How to Treat Others

N.T.#522 "How to Treat Others"

April 4, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 12

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (verse 31)

LET IT GLOW

Are you practicing the Golden Rule as it says above? Jesus requires His believers to initiate helpful actions toward others. To sum it up, we are to treat others the way we want them to treat us. It is the standard of kindness toward others. 

 As we show love to our enemies, are we doing good and praying for them? Are we responding with blessing and generosity rather than cursing and retaliation? That is how Jesus told us to react. 

I must admit, praying for them is a lot easier than doing good to my enemies or those who are spiteful toward me. We have to be careful that we don't get the "I don't care" syndrome. I was at that point with a family member. After years of turning the other cheek, putting up with their hurtful comments, and being ugly toward me, I quit showing love. Now I regret it, since they have passed away.

My advice is that we keep showing the love of Jesus, even when it does not seem to matter. They see it.

LET IT GROW

Some call it the grace principle. When we extend grace, the grace of God comes to us in greater quantities, not only to benefit us, but to shower those around us with the goodness of God. (Swindoll)

In verses 32-35, we find why we are to love, do good to, and lend to them which are our enemies. Sinners show love to those who return love, do good to the ones who will return good, and lend to those who will return it. They have their reward. But believer's standards are to surpass that of sinners or unbelievers. 

When we love our enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return, then we will have a great reward. Also, we will be the children of the Highest. God is kind to the unthankful and those who do evil. 

Do we tend to forget these principles as we go about our daily routine?  

LET IT GO

Help us let go of revenge, ignoring those who hurt us, laughing when they hurt, Father.

May we show love and not ignore the unlovely.

May we be found faithful to Your Word and loving like Jesus. 

How Are We Treating Others?

 N.T.#521 "How Are We Treating Others?"

April 3, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 11

LET IT GLOW

We are heading to Kansas City on Tuesday, so I'm writing this ahead of time. We are meeting our daughter, her husband, and one grandson there for dinner. Although the trip is a 4-hour drive, I can endure. Its been 5 months since we visited with our daughter and 9 months since we saw our grandson. It is time for him to decide which college to attend, since he will be finishing up courses at the community college in their state. So it will be a joyful few hours spent with our family. I would leap for joy if I didn't have a chance of falling and breaking my ankle bone again.

I ask myself if that is the kind of joy the scripture is speaking of in verse 23. Rejoice and leap for joy when people hate me, ignore me, and say evil about me? Well, I wouldn't carry it to that extreme, but Jesus said to leap for joy because our reward is great in heaven. (It takes me a while to get over those hurt feelings.) We should do this because Jesus told us. I get it. Yet, I can recall many times when church members snubbed me because they didn't like the stand I took. 

It is good to keep in mind that Luke was a Gentile. He was the only Gentile to write a book of the bible. Maybe that is why he left out some of the Beatitudes, not being a Jew. 

Here is what we have learned so far as to how we are supposed to treat others:

Love your enemies, do good to them, lend to them without expecting repayment, bless them, pray for them, turn the other cheek, give to them, be merciful to them. Whew! That is a lot to take in. 

Verse 30 tells us to Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. (NLT)

Jesus requires His believers to initiate helpful actions toward others. (Falwell)

To be honest, I think I am failing more than obeying these instructions. How about you? Do we have some things to work on in our life and attitude?

LET IT GROW

We pick up in verse 31, And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 

This is known as The Golden Rule. Treat others like you want to be treated. If we want to be treated graciously, generously, compassionately, then we need to do so toward others. It will come back to us in full measure, according to verse 38.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to have different values than the world. Are we distinguishable as such? When we show love to those who do not love us, we are showing them Jesus' love. Is our life reflecting the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father? Is it our desire to be like children of the Highest?

I definitely have some homework to do.

LET IT GO

Let go of hurt feelings, being taken advantage of, snubbed.

Help us act like a child of the King, the Most High God.

May I forgive others as I desire Your forgiveness.

Remind me how to treat others today.

Helping Hand

N.T.#520 "Helping Hand"

April 2, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

1. We are learning how to love the unlovable as Jesus instructed us: 
2. 1. Love your enemies.
3. 2. Do good to them which hate you.
4. 3. Bless them that curse you. 
5. 4.Pray for those who mistreat you.

