Local Blind Man Sees

John 9
I was blind, now I see.     John 9:25 b


LET IT GLOW


Years ago, I there was a blind man who was a member of our church. He
did amazing things in spite of his physical challenge. He mowed his lawn, put
new window screens on his house, and cooked for his wife who had cancer.
Spiritually, though, he was not blind. The love of Jesus radiated from him.
He had spiritual insights and could see with his heart.

This chapter begins with Jesus passing by and seeing a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked Jesus whose sin caused this, the man's or his parent's
sin.

In verse 3, Jesus answered,"Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but
that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (KJV)
"This happened so the power of God could be seen in him," quoted from NLT.

God is sovereign over all. He has a right to use His creation for His glory as
He sees fit. God's power and glory was seen in His healing the man.
When Jesus healed the blind man, He proved Himself sent of God to be the
true light to the world, according to Matthew Henry.

Jesus put clay on the man's eyes; he washed in the pool of Siloam, obeying
Jesus; then he was healed.

1Samuel 15:22 b says,"to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken(submit)
than the fat of rams."

The doubting Pharisees questioned the seeing man, even his parents, too. In
verse 25, he answered and said, "Whether he (Jesus) be a sinner or no, I know
not: one thing I know, that, whereas, I was blind, now I see."

Jesus made this man who was physically blind and in darkness all of his life, to see.


LET IT GROW

After the Pharisees talked to the blind man whom Jesus healed, they cast the
man out (of the temple, I suppose).
Then came Jesus and asked him,"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?"

The man must have thought Jesus was one of His followers and wanted to find
the Son of God.
And Jesus said unto him, "Thou hast both seen him and it is he that talketh with
 thee," says verse 37.

After this happened, the man said, "Lord, I believe."
And he worshipped Him.
So here is a man who had been blind all of his life and he got to see the Son of
God, the Messiah. What did he do? He believed on Jesus and worshipped Him.

Now, Jesus made this man who was spiritually blind all of his life, to see the Light.
In verse 5, Jesus said He was the light of the world.
Thanks to Jesus this man can see physically and spiritually.


LET IT GO

I believe Jesus is the Son of God and I worship Him.

Stone Throwing

John 8
Jesus said unto her,"Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
John 8:11b

LET IT GLOW

I know a man who tells about throwing stones during one of his childhood
adventures:  He and some friends hid on a bridge using a bean flip with rocks
on cars passing underneath. When a taxi cab drove under, the friends, not this
boy, shot the taxi cab. The driver stopped his taxi and pursued the boys.
Everyone ran, but the driver caught them. He took the boys to their mothers,
but he did not press charges. Rightfully, the driver could have taken the boy to
jail, but he showed mercy instead. (His mother took care of it later.)

Early in the morning, Jesus was teaching in the temple when He was
interrupted by the scribes and Pharisees. They brought a woman caught
in the act of adultery.

"Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what
sayest thou?", asked they of Jesus in verse 5.

The scriptures referred to were Exodus 20:14, which says, "Thou shalt not
commit adultery." and Leviticus 20:10b, which says that "the adulterer and the
adulteress shall surely be put to death."

These men were trying to trap Jesus into saying something they could use
against Him. Jesus didn't anwer right away, but stooped down and wrote in
the dust with His finger. There is only speculation as to what He wrote;
Scripture does not tells us.

"Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" says Jesus in verse 7.
(NLT)
Then He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. (verse 8)
What happened next? The accusers were convicted by their own conscience
and left one at a time. Only Jesus was left with the crowd and the woman.

The woman was guilty of adultery and deserved to be stoned to death,
but Jesus didn't condemn her. He was the only One without sin. He could
have rightfully stoned her to death, but He showed mercy instead.

Lest we join in with the group of accusers, let's see what scripture tells us.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

In Matthew 5:28, Jesus says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on
a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
Can we insert "man" in place of "woman" in that verse? Women can lust after
men in their mind.

Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy to me a sinner and us sinners. Since I am
not without sin, I cannot cast the first stone either.

LET IT GROW

In the rest of chapter 8, Jesus proclaims His Diety to the Pharisees.
(verses 18,58)

Jesus said His followers:

• walk in light, not darkness (verse 12)
• He always did things that pleased the Father, shouldn't we too?(verse 29)
• continue in Jesus' Word (verse 31)
• know the truth and are free (verse 32)
• love Jesus because God is our Father (verse 42)
• hear God's Words (verse 47) [listen gladly to Words of God-NLT]
• keep His sayings and never see death (verse 51)\

"God's truth will have no effect upon you unless you accept it and believe it.
Have you allowed God to implement those truths into your life?" asks Henry
Blackaby.


LET IT GO

Make sure my tongue does not cast stones.
Remember God's mercy toward me, a sinner.
Be a true follower of Jesus.

Famous

John 7
Jesus' half-brothers, in Galilee said, "You can't become famous if you
hide like this!"  John 7:4 NLT

LET IT GLOW

After Michael Jackson's death, his family became even more famous, not
because of their accomplishements, but due to Michael's unexpected death
and his career.  I am not closely related to a famous person and do not want
to be one myself.

