Larry's Going Home Soon

 Dear Friends,

I wanted to take this time to share what the Lord Jesus is doing in my family. Do not quit praying for your loved ones to come to know Jesus as their Savior. It may take years before they get to that point of need in their life and admit they need forgiveness.. 

My brother is on his death bed now as I type this. Cancer is trying to take his life, and probably will.  It has been working for years now. First, he had a kidney removed due its conquer. Then spots kept coming into his bladder. The doctor would scrape it out. Now cancer has spread and is in 90% of his liver. Beside all of that, he had a stroke years ago and lost his wife on top of that. Needless to say, Larry has had a rough road. but pride stood in the way to the narrow way-Jesus.

Despite all of that, he has had many regrets in his life. Except for his three kids, all the other family has deserted him. I would pray for him, but he led a different lifestyle from mine and I quit visiting him, regretfully. Although, every time he had surgery, I would visit him in the hospital, in rehab, take him food, etc. I was civil, just not very forgiving and loving. Doing my sister duty, you know.

Sunday afternoon, my husband and son went to visit Larry in the hospital. I knew his time was short and I was very blunt. I asked him if he was ready to see Jesus and if he had asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins. He answered yes. Then he did something shocking-he asked me to forgive him. Tears flowed down my face and his as we forgave each other and shared the love of Jesus in our hearts. What is past is in the past now. I just wish he had not waited so long to make amends-wasted years. 

Yet, God works things out for our good and His glory. Cancer may have the last control of his body, but not his soul. Larry went on to apologize to my husband and son, too. Also, he dictated apologetic letters to other family members. What an evidence of Jesus changing a sin-stricken heart. So, I will probably not be posting on our Bible study the rest of the week. I want to spend what time we have together with my brother.

Do not give up on praying for your loved ones. God is in control. It may take cancer intruding in a life that brings them to repentance. I am on a mission now. Serving my family with Jesus' love. So please pray for my family during this tough time. 

Seven of the eight cousins got together for som walks down memory lane, childhood excursions on my parents' farm. What fond memories they had together. It was soothing to my aching soul at the loss of my brother.

The grave isn't going to have the victory. There is grace and mercy ready to be poured out on the lost soul. Forgiveness and love abounds in our Savior, Jesus.

In His Name,

Linda

Resurrection

N.T.#413 "Resurrection"

Oct. 22, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The second group to question Jesus was the Sadducees. The were the most wealthy, influential, and aristocratic of all the Jewis sects. All the high priests, chief priests, and the majority of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees. They ignored the oral law, traditions, and scribal laws of the Pharisees, viewing only thew pentateuch as authoritative. Their most distinctive theology is they believed Moses did not teach a literal resurrection from the dead. so they lived for the moment and whatever profit they could make. Since they controlled the Temple businesses, they were extremely upset when Jesus cleansed the Temple of the money changers, cutting into their profits. This is why they wanted to discredit Jesus in front of the people.  (MacArthur)

Do you believe in afterlife following death? Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.  (John 11:25)

Resurrection means raised to life again; a resurrection from death. 

Jesus was speaking to Martha at that time. He is the One who has the power of resurrection and life for He can give life at any time. Martha had accepted the I AM as the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. 

How about you, dear one? Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior, the giver of life?

He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. (verse 27) 

Jesus told the Sadducees their doctrine was wrong. There is life after death. 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for Your dying for me a sinner.

What a wonderful Savior, who rose from the dead. 

We are trusting our eternal life to You. 

To Whom is Our Allegiance?

N.T.#412 "To Whom is Our Allegiance?"

Oct. 21, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Many people have been put in prison because of their allegiance to God. How strong is our faith?

How do we find out about something if we don't ask questions? However, the 3 questions put to Jesus was not for learning or instruction. The three groups of people questioning Jesus were not for information, but to test or trap Him. Maybe they could get Jesus to say something for which He could be arrested. 

The first group was the Pharisees and Herodians to ask buttered Jesus up first, saying, Teacher, we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar of not? Should we pay them, or shouldn't we? (verses 14-15a, NLT)

they began with flattery and sweet talk, Jesus knew they were trying to trap Him, so He asked for a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it? (verse 16)

How did Jesus answer? Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.  (verse 17)

His reply completely amazed them. Until Christ returns, we need money, but we must not serve it. We obey governing authorities, but we do not serve them when their law conflicts with God's. (Swindoll)

The Pharisees and Herodians failed to trap Jesus with their tax question.