Now it gets more personal:

1. 5. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. (verse 29) this could be a backhanded slap to a sharp punch. We are not to be the world's punching bag, but to endure an insulting slap, not a brutal blow to the face. figuratively, it is a blow to one's ego. Jesus wanted His disciples to lay aside their pride in deference to non-life-threatening attacks from nonbelievers. (Swindoll)

Words can hurt, cut out your heart and cut you to the bone. Yet, we are to die to self and follow Jesus. We are to be different from the world. Our response may open the eyes of this unbeliever. Take our cares to Jesus, for He cares for us, loves us. His Spirit can be salve in the wound.

How do we respond to others? Sometimes we need to just walk away and not listen to their junk. 

LET IT GROW

          6, If someone demands your cloak (robe, outer garment, coat), offer your coat (shirt, tunic) also. Respond with generosity to greed. We are to be generous to those who are selfish, basically. Keep loosely our grip on possessions, which ultimately belong to God. God can replace whatever we give up. 

However, there comes a time when taking advantage of us should stop, in my opinion. When the person continues to use us and do it on purpose, then we are to stop giving. It is tough love. 

Are we valuing people more than things? 

When someone needs a helping hand, sure we are to help. There comes a time when the needy needs to trust in God our Provider and get a job. 

LET IT GO

Give and forgive. That sums it up. 

1. 
   

How to Treat Our Enemies

N.T.#519 "How to Treat Our Enemies"

April 1, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Blessings and woes are such a contrast between the kingdom of God and this present world order. 

Are you ready for some hard teaching and difficult-to-apply to relationships things to live by? Starting in verse 27, we read some directions from our Savior as an act of the will, which takes a conscious effort for us to do. 

The word good is used 8 times in verses 27-45. It has various Greek meanings as they use various Greek words. I will show the meanings following their usage.

1. Love your enemies. (verse 27) We are to express God's love to our enemies, especially the kind of love modeled by Christ and He commanded in the upper room. Jesus tells His disciples to give this selfless kind of love to the most unlovable people of all-our enemies. Are we being Christlike love in action?

2. Do good to them which hate you.  (verse 27)

    This good means honestly. Hate means to detest (especially to persecute). 

Now, this is especially difficult, yet Jesus want us to show love and honestly love those who hurt us.

Does anyone come to your mind as you read this? Probably we need to be showing them love.

LET IT GROW

3. Bless them that curse you. (verse 28a)  The word bless refers to speak well; thank; praise. Curse means to execrate, which is to declare to be evil or despised. 

As a follower of Jesus we are to respond with blessings and be generous rather than cursing and retaliation. Even when one speaks evil of us or they despise us. These instructions are getting harder to follow, aren't they? Yet, Jesus endured the Pharisees who treated Him like this. 

4. Pray for them that despitefully use you. (verse 28b) Despitefully and use mean the same, threats; to insult; slander. 

Okay, we are to speak well of these mean people who insult us. Consider it all joy? God is in control. So far we are told to love, bless, do good, and pray for those who do not return it to us. In spite of it all, we are to forgive and love. I think that sums these instructions up.

LET IT GO

Jesus loves me, ain't no doubt. 

I haven't been doing this; forgive me Lord Jesus.

Help us love the unlovely.

We pray for those people, Lord, for they need You.

May we do good to them. 

Woe or Blessing

N.T.#518 "Woe or Blessing"

March 31, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Are you rejoicing today? Jesus gave us 4 scenarios in which we are to be happy in spite of our circumstances. If you missed them, be sure to read the previous posts. Today we are going to read about 4 woes which Jesus gave unto His disciples. 

A woe is a mournful moan uttered in response to personal anguish or prompted by pity for the suffering of another. Persecution places believers in the same heroic category as martyred Old Testament prophets.  (Swindoll)

1. Sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now. The love of money is the root of all evil. Rich people tend to be self-sufficient and not depend upon God. We should desire to be rich in faith instead of rich in money and material things.
2. What sorrow awaits you who are full/ fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you. Be hungry for God's Word and spiritual things instead of worldly things.
3. Sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow. What awaits you in eternity-happiness in heaven or anguish in hell?
4. What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised the false prophets. Don't seek acceptance and admiration of godless people or people of this world order. Seek to please God. (Swindoll)

Are any of those characteristics of our life?

