Good Gifts

Luke 11

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children,
how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask him?  Luke 11:13

LET IT GLOW

One time our grown son asked to borrow our new car to take on a weekend
trip, and we loaned it. We didn't loan him a tractor or a lawn mower, instead,
we loaned what he asked.

In the same sense, the Lord Jesus was talking about me, a sinner, knows
how to give good gifts to my children. In comparison, He says the Heavenly
Father will give (a good gift) the Holy Spirit when I ask.

What comfort, encouragement, wisdom, and strength is available just by
asking for the Holy Spirit. I consider this a personal situation. I don't need
to show evidence that I have the Holy Spirit in my life, I feel Him there. It
is something to thing about.


LET IT GROW

In verse 27, a woman was blessing the woman that birthed and nurished
Jesus.
He added to that statement in verse 28 by saying,"Yea, rather, blessed
are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."

Matthew Henry Commentary says:

What an admirable, what an excellent man is this! Surely never was there a
greater or better born of a woman: happy the woman that has him for her son.
Christ said that more happy are His faithful and obedient followers than she
who bore and nursed Him.
Not only are those that hear the Word of God blessed, but also those that
keep It, memorize It, and keep It as their way and rule.


LET IT GO

Ask for the Holy Spirit.
Work on keeping God's Word when I hear it.

Sisters, Sisters

Luke 10
She (Martha) came to Jesus and said,"Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to
you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to
come and help me."    Luke 10:40 NLT

Within this chapter, are two unique stories only written by Luke-the good
Samaritan and Mary and Martha's visit by Jesus.


LET IT GLOW

"Who is my neighbor?" asked the lawyer of Jesus. To answer, Jesus told
a parable (story) we call "The Good Samaritan. " A Jewish man was traveling
to Jericho when he was attacked by thieves, stripped of his clothes, beaten,
and left for half dead along the road.
Three types of people saw this man and had different reactions:

1. a priest-passed by him on the other side.
2. a Levite-came and looked on the man, then passed by on the other side.
3. a Samaritan-a mixed race, saw the man and had compassion on him.

How?
The Samaritan treated the half dead man's wounds on the spot, put him on
his animal, took him to the inn, and took care of him. When the Samaritan left
the next day, he paid the inn keeper and said he'd return and repay the
expenses for the wounded man. Now, keep in mind that Jews dispised the
Samaritans. They were half-breeds, part Jew.

Which one of the three was a neighbor to the man that was hurt by the thieves?
(Jesus asked the lawyer.) He answered that it was the one who showed mercy
on him. Jesu told the lawyer, "Go and do likewise."

What a neighbor! He was selfless, compassionate, sharing, giving, and
merciful. The list could go on.
So Jesus made His point clear-show mercy. We aren't to be selective in
whom we show mercy and compassion, right? It doesn't matter what race,
social standing, religion, their morals or lack of, or sinner, right? So why do
we have trouble obeying this command? Maybe because it hits us right where
we live. It effects our everyday life and those around us.

LET IT GROW

Before we talk about the home of M & M, let me tell you a story about my
sister and me. I only have one sister, and she's ten years older than I am. When
we were growing up at home, there were five of us in the family. I remember
my sister often cooked supper because our Mom worked outside the home.
This particular time I was supposed to be washing dishes after supper, but
I made an excuse of needing to use the restroom. I took my sweet time and
when I returned to the kitchen, the dishes were done. Nice. I thought it might
work next time.Well, this went on for several evenings until my sister caught
onto my plot-get out of washing dishes.
I don't think she was very happy with me. Of course I was probably only 8 or so.
(I'll have to ask her how it turned out. With my memory...)

Here's a story in this chapter about two sisters.
Jesus and His disciples were friends of Lazrus and his two sisters. I call the
M & M, but their names are Mary and Martha. When they were in town,
Jesus and His disciples would drop by for a visit in M & M's home.
This particular time Martha invited the group into their home and she went
straight to the kitchen to whip up a big dinner. (There must have been at
least 16 to fix for, with 13 being hungry men, right? There could have been
more with the group, the scripture doesn't say.)

"Where is that sister of mine?" could have been in Martha's thoughts.
Poor overworked  Martha must have been frustrated, sweaty, tired, and hot
to complain to her guest of honor and friend. If she was in the kitchen, she
wasn't hearing about love, forgiveness, servanthood, etc. that the Master
and Savior was teaching. Where was Mary? She was sitting at Jesus' feet,
listening to Him. Remember, it was while her sister cooked.

Look back at the key verse above-verse 40. KJV says, "But Martha was
cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said,' Lord, doest thou
not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she
help me.' "

I love Jesus' answer, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about
many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part,
which shall not be taken away from her." ( verses 41-42 KJV)

Can't you hear the tenderness in His voice as He reassured Martha that
they were already eatting-spiritual food, that is. Mary was doing something
more important and lasting, which was learning about the Savior.

In John chapter 11 where Lazrus dies, who was the first of M & M to meet
Jesus when He came to town? Martha was.  We'll talk about it when we get
to the book of  John.

LET IT GO

Show mercy to everyone.
Sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His teachings.
Cheerfully serve the Lord Jesus and others.
Be a M & M-Mary and Martha. see Colossians 3:23

[ A wonderful book to read is "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"
   by Joanna Weaver.]

Let It Glow, Grow, Go

"LET IT GLOW, GROW, GO"

Years ago,when I came home to visit my mother, we would often take
a walk down the country road in front of her house. It was a joyful time
as just the two of us shared our thoughts, feelings, and what was going
on in our lives. My mom has gone on  now, but I welcome your
company as I walk this country road of faith called life.