LET IT GROW

As a Christian, when is it right to resist, defy, a government?

1. When a law commands us to violate a command of God. An example is found in Acts 4:19-20:
2. When an authority commits immoral or unethical acts. 
3. When an authority compels us to compromise our Christian convictions, which violates our Spirit-guided conscience. (Swindoll)

God is sovereign and His authority we yield to, therefore, we render to God the things that are God's. He ordained government authority to keep humanity from tearing itself apart. We don't advocate overthrowing the government just because it is not God's kingdom.

Are we giving to our government the taxes required in order for us to be a good citizen? Are we giving our tithes and offerings to God as we should? Is our commitment to God greater? Are we giving to God what is rightfully His?

LET IT GO

Gjive us strength to remain faithful to You, Father God.

May our life honor You as we show we are a good citizen.

A Vineyard and a Cornerstone

N.T.#411 "A Vineyard and a Cornerstone"

Oct. 18, 2024 

Mark 12

LET IT GLOW 

Here is another parable by Jesus. It has a spiritual meaning. We will discuss its meaning later. 

A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. The he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.

What happened then?

•  At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers beat him up and sent him back empty handed.
• He owner sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. 
• The next servant they killed. 
• Others he sent were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left-his son whom he loved dearly.
• The owner finally sent him, thinking, surely they will respect my son.
• But it didn't happen. Desiring the estate for themselves, they murdered the son, and threw his body out of the vineyard,  (New Living Translation)

Jesus asked what the owner of the vineyard would do. He came and killed those farmers and leased the vineyard to others. 

Had the Pharisees not read Psalm 118:22-23:

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the LORD; it is wonderful in our eyes.

What violent and bloody parable. It is Truth for us to learn by, though. Have you rejected or accepted Jesus to be your Cornerstone for your life? Is He your Rock on which you build your life?Or is He just a person in a book to you?

LET IT GROW 

Swindoll teaches us that the word harvest is inserted in the NASB, because the Greek phrase is simply at the time, using kairos, which means a point of time, a defined moment for an event, or a special time. 

The owner had to wait 3 full years as required by the Mosaic Law before dealing with fruit of trees or vines. It was forbidden for them to eat during that time. On the 4th year, all the fruit is holy, an offering of praise to the LORD. Then in the 5th year they owner could eat its fruit. (Lev. 10:23-25)

What does this parable mean? 

In the story, Jesus was referring to Israel the vineyard, God its owner, and the religious leaders were the tenant farmers. 

God sent His prophets to Israel and they rejected the prophets, torturing and murdering them. Then He sent His only Son, Jesus, with the truth, but the Jews rejected Him. Jesus is now the cornerstone, the most important part of the church. (Acts 4:11) The cornerstone is the foundation stone holding the structure together and straight.

Once we die, we reach the courtroom of heaven, where we must give an account of our life. That time will be too late for forgiveness and grace and repentance. We must do it now. 

LET IT GO 

Authority

N.T.#410 "Authority"

Oct. 17, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Confrontation. Jesus didn't mind answering the questions, which were asked to trap Him by the scribes,  priests. and elders of the Temple. This time they questioned by what authority Jesus did things and who gave Him that authority. Jesus knew they did not accept Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. the religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus with a question that would show Him to be either a blasphemer or a weird fanatic. 

So Jesus said He would answer their questions after they answered His question first: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? (verse 30)

The religious leaders reasoned among themselves. (verse 31) It waws a catch 22. If they acknowledged John's ministry as genuinely God-ordained, they would have to explain why they opposed him, and why they assented to his execution by Herod Antipas. Also, they would have to agree with John the Baptist that Jesus is the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)(Swindoll)

those guys di not stand up for John the Baptist or tried to get him released. John had irritated them just as Jesus was doing. They were not looking for the truth. Thes religious leaders were only concerned about position and reputation. They were in darkness, as John said in John 3:19.

On the other hand, if they denounced John's baptism as human origin, they would stand in opposition to popular opinion, which affirmed John as a genuine prophet. So their answer was that they cannot tell. What a copout! Startling the fence. They were in a no-win scenario.

So many people who are Christians will not take a stand against abortion and homosexuality because it might make enemies mad. They don't say anything about those opposing the biblical truths and they are sinful actions.

Where do you stand?

LET IT GROW 

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by l by what authority I do these things. (verse 33)

Those priests and scribes refused to admit that Jesus is God and would not honor Him, nor admit Jesus has authority to clean up the Temple, His Temple from the sinful practices.