LET IT GROW

We are to lead a quiet, respectable life and allow our good reputation in this world to become a testimony. (Romans 13)

Keep our perspective on God, our morality, our spirituality, and how the world should work based upon the Word of God. That is why we study His Word. May we not water down the Gospel and compromise its message.

LET IT GO

Help us not compromise Your Word, Father.

Keep us strong in the faith, surrendered to You.

Thank You for those who study with me. Please bless them today.

Rejoice in the Bad Days

N.T.#516 "Rejoice in the Bad Days"

March 28, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Jesus told us 4 situations in which We should acknowledge wealth is from God and use it as a steward of God. to be happy-whenever we are poor spiritually and needing God's provision, hunger for Him and His Word, weep over sin of ours and others, and we suffer for living a good Christian life. The promises of gratification are delayed often times. Some may not be rewarded unto we reach heaven. Some people are cut off from the family because of their faith. That is when trusting God becomes real. 

It is very hard when people despise you, hate you, ignore you because of what we stand for in our life. They may get convicted of their sins just being around us who are living by faith. Like the song of years ago said, "Don't worry, be happy." Well, that is easier said than done. 

Jesus told us to Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the life manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (verse 23)

He kinda went to an extreme, don't you think? To receive mistreatment on earth is to wear a badge of honor in God's kingdom. Persecution places believers in the same heroic category as martyred Old Testament prophets. (Swindoll) 

Wow! That is a privilege. We may not be jumping for joy when made fun of as a Christian, but we can have assurance that God sees what is happening to us and will reward us. How are we handling bad days?

LET IT GROW

Not only are there situations for joy, but there are woes for others.

1.  Woe unto you that are rich! For ye have received your consolation. (verse 24) Money is not evil, but the love of money is. (1 Tim. 6:10) It may cause some people to live independently of God and be self-sufficiently. Wealth should be acknowledged as from God, and used as a steward for God. (Falwell)
2. Wow unto you that are full! for you shall hunger. (verse 25a) 

Who is our comforter-God or money? Who fills us with purpose-a job or God? What about our family and friends?

LET IT GO

How is our gratefulness? Are we content with what we have? Is God our provider instead of ourself? 

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing unto our God.

Are You Happy?

N.T.#516 "Are You Happy?"

March 27, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Luke writes about the 4 blessings and 4 curses or the cost and benefits of discipleship. In other words:

1. 1. Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs are the kingdom of God. (verse 20)
2. 2. Happy are those who hunger after spiritual things, for they will be filled. (verse 21a)
3. 3. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (verse 21b) Tears are seeds that would yield a bumper crop of divine goodness in the future. (Ps. 126:5-6) Those who weep over all that is wrong in the world are more likely to commit themselves to making things right. 
4. 4. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (verse 22) 
5. 
   

We are to be happy when we receive hatred, social rejection, verbal reproach, and defamation of character simply by associating with Jesus. We will receive a blessing when we are hated for being a good Christian, living a life of testimony for Christ. Our reward may be later in heaven, but that will be worth it all.

LET IT GROW

Jesus warned against being people-pleasers. We are to be God-pleasers. Stand strong in the Lord. Put on the full armor of God so we can resist the fiery darts of the devil. Sometimes it is church members who sling cutting words at you. Is our shield of faith up so it does not cut our heart out? We just read of the divine favor and kingdom benefits that would come to Jesus' followers. 

Are we realizing we are poor in spiritual things, needing Jesus? Are we hungering after a right relationship with God? Do we weep over our sins and for the sinners? Be strong in faith dear one. God sees all you are going through.

LET IT GO

Let go of foolishness, laziness, untrustworthiness, unfaithfulness. 

Turn to Jesus in repentance.

Fill us with Your love and forgiveness, Jesus.

Poor and Hungry

 N.T.# 515 "Poor and Hungry"

MARCH 26, 2025 

LUKE 6-PART 5

LET IT GLOW

Jesus was training His disciples, although others were around to hear. The Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5-7 also records it. 

In the Greek language, blessed means happy.