I am reading through the New Testament using the King James Version.
Monday-Friday I will be posting my thoughts and something that spoke
to me from each day's reading.

Please join me as I travel this "country road of faith." Your comments
are welcome. Here is the format being used:

LET IT GLOW

Name something you read today that's a promise, an encouragement,
or an example of how God worked in this particular chapter.

LET IT GROW

Describe a principle, a lesson to be learned, or a challenge from the
scriptures.

LET IT GO

Tell how to apply, share, or go do the Word read in this chapter.

Ashamed

Luke 9 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall
the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and
in his Father's, and of the holy angels.  Luke 9:26

LET IT GLOW

The disciples saw someone casting out devils using Jesus' name. They told
him not to do that since he wasn't a part of their group of followers. John
told Jesus what had happened.

In verse 50, Jesus replies, "Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for
us."
Jesus' name was so powerful that devils (demons) must flee when It is used.
To me, the man must have had faith in Jesus, otherwise, why would he be
using His name to do this?

This says to me that even though a person may not be of the same
denomination as me, they can still be a Christian and a follower of Jesus.
They can be serving the same Lord that I serve and be on their way to the
same heaven as me. Do I treat them with the same love? Aren't we on the
same team, so to speak?

Is Jesus saying that if I don't say that I'm against something, a wrong action or
teaching, then I'm saying, without speaking, that I approve of it? Maybe
silence is not always the right thing. Something to think about.


LET IT GROW

In verse 26, Jesus says,"For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my
words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his
own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels."

If I am too cowardly or worldly to testify in my belief of Jesus Christ as my
Savior and thus I'm ashamed of Him here on earth, then Christ will be
ashamed of me before the Father God when He testifies about me. He
would declare that I was not one of His children and not let me enter into
heaven.
I don't want that to happen, so I testify and share my belief in Jesus Christ
as my Lord and Savior. I am not ashamed of Him or His Word, the Bible.
How about you?

In Matthew 10:33, Jesus says,"But whosoever shall deny me before men, him
will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

Paul tells us in 2Timothy 2:12, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we
deny him, he also will deny us.

These are words from the Lord, so they are to be taken seriously.

LET IT GO

Accept Christian believers and followers of Jesus Christ that are in other
denominations.

Be not ashamed to profess Jesus as my Lord and Savior and His Words
before people.

Certain Women

Luke 8
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and
infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and
many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Luke 8:2-3

LET IT GLOW

After Jesus' mother and brothers were trying to get close to Him in order
to speak to Jesus and couldn't, He answered in verse 21,"My mother and
brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."

Sounds like we are part of the family of God when we become a beliver
and obey His Word. I want to hear It and do It.


LET IT GROW

Does your town have "certain women" that are known around town?
Does your church have them too? I don't mean low moraled women, but
those who are servants. They don't sit around waiting to be served, but do
it, meeting needs? Let's take a look at a few mentioned in this chapter.

Jesus was on tour, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom of God
in nearby towns and villages. He was an itinerant preacher, not confined
to one place, according to Matthew Henry.

Who went along with Jesus, besides the disciples?

There was Mary Magdalene, out of whom had been cast seven devils.
(verse 7) She found mercy and followed Christ. Mark 15-16 mentions her
as one of the women going to Jesus' tomb to annoint His dead body with
spices. (I tried to find details about her conversion, but could not.)

There was Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward. She had been a wife,
but now a widow and left in good circumstances. She was a hearer of
Christ and a contributor to Him, according to Matthew Henry.

There was Susanna and other women. They ministered to Christ of their
substance. Were they as servants to Him and His disciples? What a
privilege. Though He was rich, Jesus became poor. Jesus preferred to be
beholden to His known friends for His needs rather than to strangers where
He preached. It sounds like His friends also provided monitarily for the
Savior's mission trips.

Do I serve the Savior with the same servant's heart as these certain women
served Him? Am I a "certain woman" to Jesus, a faithful follower?
Isaiah 54:8b says,"But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,"
says the Lord, your Redeemer. NLT

LET IT GO

Hear God's Word and do It.

Serve the Lord with all my heart.

Long Distance Healing

Luke 7
And there came a fear on alll: and they glorified God, saying, "That
a great prophet is risen up among us," and,"That God hath visited
His people."  Luke 7:16

LET IT GLOW

The touch of Jesus-it does wonders.
When Jesus and His disciples went to a city of Nain, they met at the gate a
funeral procession. A dead young man, the only son of a widow, was being
carried out of the city in a coffin.

When the Lord saw the widow, He had compassion on her and told her not
 to weep. (verse 14) Then Jesus touched the coffin, told the dead man to arise,
and he did. (verse 15)

How did the people react? In verse 16, they were fearful and glorified God.
They experienced first hand the power of God.
How do I react when I experience the power of God? Am I fearful and
respectful, humbly standing in awe?

LET IT GROW

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were able to call the doctor, tell him our
symptoms, and he could snap his fingers and heal us immediately? I know
that is a little extreme, but Jesus did the extreme. Let's take a look.

There was a centurion whose servant was deathly ill. This ruler sent word
to Jesus about the need of physical healing, saying all Jesus had to do was
speak the word and his servant would be healed, but he wasn't worthy of
Jesus coming to his house. This centurion was a man of authority, with
soldiers under his command. When he gave the word to go, come, do this,
it happened. The centurion believed the same would happen when Jesus
spoke; it would happen.

In verse 9, Jesus told the people that followed him, "I say unto you, I have not
found so great faith, no, not in Israel." When the messengers returned to the
centurion, they found the sick man made whole.

Now why can't I have that kind of faith? What made the centurion's faith to be
called "great faith" by Jesus? The man believed that when Jesus spoke, it was
a done deal; it happened. That's the key. That's what I need to do, believe.