Jesus was staying out of Judea because the Jewish leaders were plotting His
death. His brethren or brothers, which were half-brothers, wanted Jesus to
go into Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Did they want Him to become
famous, perform miracles, and "make a name" for them? Apparently they
thought Jesus needed some PR. Did they want their relations to Jesus to bring
them honor and respect? His brothers did not believe in Him as the Christ.
(verse 5)
It wasn't time for Jesus to leave Galilee, much less enter Jerusalem, which
He told the brothers in verses 6 and 8. So Jesus did not listen to His
brothers and go with them.

Jesus didn't come to be famous, but to save that which was lost and to be
a servant of the Father. He didn't follow His own agenda, or anyone else's
for that matter, but Jesus followed His Father's agenda, since He came to
do His Father's will.

I want to stay close to Jesus no matter what the future holds, doing the
Father's will.


LET IT GROW

Jesus told the Pharisees that they would seek Him and not find Him, and
where He was, meaning heaven, they could not go. (verse 34)

Verse 35 says, "Then said the Jews among themselves, 'Whither will he go,
that we shall not find him? Will he go into the dispersed among the Gentiles,
and teach the Gentiles?' "

The Pharisees had spies informing them of Jesus' where abouts and His
activities. They kept up with His doings.

Our Jesus can always be found because He is everywhere. He's only a prayer
away. What a comfort for us believers.


LET IT GO

I don't seek to be famous, but I do seek to be obedient to my Lord Jesus.
Jesus is found when I pray.

Bread of Life

John 6
I am the bread of life. (Jesus is speaking) John 6:48


LET IT GLOW

Who doesn't like hot, fluffy, homemade biscuits? With butter or blackberry
jelly they are mouth watering. They even make the best strawberry shortcake.
Mmm, I need to make some just thinking about it makes me yearn for biscuits.

Early in this chapter, Jesus fed the 5,000 men, plus however many women and
children, with a boy's lunch of 5 barley loaves and 2 fish.

Then in verses 35 and 48, Jesus states that He is the bread of life. What does
that mean? 

In "Experiencing God Day-By-Day", the Blackabys say:

We know how to use physical bread. Whenever we are hungry we simply go
and eat. Do we do that spiritually? Jesus said if we believe in Him, we will
never be spiritually hungry or malnourished, for He is the "bread of life." Every
time we face a spiritual need, it is a simple matter of going to Christ and
allowing Him to provide us with what we need.
Could it be that we tried to satisfy our spiritual hunger with human resources?
(friends, experiences of others) Could it be that we had a great spiritual feast
several years ago, and we were so "full" of Christ that we thought we would
never have to eat again? We grew lean and hungry because we were still
operating on an encounter with God we had years ago. If you are lacking
something spiritually, it is because you have not come to Him in faith as He
invites.
When God gave manna in the wilderness, the children of Israel had to go out
each day to receive God's daily provision. Jesus taught His disciples to pray,
"Give us this day our daily bread." Spiritual nourishment is something you must
seek daily. Have you found spiritual food from Christ today?

To receive spiritual food, I must daily eat from God's Word. Am I getting fat
or lean spiritually?


LET IT GROW

Jesus had other disciples that followed Him, according to verse 66. They went
back and walked no more with Him.

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, "Will ye also go away?" (verse 67)

Peter answered Him,"Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of
eternal life. And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of
the living God." (verses 68-69)

What will it take to get me to quit following Jesus, to turn my faith from Him?
Nothing, I hope. I believe that He is that Christ, the Son of the living God,
and He holds eternal life. So that settles that. I have decided to follow Jesus,
no turning back.


LET IT GO

Go to Jesus in prayer when I am spiritually hungry.
Feast on  Scripures for my spiritual food.
Don't turn back and walk away from God, but stay committed to following
Him daily.

Rise and Walk

John 5
Jesus saith unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk."
John 5:8

LET IT GLOW

After forty years of having a disease undiagnosed, finally it was this year. What
a joyous time. Now I can lead a normal life by following a restricted diet and
taking a few pills. I can relate to how this man in chapter 5 must have felt. I
am so grateful to the Lord for my blessing. I'm sure he was too.

Jesus knew how long the man had been sick, 38 years. This man was not able
to walk into the pool of Betheda for healing. "God keeps account of how long
we're afflicted and He knows all about our frame," according to Matthew Henry.

This man didn't have any friends to carry him into the pool by this time. Jesus
didn't carry him into the pool for healing. In verse 8, Jesus saith unto him, Rise,
take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and
walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. (verse 9)

Do I rise up when Jesus says and get going where He directs? Not always,
but I should. Where did the man walk to?The man went to the temple, no
doubt to worship God. It had been a very long time since he could do that.
What a joyful heart he must have had.

LET IT GROW

In the latter part of this chapter, witnesses of Jesus are mentioned. First is
John the Baptist (testimony), second is Jesus' works (miracles), third is the
Father (spoke at Jesus' baptism), last is the Scripture (Moses and the
prophets). They are all witnesses of Jesus. They spoke the truth.

John 14:6 says, "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.' "
Does my life witness for Jesus? I want it to.

LET IT GO

Rise up and walk when Jesus tell me to.
Be a witness for Him.