Jesus is teaching about the principles of God's kingdom, the cost and benefit of discipleship:

1. Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. (verse 20) Poverty can be in the literal sense, having nothing. Or it can be figurative describing one's attitude toward temporal wealth. Jesus became poor when He left the limitless wealth of heaven to become the son of a poor teenage girl; when He bypassed turning stones into oven-fresh loaves and feeding on the Word of God. We are blessed when we empty our hands of this world's wealth in order to cast our self on God's treasures.
2. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. (verse 21a) Fill means satisfy. While people seek inward satisfaction through physical, external means, God calls His disciples to seek spiritual satisfaction first. Figuratively, those who long for righteousness will be satisfied in time. Jesus promises delayed gratification for those who wait. (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW

We must see our spiritual poverty before we will trust God's provision for our need. Sometimes material poverty teaches us to depend on God entirely. Only God can meet our spiritual needs.  (Falwell)

Are we hungry for what God has to offer spiritually? When we become needy spiritually, He will fill us with forgiveness, love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness-the fruit of the Spirit.

LET IT GO

Is pride standing in our way of trusting God with everything?

Only Jesus paid the price for me. Only His love can set us free. Nobody else could open heavens door. Just Jesus and nothing more.

Seeking

N.T.#514 "Seeking"

March 25, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

What are you seeking? Are you looking for some hope? Is joy lacking in your life? Where do you find it all? Find out today.

He healed them all, all who came to Jesus. Jesus and His disciples came down from the mountain to minister to those in need. He had followers by this time, hundreds, if not thousands. Luke calls them disciples or devoted learners. 

What were their needs which Jesus met?

• Hear Him, for Jesus' teachings were different from the Pharisees' teachings, which were rules and laws and laws and rules to obey overwhelmingly. (verse 17)
• The people came to be healed of their diseases. 
• They were vexed (to mob; to harass) with unclean spirits. (verse 18) Jesus healed them or delivered the people with demon possession.
• The whole multitude sought to touch Jesus because virtue (miraculous power) went out of Him (verse 19)

Don't you wish you could have been there to watch Jesus healing those folks? and to be able to touch the Son of God, what a privilege they had, much less to be delivered from a disease or demons. I am sure the disciples knew Jesus was not just an ordinary man. 

What do you believe about Jesus? Is He just an ordinary man to you in an ordinary book? Or is your faith put in Jesus as the Savior, King, Son of the Living God? What about those around you?

LET IT GROW

Jesus taught about the 4 blessings and 4 curses which weigh the cost and benefits of discipleship. It is known as The Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5) These teachings happiness, the kind that neither depends upon earthly fortunes nor falters before temporal hardships. A "blessed" person possesses what we would call "joy."

Join us next time for that list. I think we all could use some joy in our life, right? Until then, seek grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

LET IT GO

Help us, Jesus, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteous.

Twelve Men and The Master

N.T.#513 "Twelve Men and The Master"

March 24, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 3 

Isn't it a good feeling to be a part of something, to feel needed. wanted, and loved? Jesus had that effect on twelve men. Read on to find out how.

What did Jesus do after He taught in the synagogue and healed the withered hand of a man? Jesus went to a mountain to pray to God, continuing all night praying. He was preparing for the selection of a select group of men who would be responsible for instructing all of His followers. It was one of the most important decisions of His entire ministry. 

Jesus' select few became His closest companions, assisted in His miracles, shared His meals, traveled with Him everywhere to witness every moment, hear His sermons repeated a hundred times, learn to replicate His ministry, and ultimately carry on without His physical presence. This up-close-and-personal training would transform a select group of disciples into apostles. Disciple follow and learn. Apostles exercise delegated authority. (Swindoll)

Let me make a distinction-apostles (sent ones) walked with Jesus during His ministry. Others were disciples, following His teachings and watching His miracles. Jesus didn't select the brightest scholars from the temple in Jerusalem, nor from those devoted to obedience to the Law. They were ordinary men, some fishermen, a tax collector, etc.

Jesus saw His men not as what they were, but as what they were to become (verses 14-16):

1. Simon (called Peter) and his brother
2. Andrew;
3. James and his brother
4. John, sons of Zebedee;
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew (called Nathaniel)
7. Levi (called Matthew)
8. Thomas the doubter
9. James the son of Alphaeus, (the Less, shorter or younger than the other James)
10. Simon (called Zelotes)
11. Judas the brother of James, (called Thaddaeous)
12. Judas Iscariot (son of Simon Iscariot), from the city of Kerioth in southern Judea, and the traitor.