Who do you believe Jesus is? Is He your Savior, King, Lamb of God, Son of God?

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil.2:10-11)

Jesus is the way, the truty, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Him. (John 14:6)

LET IT GO

Help us stand for Your Word and Truth, Jesus. 

Forgive First, Then Believe and Receive

N.T.#409 "Forgive First, Then Believe and Receive"

Oct. 16, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Peter called Jesus' attention to the withered fig tree which He had cursed earlier. What did the Savior say in response? 

Have fiath in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (verses 22-23)

Since Peter thought the withered fig tree was impressive, this concept must've really blown his mind! Faith's authority allows the believer to speak directly to the obstacles of life (mountains) and get them to move. When you have true, vibrant faith in the God of the Bible, you have spiritual authority to access divine power. (Tony Evans)

I think the stipulation is "if it is according to God's will." It is a faith principle for us. Believe and receive. Throughout the 17 days our grandson was in the hospital with double pneumonia, I prayed for his healing all day and night. I know God wants to use him for kingdom work, so He heard my prayers and healed him. He saved the boy's life for a purpose. Now I pray he will come to know it and will surrender to do it.

Exercising your spiritual authority comes by taking responsibility to do what God has told you to do. (Evans)

Has your faith moved mountains lately? Will you share it with us?

LET IT GROW

What are some requirements on our moving mountains? Verse 25 says for us to forgive those which we have anything against, so our Faither in heaven will forgive our sins, too.

Trespasses means error; fault; sin; offense; fall.

What does "anything" include? 

• If one as told something about you that is in error and did not happen.
• If someone was at fault doing something hurtful toward you.
• If a person sinned against you.
• If they offended you in some way.
• If they quit being your friend and turned to sin, falling short of your expectations.  

Couldn't the list go on and on?

What are we as a Christian responsible for in the relationship? Forgiving them. Then God will forgive us.

If we don't forgive them, then our Father in heaven will not forgive us. (verse 26) That is plain. but it may not be simple to do. 

LET IT GO 

Help us forgive others. It is hard.

Grow our faith and obedience for Your glory.

Hide us behind the cross today. 

How is Your Prayer Life?

N.T.#408 "How is Your Prayer Life?"

Oct. 15, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

Moved any mountains lately? How is your prayer life? 

What did Jesus say His house was to be called? A house of prayer, but the religious leaders had made it a den of thieves. Jeus had overturned the tables of the moneychangers and those who sold animals for sacrifices. 

What was the reaction of the scribes and corrupt chief priests when they heard about it? Jealousy overcame them because Jesus was a popular teacher. Therefore, they sought how to destroy Jesus. They feared Him because all the people were astonished at His doctrine. (verse 18)

Destroy means to destroy fully (to perish or lose); die.

Those priests understood who Jesus claimed to be-Messiah. They recognized His message from the Old Testament Scripture. (Isaiah 56:7) 

What did those religious leaders fear?

• They feared His influence because of the adoring multitudes.
• They feared the penetrating truth of His message. 
• They feared His ability to expose their sins. (Swindoll)

What a week it was! Matthew 21 tells us Jesus healed and taught the people throughout the day. When evening came He and and the apostles left the Temple and went to Bethany. (verse 19)

Do we fear the message of the preachers of truth? Are we fearful of the future?

LET IT GROW

On Tuesday morning, the guys passed by the withered fig tree which Jesus had cursed. It wasn't just the leaves wilted, but the tree died to the roots. It was only good for firewood. Peter was stunned that it happened so quickly. (verse 21) He called Jesus' attention to that dead tree. 

According to Jesus, the answer boiled down to faith in God. (verse 22) 

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea: and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (verse 23)

Are we praying without doubting? Pray with acceptance that God's power and goodness has accomplished what you ask. Pray for grudges against others is removed through forgiveness.

 Does our prayer life move mountains? 

LET IT GO 

A House of Prayer

N.T.#407 "A House of Prayer"

Oct. 14, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

I know that I made some folks upset whenever I had some rapping music stop and children were on the stage dancing and caring on. Not on my watch. This happened during Vacation Bible School when I was director. I was responsible for what happened and I had to answer for it, so things were going to be done properly. You may call me old fashioned, which I am, but if a sanctuary is treated like a camp or bar dance, then God is not honored there and will not be present and bless our activities. 

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, immediately He went to the Temple. (verse 11) That was when He encountered a problem. Business activities were being conducted inside the Temple area. That hindered worship, which was the purpose o fthe Jewish pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Although the need for animal sacrifices was being met, they should not have done it in the outer court. Besides, the sellers were cheating their customers, taking advantage of needs.