Thirsty Woman

John 4
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never
thirst; but the water that I shall bive him shall be in him a well of water
springing up into everlasting life.  John 4: 14

LET IT GLOW

Sweat was dripping off me. It was a scorching  hot summer's day in the sun. I
was so thirsty and hot that I had to stop the yardwork and take a break. The
cool bottle of water was so refreshing as I drank it in the shade, where the breeze
was blowing. Did I mention how refreshing it was? I would have called it quits,
but we were helping a neighbor clean up his yard. We endured the heat,
continued cleaning until the project was completed, and admired our efforts
while eating a frozen popsicle.

Did  the Samaritan woman go to draw water at the well because she, too, was
thirsty, or was it because that would be her day's supply of water? Either way,
she found living water that lasted for eternity.

The well's water provide only temporary relief, but Jesus' water was satisfying
to the soul. Jesus knew all about the woman's situation. This opened her eyes
to Him. In this chapter and chapter 9 are the only places where Jesus identifies
Himself as the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, to people.

As a result of their conversation, the woman left her waterpot and went into
town sharing what had happened to her. Scripture says that many believed,
not because the Samaritan woman, but because they heard Jesus themselves
and knew He was indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. (verse 42)

Does my soul thirst for Jesus? Do I seek His Living Water as much as I do
water for my body?


LET IT GROW

When the disciples returned with meat and offered it to Jesus, He said,"My
meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." (verse 34)

Paul says in Romans 14:17-18,"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink;
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these
things serveth Chrsit is acceptable to God, and approved of men."

Am I more focused on physical food than spiritual food? Which gets more of
my time? Which is more satisfying to me?

LET IT GO

Make Jesus my food and water.
Share the Living Water of Jesus.
Give spiritual and physical food away to others.

Born Again

John 3
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3

LET IT GLOW

Who was Nichodemus?
Nichodemus was a scholared Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the
ruling Jewish counsel. He believed Jesus was a teacher come from God.
Why? He said that no one could do those miracles Jesus did except God be
with him. (verse 2).

Fourfold Gospel Bible Commentary says:

Nichodemus came to Jesus by night to avoid hostility of his

                    colleagues and had a more personal uninterupted interview with
                   
                    Jesus.

Later, in John 7:50, Nick is remembered as "he that came to Jesus by night,
being one of them." Also, Nick brought spices for Jesus' dead body, as
John 19:39 tells us. (This tells me that Nick was a believer.)

We don't have recorded Nick asking Jesus any questions, but remember
that Jesus could read minds and hearts.

Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (verse 3)

In verse 3, the Greek word anothen (which means from above) is the word
anew, and is translated  again.

So a person must be born anew, born again, born from above, in order to see
the kingdom of God.

Matthew Henry Commentary tells us:

          Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again is to begin anew. We must

          have a new nature, new principles, new affection, new aims. By our first
        
          birth we are corrupt, shapen in sin and iniquity; we must undergo a

          second birth. We must be born from above, with a divine nature and

          bear the image of the heavenly. The natural man must become a spiritual

          man, before he is capable of receiving and understanding them

          (instructions).


Jesus goes on to say in verse 5, "Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

To me, just as water cleanses and purifies and it takes away filth, so our soul
or heart must be cleansed by asking Jesus to forgive us of our sins, by His
blood (figuratively speaking). We are born of the Spirit when His Holy Spirit
comes into our heart whenever this occurs.

Nick kept asking how. The answer is found in the next few verses, believe in
God's Only Begotten Son. God loved us so much that He gave Jesus Christ to
us as a free gift so we wouldn't perish, or have to pay for our sins ourselves,
in order that we may have everlasting and eternal life.

It isn't baptism that saves us because baptism is the outward expression of the
inward change. It isn't by works, because our righteousness is as filthy rags.

Westley's Explanatory Notes say:

This was the very design of God's love in sending Him (Jesus) into the

          world. Whosoever believeth on Him-with that faith in Him, which

          worketh by love, He gave His only son-truly and seriously, and the Son

          of God gave Himself.

What will we do with a man called Jesus?

 

 

 

LET IT GROW

 

In verse 30, John the Baptist says, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

 

In other words, Jesus, my Savior, Lord, and Master, must be greater than

me in my life. That sums it up, doesn't it?

 

 

LET IT GO

 

Thank You Lord for loving me, a sinner, and purchasing my salvation.

Thank You that heaven is awaiting us believers.

Thank You that it is through faith in You, not of works.

 

 

 

 

Wedding Reception Miracle

John 2
Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.   John 2:5


LET IT GLOW

I can understand the tension when the wine ran out at the wedding party in
chapter 2. Although this did not happen to us at either  our daughter or our
son's wedding reception, there was concern and tension about having
enough punch for the guests.

Jesus, His disciples, and His mother were attending a wedding. Probably it
was that of a relative. Then there was a need-the wine ran out during the
festival. Mary went to Jesus with the need and expected Him to meet it, and
He did.

There were six stone jars, which were used for Jewish ceremonial washing,
that were available. They held 20-30 gallons.
Jesus didn't do things half way. He had the jars filled with water, then He
turned the water into wine. It wasn't watered down, either, it was the best
of wine. The head waiter mentions it in verse 10.