Those 12 became Jesus assistants and stood behind Him on stage, so to speak. Mark 3 also gives us these names of Jesus' hand-picked apostles. After Jesus died, some of them went on to write the Gospels, share the gospel one-on-one, and have a grand revelation of the future to record.

Has Jesus called you to follow Him? Are you an overcomer to share what Jesus has done in your life?

LET IT GROW

As the 12 came down from their mountain-top experience with Jesus, they saw people with needs for teaching, needs for healing, and needs for freedom from demons. That was the 3 categories the needs of the people fell into.  However, Jesus wasn't alone now, for He had His 12 assistants in ministry. 

What are we doing in the ministry of the Master? Are we sitting on the sidelines watching others get the blessing of serving? Are we on the frontlines, doing as the Savior leads?

LET IT GO

What do we need to lay down so we can follow Jesus wholeheartedly?

What Will You do With Jesus?

N.T.#152  "What Will You do With Jesus?"

March 21, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Have you seen anyone with a withered hand? My brother had one after his stroke. It was difficult for him to use it, so he wore a glove to hide it. I can imagine how difficult it must be for one in that condition. Today, we meet one that was suffering with a withered hand. Let's find out what Jesus did.

It happened on another Sabbath. Luke doesn't say if it was the next week or later on. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue and saw a man with a withered right hand. The scribes and Pharisees were there watching Jesus to see if He would heal on the sabbath day.

Watched means note insidiously or scrupulously.

 Why? That they might find an accusation against Him. (verse 6)

An accusation, in the Greek language, means a criminal charge; a complaint.

What did Jesus do then?

• Jesus knew their thoughts. He is God, after all.
• If Jesus healed the man with the deformed hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the  
•   Sabbath. 
• He told the man with the deformed hand to rise up, and come stand in front of everyone. The guy     obeyed Jesus.
• Jesus asked His critics if the law permitted good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil; is this a day to save a life or to destroy it?
• He looked around at them all, then told the man to hold out his hand. Again the man obeyed Jesus.
• The religious ones were filled with rage and discussed what to do with Jesus. (verses 6-11)

What will you do with Jesus? Is He your Savior and Lord? Or is Jesus just another good teacher to you? Is He Lord of heaven and earth to you? One day everyone will stand before Holy Jesus. Will you be told to depart from Him into hell or to enter into your rest in heaven?

LET IT GROW

Jesus deliberately challenged the religious leaders with their authority on what they considered their home turf. And His challenge came in the form of kindness. He deliberately brought the man to the front of the synagogue. He could have healed the man privately, made a gesture or with a mere thought. 

For Jesus, withholding a cure was just as cruel as deliberately causing harm. How should the religious ones reply to Jesus questions? 

Jesus didn't move a muscle, yet it was clear that He was responsible for the healing. 

Jesus accusers were in a dilemma. If they went to the Jewish ruling council to press charges, they would look like fools. Jesus had demonstrated to them beyond any shadow of doubt that He is Lord of the Sabbath. Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth. 

Maybe those guys hoped to recruit Jesus to join their ranks. That wasn't going to happen. The Lord firmly established His authority over everything they held dear. 

What can we do when we get into a situation or confrontation that challenges our faith? Pray for wisdom, for those involved, for God to give you a loving spirit, and submit to Jesus.

Is Sunday Different From Other Days?

 N.T.#511 "Is Sunday Different From Other Days?"

March 20, 2025

Luke 6

LET IT GLOW

Is Sunday just another day of the week or is it set aside for worshiping and honoring the Lord Jesus? We have some things to consider here.

What did Jesus wrong now, according to the Pharisees? He and His disciples plucked ears of corn and ate them on the Jewish Sabbath. Really? The guys were hungry. Jewish Law provided for poor people. It permitted the Israelites to pick some of their neighbor's grain for a bite to eat when they were hungry. (Deut. 23:25) The Pharisees weren't questioning this practice, but that they were doing it on the Sabbath. 