Hebrews 11:6 says,"But 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."

LET IT GO

Lord, I need a touch from You.

I want some of that "great faith" that the centurion had.

Help me to believe, for You are all powerful and merciful.

Jumping for Joy

Luke 6
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is
great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the
prophets. Luke 6:23


LET IT GLOW

It was a long ride down the escalator at the airport. It was long becauses
my grandchildren were waiting at the bottom to greet me. A year had
passed since I had seen them, hugged them, and kissed them. What a joyful
time! I would have leaped for joy, but probably I would have fallen.
(Of course my daughter and son inlaw were there too.)  :0)

I ask myself if that is the kind of joy the scripture is speaking of in verse
23. Let's back up to verse 22: "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you,
and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach
you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." KJV

According to NLT, we have blessing awaiting us when people hate us,
exclude us, mock us, and curse us as evil because we follow Jesus. It says
that when that happens, be happy! We are to remember that their ancestors
treated the ancient prophets that same way.

I wasn't jumping for joy today when a former church member snubbed me at
the store as we met in the isle. In fact, it hurt my feelings and made me sad.
I wondered what I had done. Jesus and I talked about it the whole time I was
in the store. It must have hurt Him whenever He was treated worse.
Let's go on to the "grow" section for help.


LET IT GROW

How are we supposed to treat others? Several verses answer that question:

1. Love your enemies. verses 27, 35
2. Do good to them. verses 27,  35
3. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. verse 35
4. Be merciful (compassionate). verses 28, 36
5. Pray for them. verse 28
6. Judge not. verse 37
7. Condemn not. verse 37
8. Forgive. verse 37
9. Give. verse 38

Then we will be like children of the Highest and our reward will be great.
verse 35 (By the way, Jesus was saying those instructions.)

I definitely have some homework. How about you? Maybe I better copy
the list and review it daily.

LET IT GO

I want act like a child of the Most High God.

First, Lord, forgive me for not being like you have said for me to be.

Help me to treat others in this manner and work on my attitude.

Fishin'

Luke 5
Now when he (Jesus) had left speaking, he said unto Simon, "Launch
out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught."
Luke 5:4

LET IT GLOW

Verse 16 says, And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

If Jesus needed to get away from people (retreat) and pray to the Father,
so do I. It is refreshing to have a quiet place to spend some time refecting
on God's Word and listening and talking to Him. Do you have such a
place?


LET IT GROW

When I was a little girl, my parents would go fishing on Flint Creek,
which was just down the road from our house. Dad taught me how to
fish using my little plastic fishing pole. I learned how to put a worm
on the hook, throw out the line, wait and watch for the bobber to go
under the water, and reel in a fish. Often times it was a fisty perch on
my hook. He took it off for me. How exciting to catch one.Sometimes
we had to wait a while for a nibble; sometimes we had to move along the
creek bank for another place if the fish were not biting. Aahh, precious
memories. (Dad did the same for my two children.) It was fun even if I
didn't catch many fish.

In this chapter, the fishermen, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John,
were cleaning their nets after a "no catch" day. Then Jesus came along
and told the Simon to go out into the deep and let down their nets. (verse 4)

Simon Peter spoke up,"Master, we worked hard last night and didn't catch
a thing. But if You say so, I'll let the nets down again." (verse 5 NLT)

As a result of Peter and Andrew obeying Jesus, they experienced a miracle-
two boats full of fish (shouted for help). In fact, the boats were so full that
they were on the verge of sinking. When the Lord provides, He provides.

When Peter realized what had happened, he dropped to his knees and
confessed that he was a sinner. (He saw himself in the light of Jesus.)

Jesus said,"From now on you will be fishing for people" (catch men).
They brought the boats to shore and "forsook all and followed Jesus."

Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and
they shall walk, and not faint."


LET IT GO

Retreat and pray daily.

"If You say so, Lord, I'll do it" should be my response everytime Jesus
give me directions to do something.

Trust Jesus.

Forsake all and follow Jesus.

It's Off to Work We Go

Luke 4
The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He hath anointed me to
preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering
of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 
To preach the acceptable year of the LORD.  Luke 4:18-19

LET IT GLOW

I have had various  jobs in my lifetime-seamstress, researcher,
preschool and elementary teacher, bookkeeper, babysitter, which
were paid positions. As I went off to work for a paycheck, I was still doing
work for Jesus, too. However, He had a far greater purpose for His
work than I did.

Jesus was teaching in the Jewish synagogue when He quoted the above
verse from Isaiah 61:18-19. He was fulfilling these verses that day
according to Luke 4:22.

Christ Jesus explains the work He came into the world to do. Three
questions about His cridentials would be:

1.  How was He qualified?
     The Spirit of the LORD was upon Jesus. Verse 18

2. How was He commissioned?
     God annointed Christ and sent Him.

3. What was His work?
    He was to be a great prophet, Physician, and Redeemer.

[Information above is from Matthew Henry's Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Jesus came preaching to ears and hearts. This scripture tells three things He
was to preach:

1. deliverance to the captives
    Am I held captive by my sins? Do I need to be set free?

2. recovery of sight to the blind
   If only I ask, He will open my spiritual eyes to see the Truth.

3. the Acceptable Year of the Lord
    Here Jesus is referring to the Year of Jubilee-when servants were freed,
    debts were dropped, mortgaged land returned to original owners.

It sounds like Jesus had quite an agenda or purpose for His preaching.
Do I have a daily agenda?
He was off to work each day.


LET IT GO

Follow God's leading by His Holy Spirit under the authorities He has
established.

Seek spiritual freedom in Christ.

Obey His Word.