This tells me that I can take my needs to Jesus and expect the best from Him.


LET IT GROW

"Whatever He saith unto you, do it," Mary told the servants after she told
Jesus they ran out of wine to drink. The servants obeyed Jesus and
experienced His first miracle.

Do you reckon Mary knew Jesus had the power to remedy the problem
before she went to Him?

"Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering of
rams," says 1Samuel 15:22b (NLT).


LET IT GO

What Jesus tells me to do, do it.

Expect Jesus to meet the need which I take to Him.

Come and See

John 1
They said unto him, Rabbi, where dwellest thou?
He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he
dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 
John 1:38b-39

LET IT GLOW

John was one of the inner circle of the disciples, with Peter and James. Also,
he was "the disciple Jesus loved." John's  portrait of Jesus is richly theological,
focusing on the deity of our Lord and the meaning of faith in Him. The key  
word in John's book is belief or faith, which occurs 98 times in the Greek text. 
(Information from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Handbook)

In the devotional book "Experiencing God Day-By-Day, the authors say:

Christianity is not a set of teachings to understand. It is a Person to follow. As
he walked with Jesus, Andrew watched Jesus heal the sick, teach God's
wisdom, and demonstrate God's power. Andrew not only learned about God;
he actually experienced Him!
Moments will come when you stand at a crossroads with your Lord. You will
have a hundred questions for Him. Rather than answering the questions one by
one, Jesus may say,"Put on your shoes, step out onto the road, and follow Me."
As you walk daily with Him, Jesus will answer your questions, and you will
discover far more than you even knew to ask.

In verse 37 says,"And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed
Jesus."
Andrew and another disciple heard John the Baptist announce Jesus as the
"Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

Jesus asked them ,"What seek ye?"
Do I follow Jesus and seek the world or praise of people? Or do I seek
and follow Him only?
"Where dwellest thou?" they asked Jesus.
"Come and see," He answered them.
The time of day was 10 am and they stayed until night. What a time spent
with the Master Teacher, Rabbi.

LET IT GROW

Andrew found his brother Simon Peter and told him they found the Messiah,
the Christ. (verse 41)

Phillip found Nathanel and said the same. Nate asked,"Can there any good
thing come out of Nazareth?"
Phillip answered,"Come and see."
Perhaps Nathanel wanted proof. Christ knows us better than we know
ourselves. (verse 48)
We see Nate's full acknowledgement of who Jesus was in verse 49:
"Rabbi, Thou art the son of God: Thou art the King of Israel."

When He bids me "Come and see," do I go? Do I listen to His Spirit calling
me to sit at His feet, as Mary, and learn what He wants me to know?
It's hard to be still and know He is God.

LET IT GO

When He bids me "Come" then I go to Him.
Listen to the Master.
Obey what He tells me.

Empty

Luke 24
Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen:
remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee."
Luke 24:5b-6

LET IT GLOW

The tomb or sepulchre, was empty when the group of women, Peter, and John
looked in to see. The women were named Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the
mother of James, Salome. (Mark 16)  The were expecting to care for the
dead body of Jesus, but they couldn't. He wasn't there! Jesus Christ had risen
from the grave on the third day, just as He had said He would.

Instead, they found two angels standing there. The above question was asked.
What a surprise to find an empty tomb!

LET IT GROW

Two disciples were traveling on the road to Emmaus, discussing the events of
the last three days, when a man joins them and their conversation. The two
trusted Jesus to redeem Israel and that day was the third day for it to happen,
yet did it? "Oh, well, another good man come and gone, " perhaps they thought.

Jesus was the other man. He expounded on the scriptures about Him. He ate
a meal with these two, then disappeared. The men realized who He was after-
wards.

Mark 16 tells of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene, then to other women and
to soldiers in Matthew 28.

There were several other appearances of Jesus after His resurrection recorded:

• to ten assembled disciples without Thomas
• to eleven assembled disciples
• to seven disciples while fishing
• to eleven in Galilee
• to James, His brother
• to the disciples in Jerusalem.

Jesus opened their understanding of the scriptures. He suffered and arose that
the repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  (verse 47)
Jesus told of power coming from on high to the disciples (Holy Spirit) in
verse 49.
We find what they did after Jesus blessed them and assended into
heaven. They worshiped Jesus and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and
were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.

LET IT GO

Thank God for the empty tomb.
Worship Jesus, praising and blessing God with great joy.

Paradise

Luke 23
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be
with me in paradise.   Luke 23:43

LET IT GLOW

Palm trees blowing in the cool breeze, surrounded by clear blue
water, colorful tropical fish swimming beneath the surface. Aah, this was
paradise! Our mission team took a day away from the noisy city to relax on
one of God's magnificent tropical islands. Yes, indeed, it was a paradise. One
which I had never seen or experienced before and will never forget.

Jesus has a paradise, called heaven,  prepared for his believers. The criminal
on the cross joined Him there that day. It was the day of His crucifiction.
A conversation occured between two criminals which hung on both sides of
Jesus.