God had commanded Israel to remember the Sabbath as a time of rest, spiritual refreshment, and no labor. (Exodus 20:8-11) The Pharisees were extra-scrupulous. They added laws to God's Law about activities constituted as "labor." As far as they were concerned, Jesus and His disciples were "harvesting" and breaking the law. (Tony Evans)

The Pharisees accused Jesus of doing what was "unlawful", contrary to God's Law. But there was no scriptural law against what He and His disciples did. (Swindoll)

It was their tradition so they controlled the Sabbath. (No working on the Sabbath-no cooking, washing dishes, and certainly no harvesting. You get the point.) The Sabbath was to be under God's control. Jesus wasn't going to sin and break God's Law. He made the Law, so Jesus knew it (being God). Although, the Pharisees never admitted that was so.  What Jesus and His disciples did was actually lawful.

So Jesus did the unthinkable. He defied the Pharisees' authority by challenging their interpretation and application of God's Law. They saw Jesus as defiant but could not accept Him as Messiah with a different way of life. 

I wonder how the Pharisees found out about this happening. Did they have spies following Jesus wherever He went-walking through a corn field?

Human need is more important than human regulations and rules. (Life Application Study Bible)

Not only are we to love God, but we are also commanded to love our neighbor. The Pharisees had their priorities mixed up, wouldn't you say?

LET IT GROW

Jesus used David as an example concerning this issue. You might say David and his men did worse than Jesus and His men. Both groups of me were hungry. David entered into the house of God, took, and ate the sacred bread, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat. So the Pharisees should have compared these events and contrasted them as David doing worse than Jesus. But they didn't. God wasn't offended by David's act, done to satisfy a legitimate need when his men were weak with hunger. (1 Sam. 21:4-6) Neither was He with what Jesus did.

Then Jesus made a profound statement: That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. (verse 5)

I bet that got their goat. :)

When Jesus said that He was Lord of the Sabbath, He meant that He had the authority to overrule the Pharisees' traditions and regulations because He had created the Sabbath. The Creator is always greater than the creation. (Life Application Study Bible)

AMEN!

Jesus has prerogative to rule over not only man-made rules of the Sabbath, but also over the sabbath itself, which was designed for worshipping God. Jesus again claims deity, and His claim prompts the Pharisees' violent outrage. (MacArthur)

Are we observing Sunday, the Lord's Day as a day of rest? Are we meeting people's needs on Sunday, as well as on other days of the week? Is our faith expressing itself through love?

Let's be careful not to become like the Pharisees. 

LET IT GO

I realize that our society has become one that does not prioritize the Day of Worship as being important. The thing is, are we worshiping God and honoring Him on our day of rest? Can we do shopping on Saturday instead of on Sunday? I know things happen, and needs come up, but are our plans to honor the Lord of the Sabbath, the Resurrected Lord? Are we lord of Sunday or is Jesus? Things to think about.

Thank You Jesus that it is by faith we please You.

Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me. Such love!

The Old Verses the New

N.T.#510  "The Old Versus the New"

March 19, 2025 

Luke 5-Part 7

LET IT GLOW Leave now evil!!

Previously, we read about Levi, referred to as Matthew, being called by Jesus to follow him. That is what Matthew did-And he left all, rose up, and followed Him. (verse 28)

Matthew had been a tax collector for the Roman government. He was able to stuff his pockets with money as he charged extra taxes for the Jews. Needless to say, Matthew was not well liked. However, he had a change of heart.  In fact, Matthew was the writer of our first Gospel.

Matthew had a dinner banquet at his home. He made efforts to win his fellow tax collectors to faith in Christ. Although, the dinner party became an occasion for the Pharisees to criticize Jesus and His disciples for dining with such sinners. 

How did Jesus handle this criticism?

He answered them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (verse 32)

People back them and now are sin sick. Jesus' mission was to invite the spiritually sick to repent and experience a restored relationship with God. He did not come simply to hang out with religious people. The religious leaders didn't have enough concern for sinners to show them compassion and point the to God. (Tony Evans)

How do we handle criticism for doing right?

LET IT GROW

The religious leaders went on criticizing Jesus. They noted that John's disciples and theirs fasted often and prayed. But Jesus' did not, for they ate and drank. Fasting was a way to give oneself to pray and seek the mind of the Lord in making special decisions. It was a way of involving sorrow over sins or an urgent request for divine intervention. 