What Shall We Do?

Luke 3
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
Luke 3:10

LET IT GLOW

Family trees. My Mom, sister, and distant cousin have spent a lot of time
researching ours. We have some preachers, a disserter of the army,
slave owners, Indians, even a President of the U.S.
But the question most important is, "Were they believers in
Jesus Christ?" Their eternal destiny is sealed now, but my furture generations
are still living. What about theirs?

Mary's (Jesus' mother)  lineage is told in Luke 3:23-38. She and Joseph
(see chapter 1 of Matthew) had some of the same ancestors before David.
Mary was related to David's son, Nathan, and Joseph was related to David's
son Solomon. This sounds like a history lesson, doesn't it? What a family.

Because both Mary and Joseph were of the lineage of David they went to
Bethlehem to pay their taxes. We know that was where Jesus
was born. It fulfilled prophecy.

How wonderful to have your family tree full of believers as in Jesus' case.
I know that my parents and grandparents were Christians, so that is
comforting.
What I can do is help the future branches of my family tree become believers?
I can pray and witness to them.
The family tree is the most important tree, besides the one made into the
cross for Jesus. It helped Him purchase our salvation.

LET IT GROW

What are we going to do?
I remember thinking the same thing several times in my life. The bottom fell
out, so to speak. Several times the income stopped, or we had to move, or
we had to find jobs, or our children had to change schools. Each time, God
was faithful to provide what was needed. I can't say it was easy, but my faith
grew during those times. He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord provides.

Three groups,  people, Publicans, soldiers, asked John the Baptist the
same question, "What shall we do?"

How did John answer them ? He told them:

• Give your extra coat and meat to the person that doesn't have any.
• Don't take more( taxes) than you are told to take.
• Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content

          with your wages.

When I consider the group John was talking to, it becomes more clear.
People should help their brothers in need; Publicans were tax collectors
so they were not to stuff their pockets while making it burdensome on
the payer; soldirs were to do no violence, false accusing, and be content
with their wages.

I need to remember to ask Jesus what He wants me to do. He moves
in mysterous ways.

LET IT GO

Lord. help me to pray and witness to my grandchildren so they are
believers.

Thank you that my children and their spouses, plus husband, are Christians.

Help me to keep asking You Jesus  what You want me to do.

Who Went?

Luke 2
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  Luke 2:3


LET IT GLOW

In verse 20, we see,"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

It was the samo-samo night. Little did the shepherds know it was a special
night to the whole world. They had special visitors that night out in the field.
An angel from the Lord who spoke directly to them and other angels praised
God. What were the shepherds told?

It was true, what the angel told the shepherds: a Savior was born in the City
of David. Did they wait until daylight to check it out? Did they wait for
someone to come replace them on the job? No, they came with haste.
(verse 16)

What had they heard and seen in Bethlehem?
Mary, Joseph, and the babe is what they found. He was lying in a manger.

What did they do after that, with this extraordinary news?
They made it known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this
child. (verse 17)
They returned glorifying and praising God. (verse 20)

Well then, what do I do with this news concerning this child, the Son of God,
the Savior, the Messiah, was born as a child on earth? Do I share it?
Do I also glorify and praise God for Him?

LET IT GROW

The word went is the past tense of the word go. It sounds like some action
is taking place. Of course, it's an action  verb.

Is it important where I went today? Apparently so, because chapter 2
records 9 times where people went:

1. Verse 3-And all went to be taxed, every one in his own city.
2. Verse 4-Joseph (and Mary) went to Bethlehem.
3. Verse 9-The angel of the Lord came (went) to them (the shepherds).
4. Verse 16-They came (shepherds went) to see Mary, Joseph, and baby
                    Jesus.
5. Verse 27-And he (Simeon) came (went) by the Spirit to the temple.
6. Verse 38-And she coming in ...(Anna went to the temple, prayed, fasted,
                    gave thanks for redemption-Jesus).
7. Verse 42-Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem when Jesus was 12
                    years old.
8. Verse 44-Mary and Joseph went a day's journey (after Passover, toward
                    home).
9. Verse 51-And he (Jesus) went down with them (Mary and Joseph) to
                    Nazareth.

I really haven't considered it an important thing-where I go today or where
I went today/ where I didn't go.
In the scriptures, some went to Jesus and some went to the temple.

I go to Jesus in prayer. I go to worship at church on Sunday. Where else do
I go? I go to town, to work, etc. Maybe I'm supposed to ask Jesus where
He wants me to go.
Is it important where I didn't go? Yes, if the Lord wanted me to go to a
specific place. Things to ponder about, as Mary in verse 19.

LET IT GO

Ask Jesus where He wants me to go.

Be obedient to go where He leads me

Be alert to share the news that a Savior has been born, wherever I go.
 

Special Delivery

Luke 1
That He would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand
of our enemies might serve Him without fear.  Luke 1:74

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of
their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the
dayspring from on high hath visited us.  Luke 1:77-78 

Luke was a Gentile doctor converted to Christianity. He wrote Book of Acts
before the Gospel of Luke. He accompanied Paul on various missionary trips.
Only Luke gives the accounts of six miracles by Jesus and nineteen parables
told by Him.
About 490 years passed since the Messiah's coming was predicated in
Daniel 9:24-27.

LET IT GLOW

Angels, which are messengers of God, had special delivery news to bring
down to earth. It was straight from the throne room.

The angel Gabriel appears to a priest named Zecharias to announce that his
wife Elisabeth would have a son named John. verse 13
Then about six months later Gabriel visits a young virgin named Mary, who
is engaged to Joseph, of David's leneage. She is told of her son's upcoming
birth, The Messiah Jesus.
Another angelic visit happened to Joseph in Matthew 1:18-24.
The shepherds were told by angels about the Messiah's birth in Luke 2.