So how did Jesus react? He couldn't let a materialistic use of God's house go unaddressed. Jesus threw out those buying and selling, turned over the money-changer tables, and forbade the people from carrying goods through the Temple. )verses 15-16) Commerce was not going to prevail in a sacred place. Not if the son of God had anything to do with it.

Do we guard our house of worship? Are we teaching children that it is a set aside place where we come to worship God as a church body?

LET IT GROW

We are to strive to please our heavenly Father in all we do. The buyers and sellers were not doing so in the Temple. Jesus was in His own house and had authority over it. 

And He taught, saying unto them, is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves. (verse 17) Isaiah 56:7)

What can we learn from this?

• The traders took advantage of the country people going a long journey to worship at the Temple, making it a house of merchandise and cheating and thievery. It was a matter of convenience for the worshipers to buy their animals there instead of bringing thme a distance and risking it not passing the inspection of the high priest, of which the sellers took advantage with high prices.
• The sellers either belonged to the high priestly hierarchy or paid a large fee to temple authorities for the privilege of selling there. Either way, the high priest's family benefited.
• The Greek and Roman coins were exchanged for Jewish or Tyrian coins, which pilgrims had to use for annual payment for temple religious services. (MacArthur) 
• The chief priests already hated Jesus, but they also feared Him, lest He overthrow their seats and expel them. Instead of agreeing with Jesus and making peace with the Messiah, they wanted to destroy Him. Thuse the religious leaders were fighting against God.
• The Temple was a place set aside for prayer and worship of Almighty God. We pray through Jesus, our Savior, as He will intercede for us to the Father. We don't need a high priest now ans the Jews did back then.
• Jesus was on a divine mission as the Son of God. 
• All the people were astonished at Jesus' doctrine. Actually, Jesus and the Father had established the sacrificial system and the Temple layout with purpose for each item and section.

 When evening came, Jesus exited the city. (verse 19) So far, we have studied Jesus' authority, compassion through healings, meekness as Mary anointed His head, a gentle spirit with children, love for Jerusalem, giving of His time and energy to teach, forgiving sinners, etc.

How would folks describe us? Are we compassionate, loving, giving, yet standing for God's Word and not compromising?

LET IT GO

How can I keep from shouting Your praise?

I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.

Oh, what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful! Sing Hallelujah! Christ is risen! 

Peaches and Figs

 N.T.#406 "Peaches and Figs"

Oct. 11. 2024 

Mark 11-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

There is nothing like a juicy peach to eat, the juice running down the elbow. My cousin used to have a peach orchard not far from us when I was growing up. Mom would take me to get a bushel. I always got to eat one in the field. Mmm good! Then we would take them home and she would use a peach peeler to get the skin off the peaches. We would get the seed out of the middle and prepare the peaches to be canned. (Not sure why she didn't make fried pies out of the skins, but she didn't.) Today, Jesus was looking for figs to eat, native to Israel. What happened when He did not get any? Read on to find out.

Mark tells us that when Jesus left Bethany and His friends, probably on our Monday, the day after Palm Sunday. Being hungry on His way, Jesus stopped at a fig tree for a bite to eat. However, it was too early for figs, only leaves were present. (Fig trees produce small, edible buds, which eventually fall off and figs grow in their place. It takes 3 years before a tree bears fruit. A fig tree is usually harvested twice a year.)

Probably, Jesus had eaten breakfast with Mary and Martha about 45 minutes earlier. Maybe His hunger was for a snack. Jesus wasn't angry whenever He cursed the fig tree. It was for a visual aid as a lesson to teach the disciples.

LET IT GROW 

What was the divine lessons of the fruitless fig tree?

Israel's spiritual hypocrisy and fruitlessness is seen in the barren tree by the road. Its appearance suggested great productivity without providing it, showing signs of life. The fig tree was frequently an Ot Testament type of the Jewish nation. (Hos.9:10; Nah. 3:12; Zech. 3:10) (MacArthur)

Israel looked righteous and godly on the outside, but on the inside they were corrupt. Their lack of faith meant that they were also barren-producing no fruit for God. Many people today are like that too. They attend church regularly, carry fancy Bibles, and shout "Amen!" But there's a lack of spiritual vitality inside them; thus, there's no kingdom fruit in their lives. (Tony Evans)

Jesus cursed that fig tree. No one would eat of its fruit forever. (verse 14)

Are we like a fruitful tree or a barren tree. Does our life show the fruit of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, faith, goodness, forgiveness? Are we bring people to Jesus by sharing the gospel? What kind of picture does our life give? Does it look good and spiritual, but produces no spiritual fruit?