One said, "So you're the Messiah, are you?  Prove it by saving
yourself-and us, too, while you're at it!" (verse 35, NLT)

The other criminal said,"Don't you fear God even when you have been
sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done
anything wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

How did Jesus answer him? "I assure you, today you will be with me in
paradise," He said.

Jesus has heaven waiting for us believers. Immediately upon death our soul is
with Christ. We better be ready.

In 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul says,"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent
from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

LET IT GROW

It was twelve o'clock noon, the sixth hour, when a thick darkness covered the
earth. It lasted three hours. In the temple, the Holy of Holies, is where the veil
tore from top to bottom. It gave Gentiles an approach into God's throne room
of grace.

Matthew Henry Commentator says, "It took away the ceremonial law."

Believers now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ in prayer.


LET IT GO

I want Jesus to remember me, His child.
Go to God through Jesus, His Son, in prayer.

Who is the Greatest Person?

Luke 22
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that servieth?
is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Luke 22:27

LET IT GLOW

One intense week occured in our lives when our son was about 5 years old.
He had been sick and not recovering. We took him to my husband's internal
medicine doctor, who sent him to a specialist in Little Rock. The appointment
was on a Saturday morning, so we didn't have to wait. The night before, we
did our homework. Swollen lymph nodes could indicate leukemia. We prayed
and prayed. The specialist said,"It's not what you think." It was just an
ordinary thing, nothing life-threatening. Praise God we knew the Great
Physican! Everything turned out okay, with our son's recovering.

Before any of His trials and Judas' betrayal, Jesus went to the Garden of
Gethsemane with Peter, James, and John, His inner circle of support. All He
asked of them was to pray, but they fell asleep. This happened three times.
It was such an intense time for Jesus that "His sweat was as it were great drops
of blood falling down to the ground."  (verse 44)  That is intense.

Jesus was praying for God's will to be done, struggling to do it. An angel came
and strengthened Jesus in this time of need. He went on to endure the lying
testimonies, beatings, and nails pm tje crpss fpr us. He took our place paying
for our sins, as the sinless, pure Lamb. Thank you Jesus is so ineffecient.

LET IT GROW

This chapter contains a lot of activities before Jesus' crucifiction. He identified
His betrayer as being in the room, so the disciples humbly asked if it were them.
Jesus washed the disciples' feet and told them to do the same. During their last
meal together and the Lord's Supper, the disciples began to argue about who
would be the greatest in heaven. Of course, the answer was Jesus, not the
disciples. Their focus was on themselves, not the Savior.

Just to eat and drink at His table in His kingdom will be privilege enough, much
less asking "who is the greatest person." It reminded me of Mephibosheth,
Jonathan's son, a cripple, allowed and invited to eat at King David's table.

Revelation 3:21 says,"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his
throne."

In the  "Experiencing God Day-by Day" devotional, the

Blackaby's say:

The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God differs vastly from that

of the world. Our society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the

athletic. We even make celebrities out of those who brazenly flaunt their

immorality. The world claims it is demeaning to serve others. However, God's

kingdom completely rejects the world's measure for esteem, giving the greatest

honor to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly,

without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the

kingdom of God.



LET IT GO

Pray for the Father's will to be done, not mine.

Look for a place to serve, not sit at the head table.

Look Up, Lift Up

Luke 21
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up
your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.   Luke 21:28

LET IT GLOW

I have noticed that in my area of  my state we have had an unusual
experiences of light earthquakes. This is unusual because we never have them.
Is it a sign of the end times coming? I'm not one to that is quick to jump on a
bandwagon and start pointing out events in our world which lead up to Jesus'
return. Just look around, look up, and lift up our head. Who knows but the
Father?

Jesus told us signs of His coming soon: wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences,
fearful sights and great signs from heaven, and believers imprisoned.

In verse 27, He says,"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud
with power and great glory."

Won't it be wonderful when we see our Savior? As the old song goes-"What a
day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, when I look upon His face, the One
Who saved me by His grace, and He takes me by the hand, and leads me
through the Promise Land, what a day, glorious day that shall be."
Yes, Jesus is coming soon, morning, or night, or noon.

I could go on, but the important thing is that we and our loved ones are ready.
Whether we believe it or not is irrevelant, it will happen. Matthew talks about
the trumpet sounding and His elect being gathered from the four winds.
 (Matt. 24:31) In a split second, no time to repent then. Wow!

LET IT GROW

"Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be
able to gainsay nor resist," says verses 14-15.

Be prepared, we believers in Christ will be betrayed and hated by family and
friends, even be put to death for His sake. What a crown awaits for those who
endure to the end. It will be worth it after all, right?

LET IT GO

Be ready for Jesus' return, as if it were today.
Stay close to Him, looking up and lifting up my head.
Keep the faith.

Whose Wife?

Luke 20
For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Luke 20:38

LET IT GLOW

There were seven brothers which died childless and were married to the same
woman. When she died, whose wife was she in the resurrection? A Sadducee
asked Jesus that question. He answered that there was neither marrying nor
given in marriage in the resurrection. (verse 35)

As believers, our souls will live with God, so He is the God of the living, which
are dead in bodily form.
I should live like He is the God of the living.