What a special day for each of these people. It was a "once in a lifetime"
event. How did they react to the angels' messages?
Zacharias didn't believe it, thus he couldn't talk for at least nine months
until John was born; Mary submitted to God's will for her life; shepherds
went to worship the Savior where the angel said He would be.

How do I react to the good news of Jesus; how do I react to what Jesus has
to say to me?

LET IT GROW

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and
thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
(verse 13)
Zacharias' prayer was heard. Which prayer? It must have been the ones
for he and his wife to have children. By now, they were both "well stricken in
years."
The angel told Zac. that they would have a son and to call him John. He told
the purpose of John's life in verse 16. Specific instruction were given for John,
like no drinking wine or strong drink. He would be filled with the Holy Ghost,
even before his birth.
Don't you know there was gladness, joy, and rejoicing at
John's birth. (verse 14) What a blessing for Zach and Beth-a son to preach
God's Word.

But Zach didn't believe Gabriel's words. As a result, he could not speak until
John was born and named. I wonder if every time Zach said John's name
that he remembered the angel's message and his doubt.

We know the rest of the story-John the Baptist preached repentance and
baptised for the remission of sins. He was the forerunner of Jesus.

LET IT GO

Listen to Jesus' Words and  His messengers, believe  and obey them.

Lord, sometimes even  mustard seed sized faith is hard.

Trust in God's Way being the right way.

Rolling Stones

Mark 16

LET IT GLOW

Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary
the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial
spices so they could anoint Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday, just at
sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each
other, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the
tomb?" But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone,
which was very large, had already been rolled aside.
Mark 16:1-4  NLT

Scripture does not tell who rolled the stone away from the entrance of
Jesus' tomb. It could have been Him or angels. At any rate, it was
already done when the women got there. They must not have thought
about it ahead of time. The women certainly were not strong enough
to do it.

What kind of stones do I have in front of my heart that needs to be rolled
away (confessed and forgiven) so Jesus can enter?
Is it the stone of pride, rebellion, my will, self, sin, love of money, lust?
I want Jesus to have direct access to my heart. Therefore, I need to
'fess up and seek forgiveness.
I must keep rolling those stones away.

LET IT GROW

When Mary Magdalene told the disciples that Jesus was alive and she had
seen Him, how did they respond? They didn't believe her. (verse 11)

Jesus appeared to two of His followers who were walking from Jerusalem
into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed
them. (verses 12-13)

Still later He appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together.
He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe
those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. (verse 14)

The disciples had been told by Jesus that He would rise from the dead after
three days. Now these were the guys who saw Jesus raise the ruler's daughter,
raise the widow's son, and raise Lazrus, all from the dead. What's up with
these guys?

Well, do I believe what others say as a witness of the powerful working of
Jesus today?

LET IT GO

Lord, please remove anything that prohibits your access to my heart.
Help me believe others as they share of Your mighty working.

Silence Is Golden

Mark 15

And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he
answering said unto him, "Thou sayest it." And the chief priests
accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.  
        Mark 15:2-3

LET IT GLOW

Often times I have "opened mouth, inserted foot". There are times when it
is best to not say a word. It would only make matters worse to speak.
Sometimes "Silence is Golden" as the old song of the '60's says.

The chief priests accused Jesus of many things, which the scripture only
tells us of a few. How did He respond or react? He said nothing. Was
Jesus one to keep His opinion or the truth to Himself? No, He wasn't.

Pilate asked Him again saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many
things they witness against thee. (verse 4)  Did Jesus answer this time?
No, again.
But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. (verse 5)

How many times do I jump in to defend myself, even when the accuser
isn't finished talking? I admit that I need to listen, instead. Perhaps I
should follow Jesus' ways and "say nothing."


LET IT GROW

Verse 29  in NLT says: The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their
heads in mockery."Ha! Look at you now!" they yelled at him. "You said you
were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then,
save yourself and come down from the cross!"

They continued to mock Jesus by saying,"He saved others, but he can't save
himself. Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so
we can see it and believe him!"  (verses 31-32)

Jesus could have called 10,000 angels to take care of the situation and
get Him down, but He chose not to, because of His love for you and me.
He took our place so we won't have to pay for our sins.
How do I respond when people make fun of my Christian beliefs and ways?

LET IT GO

Discern when to speak and when to keep silent.
Respond with love when someone makes fun of my beliefs if need be.

Betrayed

Mark 14
And he answered and said unto them, "It is one of the twelve, that
dippeth with me in the dish."   Mark 14:20

LET IT GLOW

Places can have a special significance for us. Often, I recall the many times
I sat on a stool in Mom's kitchen, sharing what was going on in my life at the time.
Now I live in the same house and do the same thing with others. Such
precious memories.

The Upper Room-
It was a place provided by an unnamed man.
It was a place where Jesus washed His disciples' feet and instructed them
to do the same.
It was a place where the Lord's Supper was instituted. The bread represented
his body and the wine represented His blood that He would give as Himself
being the Passover Lamb.
It was where Jesus and His followers had their last meal together.
It was the place where Jesus' betrayer, Judas Iscariot, was identified.
It was the place where Jesus told His followers, the last time, that He would
rise and meet them in Galilee.

The time spent in the upper room must have been very precious to Jesus.
In the book of John, chapters 14-17, there are many things Jesus told
His disciples while there in this room. These will be discussed later.

Do I have rooms where Jesus has accessr, or are they shut off from
Him entering?