LET IT GO

Jesus, use us to bear spiritual fruit in our life.

Help us share Your love and salvation.

Hosanna!

 N.T.#405 "Hosanna!"

Oct. 10, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

In the chronological Bible, Jesus visited His friends at Bathany before making His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. that makes sense, due to it being on His way. However, Mark reversed the events. So we will go with how it appears in Mark's writings. 

As Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding on a colt donkey, the people sang or shouted hosanna (Oh save!/grant salvation) along the way. They spread their garments and branches on the street before their King. don't you know that brought the priests and scribes out of the Temple to see what the commotion was about.

Matthew 21 gives us some details as to what happened in the Temple:

• The city was moved and asked who Jesus was. Answers were Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.(verse 10)
• Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. (People mad a profit from selling defected offering animals.
• Jesus proclaimed His house was to be a house of prayer, not a den of thieves. (verse 13)
• Jesus healed the blind and lame there. (verse 14)
•  He did wonderful things, which the chief priests and scribes saw. (verse 15)
• The children were saying, Hosanna to the Son of David. 
• Those priests and scribes were sore displeased. 
• Jesus asked the religious leaders if they heard what was said. Yea, have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? (Ps. 8:2)

Out of the mouths of babes. Haven't we heard that. Children say things they have heard others say. As parents, we were probably nervous when people asked our children questions.

Do we praise the Son of David, our Savior? We don't have to wait until Easter to do it.

LET IT GROW 

Then Jesus and His 12 left and went to Bethany, the home of Lazarus and his sisters. In chapter 14, we read of Mary anointing Jesus' head with expensive perfume/ointment. It was to signify His death and burial. Keep in mind, this is Jesus' last week to live on earth as a man. Probably, He was there on Monday.

Are we sharing Jesus with our friends?

LET IT GO

Help us to pray more.

May we make our church building a house of prayer.

Here He Comes!

N.T. #404 "Here He Comes!"

Oct. 9, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Transportation is here. Are you ready to go? It was what we call Palm Sunday. Why did Jesus ride a colt donkey into Jerusalem that day? I think there are two reasons, First, the terrain is steep. We walked down the steep hill on pavement. I was sure glad that my feet had on good athletic shoes with gripping soles. Our tour bus parked at the top and later met us at the bottom of the hill, going down another route. So the little donkey could have better footing than a horse. Keep in mind, the little animal was wild and had never been ridden before. Yet, Jesus has a way with things. His touch and speech is soothing to the anxious.

What's a King doing on a donkey? Secondly, Jesus was not entering Jerusalem as a warrior on a white horse, nor dictator to rule his kingdom as one going to zap the Roman empire. He did the unpredictable, my Jesus. For the time being, Jesus wanted to rule in hearts.

However, one day Jesus will return to reign as King in Jerusalem and the world. He will change everything for a thousand years. Are you ready?

LET IT GROW 

What a Triumphal Entry:

• Jews were gathering for the week-long celebration of deliverance from Egyptian slavery (Passover).
• Garments were put upon the colt's back for an easier ride for the Savior. Did you notice that Jesus didn't throw them off the donkey?
• This gentle and peaceable Messiah sat upon the colt and rode down the steep hill, past the Mount of Olives, and across the Kidron Valley. 
• His followers honored Jesus by throwing down their cloaks and spreading leafy branches along His path.(verse 8)
• Their jubilant exclamation exalted Jesus as the One who comes, the coming One-Messiah.
• Shouts of Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. (verses 9-10)

Hosanna means oh save!; an exclamation of adoration.

The Jews were expecting an earthly kingdom to be established, the kingdom of our faith David. this is taken from Psalm 118:25-26, which was chanted customarily athe Passover celebrations. (Falwell)

What a contrast with the shouts of "Crucify Him!" later in the week Jesus would hear.

Jesus came in peace, offering leaders a time to humble themselves, repent of their sins, receive grace, accept Him as the Messiah, embrace Him as their king, and experience genuine liberty. Their response to Jesus' arrival would determine their fates as individuals and decide the future of the nation for centuries to come. (Swindoll)

How are you responding to Jesus? Is He the King of your life? Or is He just a good teacher in a good?

LET IT GO

We bow down and we worship You Lord Jesus. You are our Passover Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.

