapter. He wanted the people to understand about heaven.
This particular one is about a merchant seeking pearls.

In verse 46 He says,"Who, when he had found one pearl of great
price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

I like to wear my fake pearls and pretend they are real. They didn't cost
much to purchase them but they  look just as good as the real ones. In
this scripture  I am "the one pearl" of great price. Jesus gave up heaven, all that
He had, to buy my salvation. That makes me very precious to Him.

LET IT GROW

Verse 33 says,"Another parable spake he unto them; "The kingdom
of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three
measures of meal, til the whole was leavened."

Mmmm. The smell of fresh homemade bread baking in the oven.
Who can forget? I used to bake homemade rolls (refrigerator kind)
every week for Sunday dinner. That was 15-20 years ago, in the days
when I had an abundance of energy. To make yeast bread, it only requires
one small package of yeast, 6 cups of flour, and a lot of extra work.
Also, it takes time for the yeast to rise in the flour mixture. But it is worth
the time and energy spent. My family enjoyed the rolls. I might add that
I made the refrigerator kind, which rose in the frig while we were at
church, instead of the real kind like my mother made, which required
kneeding twice. (They were not quite as good, but lots easier.)
Hot rolls, butter and jelly can't be beat.

In this scripture, yeast is God's Word and my heart is the flour. Adding
His scriptures to my heart daily yields good fruit just as adding yeast to
flour (plus other ingredients) makes lucious rolls.

In John 6:35, Jesus said ,"I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me
shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

Truly, Jesus does satisfy the hunger in my soul.

LET IT GO

When I wear my pearls, I will remember that I am valuable to Jesus.
Thank you Lord for loving me so that much that You left heaven
to purchase my salvation.
Daily I will read Your Word in order to feed my soul  on the Bread
of Life.