LET IT GROW

It hurts when a friend betrays your confidence, telling others what was a
secret between the two of you. Also, it hurts when a friend tells lies or
changes what you said. As bad as these occurrances  may hurt us, it does
not compare to the betrayal of Judas to Jesus.

In verse 10, we are told that Judas went, which was on purpose, to the high
priests in order to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted with Judas'
offer and promised to pay him money for it. Judas looked for the opportunity
to betray Jesus, turn Him in, so to speak.

Jesus tells the disciples that one of them would betray Him, as in verse 20.
Each one asked if it was himself. All along Jesus knew what was going to
happen. It didn't make any easier for Him.

Back in chapter 3 of Mark, Jesus  identified Judas as His betrayer (verse 19).
I wonder why Jesus appointed him as a disciple. Maybe He wanted Judas to
have first hand experiences witnessing the Savior's miracles and words. He
certainly had a chance to be faithful. Maybe it happened according to God's
will.

Jesus already knew about Judas' selling out for just thirty silver coins. How it
must have hurt to have a close follower betray Him. Satan entered Judas. I
suppose that the money was the temptation for Judas. He had been the
keeper of the  money bag for the group.
Later, Judas would be the one to take the Roman soldiers to where Jesus
was and identify Jesus to them for the arrest.
The rest of the story of Judas Iscariot is found in Matthew 27. What a fame-
to be forever known as the one who sold out the Savior.


LET IT GO

I, for one, do not want to betray my Savior.
I must keep money and Jesus in the right perspective.
I must daily stay in His Word, submit to His Spirit's leading, and obey Him in
all things. This is very hard, but mercy is available when I sin. Praise God!

Go Fetch 'Em

Mark 13
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with
great power and glory.  Mark 13:26

LET IT GLOW

As a child, I would spend time looking at the clouds. I would use my
imagination, picking out objects the clouds had formed. There have been a
few times whenever I saw white fluffy clouds with the bright sun shining
behind them.  How gorgeous is God's creation.

It was just a week ago when we were riding to church that huge, white, fluffy
clouds appeared in the sky in front of us. My imagination kicked in and
I saw the outline of a perfect face of a man. My husband saw it, too. I
wondered if that was what it will be like when Jesus comes back. Everyone
will see Him coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

In verse 27, Jesus says," And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather
together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to
the uttermost part of heaven."

No one knows the day or the hour, but our Father God. I want to be ready,
clothed in His righteousness.

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, take heed is daid by Jesus four times.  The word heed means
give attention, observe, consider, careful notice or consideration.

I want to give special attention or consideration to these things Jesus warned
us of:

• Many will claim to be Christ, but don't let imposters deceive me.
• There will be wars, earthquakes, and famines; however, these are

          only the beginnings.

• Be on guard because they will turn me over to the courts, to the

           synagogues to be beaten; take me to testify before governors and

            kings; speak what the Holy Spirit tells me

• Family members will betray and kill each other because of Jesus'

            name.

• Jerusalem will be destroyed.
• Watch and pray since I don't know when Jesus will return.

 
In verse 26, God will tell His Son to go get (fetch) His children from all
four directions.


LET IT GO

Persevere to the end.
Be ready, watch, pray for Jesus' return.
Love Jesus with all my heart and don't deny Him.

Leftovers

Mark 12
For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want. 
Mark 12:44

LET IT GROW

I admit that I don't do much cooking these days. Since it is only the two of
us now a days, has been for twelve years, we eat out often. My energy level
has sunk to an all-time low. Besides, it never was my favorite thing to do and
who likes clean up. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't like left overs. He
would be happy with a fresh, hot meal twice a day. (At the rate of our
metabalism we'd be as big as a barn in a year.) So when I do cook, there
seems to always be left overs, which means less cooking for me.

In the last few verses of this chapter, Jesus was in the synagogue watching
as the people put  their money into the treasury. According to verse 41, many
were putting in a lot. Then He observed a poor widow, who threw in two
mites. Probably it was the same as two pennys.

In verse 42, Jesus called over His disciples and said,"This poor widow hath
cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did
cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had,
even all her living"

The rich, who could give a lot, had a heart problem, put money in from
their abundance. I call it their leftovers. It sounds like they used their own
money on themselves, then if any money was left they gave it to God. Is this
pleasing to God? No, He wants first place in all things, even in our money
usage.
On the other hand, the poor widow, who may not have had a son to provide
for her, and had no means of working, gave her money to God. She gave
out of her neediness. Maybe the 2 mites were all she had to live on for the
rest of the month. She had needs, but her heart full of love for God, put Him
first, not herself.

I wonder if Jesus surprised this sweet lady with a few coins in her pocket,
or maybe when she got home, she found an extra bag of coins. Who knows?
Maybe someone had her over for lunch, since Jews didn't go out to eat on
the sabbath. Was there even a local cafe around the corner?

So, this passage tells me to give God first place, not from my leftovers. I am
to trust Him to provide for my needs as I'm faithful in tithing.

LET IT GROW

In verse 13, the Pharisees and Herodians sent some good talkers to Jesus in
order to "catch him in his words". They asked,"Was it lawful to give tribute
to Ceasar or not?" This was in reference to money, but was Jesus talking
about more than money  in His answer?
In verse 17, Jesus answered,"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's,
and to God the things that are God's."

Do I give Jesus my time, thoughts, praise, heart, service, abilities, prayer
time?

2Corinthians 9:7 tells us ,"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,
so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful
giver."


LET IT GO

Give Jesus first place in my life.
Be faithful and cheerful  in giving my 10% tithe.
Trust Him to meet my needs.

Wilted

Mark 11
And Jesus answering saith unto them, "Have faith in God." 
                                  Mark 11:22

LET IT GLOW

When Peter saw the  fig tree that Jesus cursed, he said it was wilted.
What did Jesus answer? Have faith in God.