King of all kings You will be.

Be King of our hearts today.

Give us directions how we may serve You today. 

What a Ride to Come!

N.T.#403 "What a Ride to Come!"

Oct. 8, 2024 

Mark 11

LET IT GLOW

On His last trip to Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples stopped off in Bethany, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. The little town was just 2 miles on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. John 12 gives us more details. It is like Mark put things out of sequence here. He skipped over in chapter 14 and filled in Mary's anointing Jesus' head with expensive perfume. This was 6 days before week of Passover celebration.  It was probably on Saturday evening at the home of Simon the leper, whom Jesus healed. Maybe the guys stopped off to visit with Simoon on their way to Martha's house. Then the group went on to have supper at M & M & L home, but there is a little confusion as to where the anointing took place. Mark 14 and Matthew 26 say it was at Simon's, but John 12 says it was at His friends' home. That should not be the main emphasis, the where it took place.

Before we look at how Jesus made His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, let's see how He did not go. He did not ride on a white warhorse like a conquering hero Roman general, wearing a red cloak. He came not as a warrior king with a magnificent parade down main street trumpets sounding the arrival.

How did Jesus enter His beloved city?

•  Jesus was the gentle and peaceable King riding into their presence, the Son of God.
• Preparations were made. Jesus sent two disciples to get a colt donkey in the village. Details of the particular one included: the colt was tied up outside a man's door, the man was willing to give it to Jesus, it was an unridden and unused donkey.

• The owner was told ,"The Lord hath need of him."  (verse 3)
• The disciples brought Jesus the colt and cast their outer garments upon the colt. 

Did you notice that the little borrowed wild colt did not buck Jesus off? It had never been ridden before. This shows Jesus has dominion over the creatures. The animal submitted to the Master's control. The owner did, too. What a privilege it is to have Jesus us and our things for His purpose. Borrowing the animal showed Jesus being humble, as well as the owner. 

Another thing, did you notice that Jesus knew where to send the disciples to find the way to meet Jesus' need? He knows the future, for He planned it out beforehand.

Do we surrender our things to be used by the Lord Jesus? How about our self? Are we willing to give our time and energy for the Master to use for kingdom work? What a blessing it is! 

LET IT GROW

What is the overall significance of this event? 

Zechariah 9:9 tells us, Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!

                                     Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!

                                      Behold, your king is coming to you;

                                      He is just (righteous) and endowed with salvation (victorious),

                                      Humble, and mounted on a donkey,

                                      Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Don't overlook where Christ received the donkey-where the two ways met. Christ came to direct us along the Right Way, His Way, for Jesus Christ is The Way. He tells us not to take the wrong way of life. He is the Only Way to heaven, there is no other way.

Which way are your friends and family on? 

LET IT GO 

Open our hearts and hands so we are willing to give to those in need.

Use us for Your Kingdom work, Jesus.

Be Made Whole

 N.T.#402 "Be Made Whole"

Oct. 7, 2024

Mark 10-Part 12

LET IT GLOW 

Have you been made whole, dear one? Is something lacking in your life? Read on.

Although His mind was probably on what lay ahead of Jesus in Jerusalem, He took the time to stop, listen, and heal blind Bartimaeus. There's more than meets the ey for those who have eyes to see. The man's physical blindness reflected his spiritual condition. It was his proclamation of Jesus being the Son of David, the Messiah, that revealed Bartimaeus' faith. 

Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way. (verse 52)

Whole means deliver or protect; heal; made well; I save.

Not only was Bartimaeus saved from his blindness, but he was saved from sin's penalty. He received physical and spiritual sight that day. He began following Jesus that very day and continued for the rest of his life. That was his response when he met the Savior.

Friend, have you met my Jesus? He sees our hear, tears, and wounds and wants to heal them. He loves us so much that Jesus paid our penalty for our sins on the cross. It only takes faith the tiny size of a mustard seed to save us.

Are we following Jesus out of duty or love?

LET IT GROW

What can we learn from Bartimaeus?

1.  Persistently pursue Jesus.
2. Don't worry about what others think.
3. Get rid of what holds you back.
4. Have faith.
5. Be grateful for what God has done for you.
6. Follow Jesus wherever He leads.
7. Let your life reveal Jesus to others.
8. Remember who you really are-a child of the King.
9. Remember what you really need-mercy.

I found this on the internet, not sure who the writer is. 

LET IT GO 

Grow our faith, Lord Jesus.

Open our eyes to see the needs of others.