Then Jesus spoke of two parables:

1. When attending a wedding, no one fasts because the bridegroom is present. They celebrate and rejoice at the wedding occasion. When the groom was taken away from them, the people would fast. The Messiah had finally come. It was party time! Yet the Pharisees did not acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. After His resurrection and ascension, His disciple would have legitimate opportunities to fast. (verse 35) Besides, Jesus' disciples would reach out and touch God, they did not need to fast in order to touch God. 
2. You can't take a new patch and put it on an old garment. The new patch would shrink and tear the old garment. (verse 36)
3. You can't put new wine into old wineskins. The brittle containers will burst and the wine plus the wineskins would be lost when the wine swells. (verses 37-38)

Jesus brought a new covenant, a better one. The Pharisees and scribes wanted their old ways to stay the same. Matthew and his friends were just the kind of people Jesus came to save: honest enough to admit they were deathly ill with the disease of sin and wanted to be healed of it.

Instead of summoning the unrighteous to the temple, Jesus seeks them where they are and saves them as they are. (Swindoll)

Do we interact with the lost? Are we sharing the love of Jeus with them?

LET IT GO

Help us be open and flexible so we can reach the lost.

Fill us with Your love and forgiveness.

Love Conquers All

N.T.#509 "Love Conquers All"

March 18, 2025 

Luke 5-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

So what can we learn from the paralytic in Capernaum who was healed? 

• We all need loving friends. Friends who will go the extra mile for us. Also, we need to be that kind of friend, too.
• Many people won't hear about salvation unless we lift a corner of their stretcher and carry them to the place where they can hear the Word of the Lord. 
• Folks become paralyzed by sin and things the world have a stronghold on them. 
• Some are paralyzed by prejudice or indifference. 
• As it took 4 men to carry this man to Jesus, it may take more to bring our loved ones or friends to Him.

Will we be the one? Do we hold up the banner of Jesus in our workplace, at the ballgames, in our neighborhood? Do we sense the urgency? People die every day. Where will they spend eternity?

LET IT GROW

Jesus had 4 fishermen in his group of disciples. Then Jesus encountered a tax collector sitting and doing his job collecting taxes. When Jews served as tax collectors for the Roman government they were considered traitors by their countrymen. They often padded their own pockets by collecting more than necessary. But Jesus didn't avoid such a sinner. He extended the call to Levi, which we know him by Matthew, to follow Him. Matthew obeyed. (verses 27-28) (Evans)

We see a result of Matthew's repentant heart as he hosted a grand banquet for Jesus at his house, inviting his fellow tax collectors and others to meet Him. (verse 29)

When we truly encounter Jesus, it's not enough to follow Him. We want others to know the joy of following Him, too.

LET IT GO

Help us deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow You, King Jesus.

Fill us with Your love overflowing to others.

What is Your Need Today?

N.T.#508 "What is Your Need Today?"

March 17, 2025 

Luke 5-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Jesus' reputation spread and got the attention of the Jewish religious leaders.  In Mark 2 we read about Jesus healing the paralyzed man with 4 friends who let him down on a stretcher through the roof in order to get him to Jesus for healing. (verse 19)

Shall we take a look at the 5 W's? 

• Who was there that day? A crowd of people, Pharisees, and teachers of the law were there listening to Jesus.
• Where did this take place? It was in a home in the Galilean area. 
• What happened? Four friends cared enough to take their friend to Jesus for healing. The doorway was blocked with curious people. So they climbed the outside stairs carrying the man on a stretcher to the flat top roof. They dug through the mud and thatched roof and lowered the man down through the hole. What faith! 
• When did the healing take place? It was when Jesus saw the faith of the five men in action that Jesus told the paralyzed man his sins were forgiven. (That had not been the purpose of the whole event, for the 5 guys. The man's leg muscles didn't work so he could walk. That was his problem, so they thought. Jesus saw the spiritual need of the man as being more important to deal with first.
• Why did this situation get recorded 3 times in the Bible? I think it is to show us what our priorities should be in our relationships.