LET IT GROW

The chief priests and scribes sent spies to watch Jesus so they might deliver Him
unto the power and authority of the  governor. In trying to trap Jesus, they asked
Him,"Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?"

Of course, Jesus knew what was going on. He answered,"Render therefore unto
Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's."
(verse 25) The group marvelled at His answer and held their peace.

I should do as Jesus said-give God what belongs to Him and give our government
what belongs to it.

LET IT GO

Enjoy my marriage here on earth.
Tithe to God and pay my taxes, both faithfully and honestly.

Short People

Luke 19
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10

LET IT GLOW

What's it like being a short person? It's hard. Things I want at stores are usually
located on the top shelf; I sit up front because if someone sits or stands in front
of me, then I can't see the speaker or what's happening; I use a pillow while
driving so I can each the peddles. I thought teaching first and second graders
that people could find me, the teacher, in the classroom easily, but not so. This
is the way my life is, but the way God made me, so I have accepted it as His
will.  ( Maybe He will let me be at least five feet tall in heaven.)

You can see, I know how frustrated Zachaeus must have felt, not
being able to see above the crowd that day. The Bible describes him as being
"little in stature," but I don't think he was a "wee little man" as the children's
song goes.

The main thing is Zac didn't let this obstacle stop him from seeing Jesus. He
was determined that day. As a result, it occured. As he was walking, Jesus
stopped right below Zac in the tree, looked up, saw the need in his heart, and
invited himself to dinner. Well, he invited himself to  Zac's house anyway. No
excuses were made, no hesitancy.

"Zachaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great
excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. 'He has gone to be the
guest of a notorious sinner,' they grumbled." NLT

Was it the conversation in Zac's house or was it when he was in the tree that
he became a believer in Jesus? No matter, he did. As evidence of a changed
heart, Zac offered to give half of his goods to the poor, and restore people
four times the amount if he cheated anyone on his taxes. Zac was a tax
collector.

That's when Jesus stated that salvation had come to Zac's house and Jesus's
purpose was to seek and save that which was lost. (verse 10) One of His
children was found that day.

Jennifer Rothschild said in her book"Walking By Faith"

Jesus'gaze extended beyond Jerusalem's beauty and into the future. He knew
that within decades Jerusalem would lie in ruins-its beloved temple demolished,
its commerce destroyed, its citizens dead or dispersed. He saw the needless,
self-inflicted suffering of those who rebel against God's will-and He wept.
I think the same is true today. God looks into our hearts, sees the pain we have
inflicted on ourselves by resisting Him and His gracious will-and He weeps.
It would be difficult to trust our tears to One who never cried. But, "we do not
have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses"
(Heb.4:15). Knowing that Jesus wept ministers to our soul's deepest needs.

I shouldn't let things hinder me from coming to Jesus-things like schedule,
health, financial problems, family, etc.

LET IT GROW

Verse 41 says, "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept
over  it."  The city was Jerusalem. The time was His triumphal entery into the
beloved city before His crucifixion. All was well, it seemed. (Matthew 21
gives a better description.)

Jesus didn't weep over Jerusalem because that was where He would be
rejected, condemned, and crucified.  The gospel was preached there and
salvation was offered there. If only Jesus had been recognized as
their Messiah, their peace and grace. Less than forty years later what Jesus
said in verses 42-44, would happen to Jerusalem, did happen. The Romans,
under the rule of Titus flattened the city.

Revelation 21 describes the great holy city, the new Jerusalem, which John
saw in his vision. Throughout the Old Testament, Jerusalem was God's special
city, where His Temple of worship was located. It is just as important to the
Jews today.

Do I weep over the spiritual condition of the people in my city, in my state, in
my nation? Jesus did and so should I.

LET IT GO

Show the fruit of salvation, loving people as Jesus did.
Weep over my city, state, and nation's spiritual conditions. Then pray for them
and take Jesus to them.

Persistence

Luke 18
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to
pray, and not to faint.  Luke 18:1

LET IT GLOW

As a young teenager, I kept hounding, or asking my parents for a bicycle, Finally,
they gave me one. My persistance paid off. It wasn't what I expected, a brand
new bike with a banana seat, up turned handle bars with streamers, and pink in
color, my dream bike. No, it was my sister's old bike, painted red, with a new
old-fashioned seat. Needless to say, it wasn't what I expected, but it was a
bicycle for me to ride. I spent hours riding my "new red bike" on our country
road. Soon I forgot that  my bike was a hand-me-down because it rode
just as fast as my friend's new bike.

One thing I learned during that time, was to be persistant, never giving up.
Have I forgotten this as an adult? Today my faith wavers; doesn't move
mountains; isn't the size of a grain of mustard seed. Or is it? God still answers my
prayers. Sometimes it takes years, but it is in His timing and ways, not mine.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He can't fail. Without faith
it is impossible to please God. Fill my cup, Lord. Fill it up with faith, overflowing.
you've done it before, You can do it again. Yes Sir, He can. I believe it.

In the parable, here, Jesus told about a widow that was persistant in asking a
judge until she got what she wanted. In verse 7, Jesus says,"And shall not God
avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with
them?"

Will you join me in praying day and night  for revival in our churches and in
America?