When Jesus Calls

N.T.#401 "When Jesus Calls"

Oct. 4, 2024 

Mark 10-Part 11

LET IT GLOW 

When Jesus calls you, how will you respond? Will you ignore it or will you surrender?

This is the only recorded visit that Jesus made to Jericho. The city is located about 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem and 5 miles from the Jordan River. The Jordan river Valley is at 846 feet below sea level, making Jericho one of the lowest cities on earth. It is a "City of Palms." Palm tree, balsam trees, honey from bees are there. Balsam trees are used for perfumes, medicines, and ointments, as well as fruit that is eaten. We were shown an ancient wall buried in the ground while we visited Jericho. Palestinians do not want it dug up.

Matthew and Mark state that the healing of the blind Bartimaeus took place as Jesus was leaving, while Luke says He was entering the city. Either way, it happened. (Zacchaeus was encountered by Jesus, found in Luke 19, in Jericho.)

What took place that day? 

• Blind Bartimaeus was sitting along the road begging when Jesus passed him by. (verse 46)
• The blind man shouted out to Jesus, "Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me." (verse 47) this was a Messianic title.
• Many walking with Jesus tried to get the guy to be quiet., but that resulted in him calling out louder. (verse 48)
• Jesus  stopped and called for the man to come to Him. 
• "Cheer up, come on, He is calling you," the people told Bartimaeus. (verse 49)
• The blind man threw off his coat, jumped up, came to Jesus. (verse 50)

When Jesus calls us, how do we respond? Are we submissive and surrender our will to His? Do we plead for mercy? Do we cast off the sins that keep us from being obedient?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus asked what the blind man wanted Him to do for him. Lord, that I might receive my sight. (verse 51) That was the blind man's request.

I like how Billy Graham put it: Bartimaeus cried out for the right thing-mercy. He cried out to the right Person-the Lord Jesus Christ, the only One in all the world who could help him. He cried out at the right time. 

Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2)

When Jesus calls us to salvation, belief in Him, that is the time to respond and heed the call. 

LET IT GO

That You Jesus that it is by faith that we can come to You.

We all need Your mercy.

Whosoever

N.T.#400 "Whosoever"

Oct. 3, 2024 

Mark 10-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

Are you among the "whosoever?" 

Needless to say, the other 10 disciples were much displeased (indignant)with James and John. (verse 41) the two said they could go through what Jesus was going to go through. They wanted to sit with Jesus to reign beside Him in heaven. Those positions were given to whom God had prepared it for.

The Gentiles have ones in authority over them in government. The lesson for the guys was found in verse 44 as Jesus revealed, But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (verses 43-44)

As said before, James was the first of the disciples to be martyred for the gospel and John was the last of them to die.

So less we think we deserve something in heaven, remember what happened to those disciples.

I noticed that whosoever is used in verses 43 and 44. the first one means indefiniteness and the second one means possibility. 

In other words, anyone can be a ministering believer. Those who are the possible chief is to be serving of all.  Jesus showed us how.

LET IT GROW

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. (verse 45)

That was the greatest service which Jesus could have done. those last three words have meaning. 

Ransom refers to a loosing debtors free; for means in behalf of; many contrasts in number as one person died, the ransom is paid for many.

Jesus came to set us believers free from our penalty of our sin-death and separation from God. He loved us so much that He died on the cross in our place for all who would believe in Him as Savior.

It's not because I am worthy; it's all because of mercy. He paid our sin-debt. What a Savior!! 

LET IT GO

Open our eyes so we can see where and how we can serve You and others, Jesus.

Greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world. 

Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe. sin has left a crimson stain, Jesus washed it white as snow.

Precious Redeemer, Savior, and King! 

Another Lesson on Serving

N.T.#399 "Another Lesson on Serving"

Oct. 2, 2024 

Mark 10-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Really guys? You didn't hear a word Jesus had said. He was preparing for rejection, humiliation, suffering, torture, and death, while you focused on being second and third in command. (verse 37) It was like they said, "We're going to ask You for something; promise You'll grant our request. We want you to do this for us." (verse 35)

We know how that turned out. We know how life ends for Jesus. Yet, His disciples did not understand. James and John were more concerned what was in it for them. After all, they had already heard this ending twice before. If there was something to it, they sure wanted a front row seat, on the top right next to the King. Shame on you guys! They wanted to sit one on the right and one on the left of King Jesus in His kingdom.(verse 37)

Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? (verse 38)

Those two men had no idea of the destiny they had committed themselves to fulfill. James would become the first disciple to be killed for the sake of the gospel. John would live to see all of his friends baptized in persecuted and drink the bitter cup of martyrdom. (Mark moved to Rome with Peter and stayed there until Peter and Paul died. Mark was an interpreter for Peter.) Then he moved to Alexandria and founded a church which later became quite influential.) It is good to know that Peter and James remained a faithful follower of Jesus, even to their death. (Peter preached and 3,000 got saved in the book of Acts.)