Is my faith bearing fruit or is it wilted, withering away. I want my faith
growing in obedience and showing the fruit of the Spirit. I will keep
trusting in Jesus.


LET IT GROW

Jesus was hungry when He and the disciples came to Bethany. He saw a
fig tree, went to it expecting figs to eat. All that Jesus found on the tree was
leaves, no figs.
"No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever," Jesus said to
the tree in verse 14.
The next morning they saw the fig tree dried up from its roots.

Matthew Henry says:

           This represented the character and state of the Jewish church;
           which was a tree dried up from the roots; no longer fit for food,
           but for fuel only. The withered tree comes from rejecting Christ
           and being rejected by Him.

This reminded me that every time I go blackberry picking along my country
road, I see stems of blackberries with only green leaves, no berries. It's
disappointing to see them empty. Oh, they are  beautiful with their bright
green leaves, but empty of berries.
I want to bear fruit for Jesus, not be a witlted bush or tree. I need to stay in
the Word of God in order to do this.

Galatians 5:22-23 says,"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering (patient), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness (gentle),
temperance (self-control); against such there is no law."


LET IT GO

Have faith in God that is growing and bearing spiritual fruit.
Trust God with everything.
Read  God's Word daily so I bear fruit of the Spirit for Him.

Little Children

Mark 10
And Jesus looking upon them saith, "With men it is impossible, but not
with God; for with God all things are possible."  Mark 10:27

LET IT GLOW

In verses 13-16, the disciples rebuked those that brought young children to
Jesus so He would touch them. This reminds me of presidental campaigns
where mothers would bring their children to the man so he would kiss or
hold them. Probably the secret service didn't like it either.

This displeased Jesus and He told them to bring the little children to Him
because such is the kingdom of God. (my wording) If we don't act like a
little child, we won't get into heaven. They are tender hearted, easily believers,
faithful, trusting, loving, obedient, and need protection..

I am to come to God with these same attitudes. God is my father. How
wonderful to have Him care for me as His child.

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, there several things I noticed.

Jesus was said it is hard for a rich person to humble  themselves, repent, and
come to Jesus in order to enter the kingdom of God.
Maybe that is because they tend to trust in their money, power, and strength
it provides. Maybe they feel self-sufficient, don't need anyone telling them
what to do, or to change things.
Jesus said with men it was impossible for them to save themselves, but
with God it was not impossible.

In verse 49, Jesus commanded that blind Bartimaeus be called to Him.
Bart asked for his sight and immediately he received it and followed Jesus.
Jesus saw this man's need, but asked him what he wanted Jesus to do for
him. Bart's faith made him whole.
I want to see the needs of others and help them. I don't want to be
blinded by the world.

Another thing, Jesus said that who or whatever we leave for His sake
and the gospel's, then we would receive one hundred times back in this life
and in the next (houses, lands, family). Maybe this should have gone under
"Glow".
We experienced this whenever we left our families and house in 1980 to
follow Jesus to college as preparation for the ministry. He provided us with
Christian families, places to live, even jobs. How faithful He was and is.

LET IT GO

Submit to God as a child.
Focus on needs of others.
Believe that all things are possible with God.
Have a willing heart to leave things and follow Jesus.

Mountain Top

Mark 9
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me,
it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
he were cast into the sea.    Mark 9:42

LET IT GLOW

How beautiful are the Appalachian Mountains that God created. One time we
drove up to a very high mountain called Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina.
When we reached the peak, we could see for miles the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It was a breathtaking sight. We would have liked to have camped and stayed
there for a few days, but it was not permitted.

So it was with Peter, James, and John, who went up on a mountain with Jesus.
There the disciples saw Jesus tranformed-His face shone like the sun and His
clothing was white as light. Also, they saw Moses, who represented the law,
and Elijah, who represented the prophets. These two were talking to Jesus.

Matthew Henry says:

"All the institutions of the law and all the predictions of the prophets,

pointed at Christ, and were fulfilled in Him."

Hebrews 1:1 says, "In these last days, God speaks to us by His Son."

The disciples experienced the resurrection of Christ that was to come. Moses'
body was never found and Elijah's was carried to heaven in a fiery chariot.
After His death, Jesus Christ did rise from the grave, just like He said He
would. Over 550 people saw Him.
What a mountain top experience the three disciples had that day! I'm sure
they talked about it many times, among themselves, for Jesus said to keep
quiet about it.

On the mountain top, we have communion with God with great peace and
joy when we're cleansed from our sins. Sometimes we don't want to come
down from the mountain, but come down we must. There is a world below
who needs to hear and find the love of Christ. They need to be taught His
Word and Ways. We teach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
Our mountain top experience, whether it occurs at a camp, a revival, on a
retreat, or in our own home, is one we will never forget because we have
been with Jesus.

LET IT GROW

In verse 42, Jesus warns against causing believers to stumble or fall into sin.
The word stumble means to strike against.

Romans 14:13 says,"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but
judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his
brother's way."

Romans 14:21 says,"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any
thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

These verses tell me to watch myself, how I dress, my words spoken,  the
things I do, so I honor Christ and not cause my brothers or sisters to stumble
or fall into sin.

Romans14:23b says,"for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

1Corinthians 6:19-20 asks,"What? know ye not that your body is the temple
of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your
own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's."

These are some strong words to take in and ponder over. Is there anything I
do that could cause someone to sin? I need to look at myself for an
evaluation.

LET IT GO

Meet Jesus on the mountain top and surrender to His will.

Trust in the ressurrection of Christ.

Ask Jesus if there is anything in my life that I need to change so I won't
cause my brethren to stumble or fall into sin, then change it.