LET IT GROW

Another parable Jesus told that is in  this chapter, is about the Pharisee and the
Publican, which are praying. We see pride versus humility, self-rightousness
versus a sinner, no remorse versus repentance.

In verse 14, Jesus says,"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather
than the other for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that
humbleth himself shall be exalted."

God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Our righteousness is as filthy
rags in His sight.

LET IT GO

Keep the faith. Ask for mercy, not justice.
Stay humble before God.
Keep praying for our churches and nation to have revival.

Temptations

Luke 17
One day Jesus said to his disciples, "There will always be
temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the
tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone
hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall
into sin. So watch yourselves!"   Luke 17:1-3 NLT

LET IT GLOW

Instead of the word temptations, the KJV uses the word offenses and
the NAS uses the words stumbling blocks, which means "a striking
against."

Either way, I need to be careful not to tempt or cause anyone to stumble
into sin. As a woman, I should watch what I wear, say, and do.
To be a stumbling block sounds like it is a serious thing.
A little one in verse 3 refers to one a new believer.

LET IT GROW

As He entered a village, Jesus met ten men that were lepers. They asked for
mercy from Him. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests. As
they went, they were healed. Only one of the ten, when he saw he was
healed, turned back and glorified  God with a loud voice, fell down on his
face at Jesus' feet giving thanks. He was a Samaritan, too. Did Jesus notice
that the other nine didn't do the same?

I should be the one to fall on my face at Jesus feet, giving thanks when I
receive mercy.

LET IT GO

Watch out that I don't cause another to stumble or be tempted into sin.
Be grateful for God's mercy.
Thank people for their kind deeds.

Little Things

Luke 16
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he
that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  Luke 16:10


LET IT GLOW

Jesus said in verse 17, "And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one
tittle of the law to fail."

What God says, happens. His Word is Truth. It will come to pass. I am glad
there is something that never changes.

The Word of God stands forever. Isaiah 40: 8

But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by
the gospel is preached unto you.  1 Peter 1:25


LET IT GROW

It's the little things that matter-a child's hug, a thank you, a door held open,
a compliment. Those are the ones that make me feel loved. Maybe it's
because we expect the big things-birthday and anniverary gifts. Several months
ago my husband surprised me, shocked me is the description,  with a dozen
red roses, for no special reason, he just  wanted to do it.  Now, that's love,
L-O-V-E, love. (It was a first.)

Jesus said these things to His disciples and the Pharisees heard (NLT):

• If you're faithful in little things, you will be faithful in big ones. (verse 10)
• But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater

          responsibilities. (verse 10)

• And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you

          with the true riches of heaven? (verse 11)

• And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted

          with things of your own? (verse 12)

• You cannot serve both God and money. (verse 13b)

LET IT GO

Trust God that He keeps His Word.

Be faithful, honest, trustworthy, serving God.

Where is It?

LUKE 15

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner that repenteth.  Luke 15:10

LET IT GLOW

Where is that thing? Often times I ask myself that question because I
misplace things and can't find them when I need them. Finally, after looking
everywhere, I pray, "It's me again, Lord. I can't find this. Would You please
help me find it?" He's always faithful and gracious and helps me find it.

In this particular parable, a woman lost a coin (verse 8), lit a candle to look
for it, swept the house out, then she finds it at last. She calls her friends and
neithbors together to rejoice with her because she found the lost coin.

Here we see God uses different methods to bring lost sinners to repentance
to Himself. Then there is rejoicing when the lost one is found. Let's keep
praying for our loved ones' salvation.


LET IT GROW

"But we just had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours
was dead and has come to life, was lost and has been found."
(verse 32 of Williams New Testament)

Often times, when I hear the Prodical Son story, the focus is on the one son
who went astray and returned to the father. What about the other son who
had been faithfully serving his father many years? He never got a party, robe,
or ring in his behalf, and he didn't spend the inheritance on harlots. Is jealousy
so strong here that he can't rejoice to see his brother return home? The father
told his faithful son all he had belonged to the son. His brother was dead and
now is alive again.


LET IT GO

Keep praying for our lost loved ones to come to salvation in Jesus.

Rejoice when stray brethren come home to God.

Banquet Invitation

Luke 14
And the lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways and
hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Luke 14:23

LET IT GLOW

When I was  in high school and president of the F.H.A. club, we
had a mother-daughter banquet. Mom accepted my invitation to be my
special guest at the banquet. She bought me a new dress and shoes for the
occasion. I even got to go to the beauty shop, where I spent hours having my
long hair put up in a "fancy do." We both wore red rose corsages.
(She looked nice too.) Dad probably told us we were "all togged up" just to
eat. Up town, we were. I don't remember the program, menu, or who the
other guests were, after 39 years, but I was so proud to have Mom with me.

In chapter 14, Jesus tells a parable about a man who had a banquet supper
with special invited guests. The only thing is, these guests made excuses why
they could not attend-2 had business and 1 was a newly wed. So the man
sent his servant into the streets of the city to invite the poor, lame, and blind
to come to his banquet.