Are we remaining faithful to our Savior?

LET IT GROW

What else did Jesus go on to say? It wasn't for Him to give. God rewards His servants according to faithfulness. A position in heaven is granted, not upon request, but for whom it is prepared, based on faithful service. (Falwell) (verse 40)

That selfish request caused dissension among the disciples, stirring up a hornet's nest. (verse 41) To be a servant in the Greek and Roman world was considered slavery and a shameful existence. Not so in God's world.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister.  (verse 43)

Minister means a serving deacon, a waiter in the Greek.

How well are we serving others? Colossians 3:17 tells us, 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.

As we are scrubbing dishes and floors we should honor God. If we are teaching a class, we are to honor God. And don't forget to give thanks to God that we are able to do it. I seem to leave that part out.

LET IT GO 

Help us to not pray selfishly, but for others' good and Your will be accomplished.

Making the Journey

N.T.#398 "Making the Journey"

Oct. 1, 2024 

Mark 10-Part 8

And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And He took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto Him. (verse 32) 

LET IT GLOW 

Before our recent trip, we made preparations. I checked with family to see if it was a convenient time for them to have company, we got new tires on the car and a checkup, then we planned out the details of the journey. 

Jesus was preparing His disciples and the group of Jews making their way to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. Jesus was walking with them on His road to doom and death. It tend to think the Savior was conversing with them along the long journey. He did that, showing interest and concern for individuals. The were making their way from Perea (east side of the Jordan River) (verse 1) through Jericho. (verse 46) This is the first mention of Jerusalem as Jesus' destination. 

This would be Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem. He had made the trip many times during His earthly lifetime. Like all good Jewish men, He had attended the 3 required festivals each year since at least His 12th birthday. (Luke 2:42, Deut. 16:16) Also, Jesus had attended many of the non-mandatory feasts and had ministered in the region around the sacred city quite often. This journey was different, though. This time He would walk into Jerusalem only to walk out bearing a cross on His back. Death waited for Him there, and He knew it. (Swindoll)

Jerusalem is a city on a hill, some 2,550 feet above sea level. Literally, one traveling to Jerusalem is "going up to Jerusalem." Regardless of where one is in Israel, in order to reach Jerusalem, you must go up.

As our tour group in Israel went by bus, the guide played the song "Jerusalem." I had to sing along the chorus, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, hark how the angels sing, Hosannah in the Highest, Hosannah to the King." To us it was a celebration, but on that day in verse 31, it was a solemn one.

How did those traveling with Jesus react, including the disciples?

• amazed,
• followed,
• afraid.

Why was that their reaction? It was custom for the rabbi to walk on ahead of them. Jesus walked the path of suffering ahead of His disciples, who followed wherever He led them. 

Are we walking as Jesus wants us? Are we on the path of suffering for Him? Take courage, for Jesus has gone before us to prepare the way for us. We never walk alone, for He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

LET ITGROW 

the previous journeys of Jesus had been joyful. Not this time. Jesus predicted His suffering, death, and resurrection twice before to the disciples. He spoke of a humiliating execution that lie ahead.

Look at the verbs He usedto describe what was going to happen to Jesus: mock, scourge, spit upon, kill. Who would be the cause this? Chief priests and scribes-the religious leaders of the Jews. They would condemn the Son of man to death and deliver Him to the Gentile rulers. (verse 33)

These terrible events would start suddenly and unfold quickly. Yet, Jesus had a purpose to go by way of Jericho, to heal a blind Bartimaeus. (verse 46-52) 

Yet, we must not leave this part of Mark's writings discouraged. Jesus said He would rise again (from the dead). That is victory over death and the grave. Believers is Jesus will rise in spirit to see Him in heaven, if Jesus doesn't come before we die.

Are you ready, my friend, to make that journey into the grave? Have you the hope of eternal life in heaven by trusting in Jesus as your Savior? If not, make it today. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior. 

LET IT GO 

What a marvelous plan of salvation-by faith.

What a glorious Savior! He bore our sin-punishment.

I love You Lord Jesus!