 

Remember What?

Mark 8
"Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not
remember?" Jesus asked.    Mark 8:18

LET IT GLOW

Quite often I find myself standing in a room asking,"Why did I come in here?"
I'm told that it's this middle age thing. I easily get distracked. Start doing
something else, then don't do what was intended. Oh, well. Oh, well what?
Maybe the disciples were in the same boat as me.

Jesus was with His disciples in a boat. The only food they brought with them
was one loaf of bread. Who forgot the food? They were arguing with each
other because of it. Jesus asked them, "Don't you remember anything at
all?" Mark 8:18 NLT

He fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and had 12 baskets left over. He
fed 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread with 7 baskets left over.
Again Jesus asked,"Don't you understand yet?"  verse 21 NLT

Why didn't the disciples ask Jesus to multiply their one loaf of bread?
He could have given each disciple 10, 100, or 1,000 loaves each. Did
they even think about it? Why not ask for a honey loaf?
I wonder, did they ever eat?
Yet ye  have not because ye ask not, says James 4:2. Maybe they didn't
ask.

When Jesus warned the disciples about the Pharisees and Sadducees, He
wasn't speaking about yeast in the bread, but about their deceptive
teachings. I sure don't want to be like them.

LET IT GROW

"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his souls?" Jesus asked.
Mark 8: 36-37
What benefit is it for me to gain the whole world, be CEO of an oil company
or become President of America, but I loose my own soul by going to Hell?
Nothing. Zilch.
Nothing is worth more than my soul. It's the most important thing that I have,
own, or could possess.

LET IT GO

I don't want to teach one thing and do the opposite. Isn't that a hypocrite?
Keep God #1.
Keep material things in the right priority.
Maybe I should ask Jesus more often, instead of trying to provide it on my
own.

Good, Better, Best

Mark 7
He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and
the dumb to speak.        Mark 7:37

LET IT GLOW

Jesus healed a man who was blind and could not speak. The people were
beyond measure astonished. This is the first part of the above verse.
Did Jesus not do anything well? No, I don't think so.

I want to hear from Jesus and speak for Jesus. I don't want to be deaf to
His Words, but hear them, say them, and do them.

Is doing a good job enough? Could I have done better? Did I do my best
for Jesus? These are questions for me to ask myself.

Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Colossians 3:23 says,"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the
Lord, and not unto men."

So these verses tell me that whatever I am doing, at work, church, or
home, I am to do it for the Lord and not for the praise of people or for
myself.

LET IT GROW

The Pharisees' hang up was tradition. Thus they missed Jesus' point.
They said eating with unwashed hands defiled a person.

"It is what comes from inside that defiles you.  For from within, out of a
person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride,
and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what
defile you." Mark 7:20-23  NLT

Defile means corruption. What is in my heart is evident by my words,
actions, dress, activities, decisions,  etc.

God's Word never changes. Different versions may try to water It
down. Society may try to wiggle around it or excuse themselves.
God's way is best and for our good.

David found that out when he tried to move the Ark back home on a
new cart instead of the Levites carrying it on their shoulders. A man
died as a result of  Israel doing it their way instead of God's way. God's
standards never change. So since it is Him I am striving to please, I want
to be obedient to His Word. (My heart problem will be evident to others.)

I remember my husband telling our children, "It's not done until it's
done right." How true.

LET IT GO

Consider how Jesus did all things well and strive to do my best.
Whatever I do, do it for the Lord, not for myself.

Everyone have a safe and wonderful weekend celebrating our country's
Independence Day. (Christ has set us free from our sins.)

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right

Mark 6
He's just a carpenter... Mark 6:3a NLT

LET IT GLOW

As Jesus taught in the synagogue in Nazareth, His hometown, many who
heard Him were amazed. They wondered where He got the wisdom and
power to perform miracles. They knew His family. Verse 3 says they
were deeply offended and refused to believe in Him.

In verse 4, Jesus told them," A prophet is honored everywhere except in
his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family."
Verse 6 tells us He was amazed at their unbelief.
Amazed means to feel great astonishment, surprise, or wonder.
(How it must have saddened Jesus that He couldn't minister to His
friends and relatives.)

Did the local people see Jesus as a "hometown boy", nothing
extraordinary or sinless?

I'm glad Jesus was a carpenter by trade. Carpenters know how things
fit together. My grandfather was a carpenter. He built several houses
in my hometown and other towns close. They are still being lived in.
He even built what was our barn, which  stood for at least 50 years.
So I would say he knew how to build.

Jesus is preparing my mansion  in heaven, according to John 14.
He already has plans for a new Jerusalem, with dimensions and materials
already prepared, by Rev.21.

LET IT GROW

Later in this chapter, we have the rest of the story of John the Baptist.
He pointed out King Herod and his wife's sin-they married, but she
was his brother's wife.(Mistake #1 for Herod)
Later, Herod offered his daughter anything she wanted, up to half of his
kingdom. (Mistake #2 for Herod)

The king's daughter asked her mother what she should request.
Her answer was John the Baptist's head on a tray. What a revengeful and
hateful woman.
Herod regreted his offer, but did it in front of guests so he couldn't
refuse it. (He believed John the Baptist was a just and holy man.)
He opened his mouth without thinking first.

So it was done. Two wrongs don't make a right. John was beheaded
for telling the truth, calling sin sin.

Do I say I'll do something without first weighing the consequences?
Do I agree to do something without first consulting my Heavenly
Father?


LET IT GO

Continue to love others and be a witness of the good news of Jesus.
Help others not be offended in God's Word.
Watch what I say or promise.
Be responsible for my words and actions, bearing the consequences.