Jesus was referring to the Jews being invited to dine at the Lord's supper in
the kingdom of God, but they refused, not believing in Him as the Messiah.
Therefore, Christ extends His invitation to us Gentiles, the poor in spirit,
crippled with sin. The Holy Spirit bids us to come to the Messiah for salvation
and thus we will dine at the Lord's banqueting table in heaven, a feast for our
soul, partaking of grace and mercy.

I hope that I will be listening when Jesus invites me to sit at His table in this
present life, to dine spiritually with the Savior.
I want to be one of the guests that attends Jesus' banquet in heaven. Will you come with
me?


LET IT GROW

In verse 28, Jesus tells another parable: before building a tower, who would
first count the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, if
a man starts building a tower, doesn't finish it, then others will mock him.

This shows me that many believers begin the Christian walk of life, but some
fall away, turning to other things, not denying self, not remaining faithful to
Christ all of their lives. I want to finish the race of my Christian walk with Him.


LET IT GO

Listen when the Lord invites me to come to His table and eat spiritual food
with Him now and in eternity.

Count the cost of Christianity and remain faithful to Christ to the end.

Lifted Up

Luke 13
And he (Jesus) laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made
straight, and glorified God.   Luke 13:13

LET IT GLOW

In the parable of the barren fig tree, the owner comes and finds no fruit on
it after three years. He is going to cut it down, but the manager of the
vineyard interceeds, asking him to wait, allow it to be cultivated and fertilized.
The owner agreed, but if no figs were produced, it would come down.

Here we have Christ as  the owner, interceeding for the Jewish people and
nation before God. The Jews produced not fruit of repentance, so us Gentiles
received the gospel.

Christians share the gospel and pray interceeding for people. Christ interceeds
for Christians to God.
Thank you Lord for giving salvation to me, a Gentile. May I produce fruit for
You.


LET IT GROW

A woman had been crippled, bent over, for 18 years. She couldn't straighten
herself up right. She must have been in a lot of pain, yet she went to the
synagogue to worship God. ( I know her back would have hurt something
awful.)

Matthew Henry Commentary says:

    She had an infirmity, which an evil spirit, by divine permission, had brought
upon her. She came to be taught and get good to her soul, and then Christ
gave this relief to her bodily infirmity.


Verse 12 says,"And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto
her, 'Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.' "  That was the only
conversation between them that was recorded. In fact, Luke is the only
one to record this occurance.

Immediately after Jesus laid His hands on the woman, she was made straight
and glorified God. I can be like her, crippled by my sins or bent over from
carrying heavy burdens. Jesus' touch can lift my sins and burdens away, if
only I ask.

1 Peter 5:7 says,"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Matthew 11:28-30 says,"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for
I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my
yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

We can find rest in Jesus whenever we let Him carry our burdens.
When crooked souls are made straight, they will show it by their glorifying
God.

LET IT GO

Interceed for believers and unbelievers.
Bring my sins and burdens to Jesus. Then ask Him to remove them.

Treasure Hunt

Luke 12

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Luke 12:21

LET IT GLOW

Do you recall a game called Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt that we played
as a child? We were given clues to follow, looking for certain items on a list.
The grand prize (treasure) was found at the end. I was reminded of the game
when I read verse 34: For where your treasure is, there will your heart
be also.

Webster's Dictionary defines a treasure as anything prized highly; regarded
as precious; an accumulation of money or jewels.

Jesus is talking to His disciples in verses 22-40. In 33, He tells them,"Sell
that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a
treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither
moth corrupteth.

I think that of some people Jesus requires them to sell all and give to the poor
and follow Him, litterally, but of others it is a matter of attitude-sell out making
Jesus number one in their life, but not actually selling items.

If Jesus is my treasure, the One in whom I prize highly, regard as precious,
then my heart will be focused on Him, not on eartly things.

Where is my treasure? Wherever it is, my heart will be there also. If Jesus is
my treasure and  He is in heaven, so my heart will be on heavenly things,
such as grace, good works of obedience, praise, and faith  for Jesus. They
can't be stolen, decayed, or decreased in value in heaven, unlike here on earth.

LET IT GROW

In verse 13, a man wanted Jesus to speak to his brother so he'd divide the
inheritance with him. Instead of and answer, "Sure, where is he, I'll tell him,"
the man got a parable written in verses 16-21.

How many times does the rich fool in the parable use the word I ? Six times
if I counted right. (try to say that without using the word)  Did he have an I
problem? Apparently, this rich man is talking to himself, which happens quite
often to me. He was proud of how much harvest (fruits and goods) he had.
He thought his problem was not having enough storage (barns). The man was
going to tear down the barns he had and build bigger ones. His problem was
covetousness; he was wrapped up in the abundance of possessions. He was
greedy and trusting in his wealth.
The man's plan was to take it easy afterwards. God called him a fool and said
he would die that night and then who would enjoy his stuff.

He was rich in worldy goods, but not rich toward God, as verse 21 says.
Matthew Henry Commentary tells us:
The greatest error of all is to not care to be rich toward God-rich in faith,
good works, in fruits of righteousness, in grace, in spiritual gifts.

I want to be rich toward God in faith, works, righteousness, grace, spiritual
gifts.

LET IT GO

Keep Jesus as my treasure and my heart on heavenly things.
Be rich toward God.