The men bought their friend for physical restoration, while Jesus knew he needed spiritual restoration. Getting right with God takes priority over getting circumstances right. Do we have believing friends who can piggyback us in times of our own spiritual and physical weakness? (Tony Evans)

Are we this kind of friend to others?

LET IT GROW

The scribes and Pharisees began reasoning to themselves: God alone can forgive sins; who is this which speaks blasphemies? (verse 21)

Blasphemies, in the Greek, means evil speaking; vilification (slanderous and abusive statements against) especially against God.

They started out with the right assumption that only God can forgive sin and Jesus was making Himself equal with God. (For any other man it would have been a blasphemous statement, but not for the Son of God.) Jesus perceived their thoughts. (verse 22)

Notice that Jesus did not address the fact that He had made Himself equal to God. Jesus contradicted their conclusion that He had committed blasphemy. Jesus validated His divine authority to forgive sins in the spiritual realm by demonstrating His divine authority to heal lame legs in the physical realm. (verses 23-24)

I like good endings, don't you? Getting back to the paralytic-verse 25 tells us:

• He rose up before them. Stood up on those weak legs because just a word from Jesus and He was healed.
• He took up his cot that he was lying on for who knows how many years.
• He departed up to his own house. Don't you know he had family to share his experience with, His Jesus moment.
• He was glorifying God. I wonder if the man was shouting and dancing all the way home.

[Resource: the Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

I figure the man excused himself as he walked through the amazed crowd with their mouths open. Jesus didn't have to preach another sermon to them. He showed them who He is that day.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day. (verse 26)

I have walked out of a hospital more than once when death tried to capture me. But my God lifted me up to proclaim His majesty!

Dear one, do you know my Jesus.?

One day death will happen to all of us. Are you ready to meet a Holy God? No worries if you have Jesus as your Savior. If not, then come to Hiim now, confessing your sins, your need for Him as your Savior. Great things He will do in your life if you will serve Him.

LET IT GO

Is anything hindering your serving Jesus? Let it go and watch Him work in your life and those around you.

Needs for a Get Away

 N.T.#507 "Needs for a Get Away"

March 14, 2025 

Luke 5-Part 4

LET IT GLOW  

Do you have a vacation planned this year? We are going to another state this summer to spend the weekend with my husband's family. We always have a blast. We may not do a lot, but just recall the good ole days, but it works for us. Sometimes we just need to get away from the demands on us, relax and enjoy our time to refresh. Jesus did.

Jesus healed the man with leprosy. Then He told the man to tell no one, go, and show himself to the priest, and take an offering for his cleansing. It was for a testimony to the Temple leadership that something was happening. (Rabbis considered physical diseases as consequences of the person's sin. 

One of the characteristics of Jesus' healings was immediate, total wholeness. (MacArthur)

I think the man obeyed Jesus' instructions. Fame grew of Jesus' abilities. Great multitudes gathered to hear and be healed by Jesus. (verse 15) So Jesus found it necessary to retreat from public life to rest, reflect, refresh, recharge, and pray, so He went into the wilderness. (verse 16)

When we get so busy serving others that we neglect our own spiritual growth, Bible study, then it is time for us to get away with our Heavenly Father. Take time to seek His will, what we need to change in our life, if our schedule is pleasing to God, etc. 

LET IT GROW

The greater the demand on Jesus, the more Jesus in His humanity depended on God the Father. (Tony Evans)

He didn't want to be known or sought merely as a miracle worker. His primary work was to be spiritual rather than physical. (Falwell)

Why are we doing what we are doing? Is it for our self-gratification or for the glory of God? Is it because we want to please our Heavenly Father or please others? Something to consider.

LET IT GO

Help us listen to the Holy Spirit today, Father.

Where do You want us to go and do for Your kingdom work?

How can we show the love of Jesus to others?

Glory to God in the Highest.

A Changed Life

N.T.#506  "A Changed Life"

March 13, 2025 

Luke 5-Part 3

Previously, we read about Peter sitting in his boat with Jesus while He taught the crowd. Peter probably did not expect an encounter with God at such a time and place like this. Jesus rewarded Peter for his time and gave him an abundance catch of fish. Peter realized he was a sinful man and Jesus is Lord. (verse 8) 

This was the beginning of a 3-year journey with the Messiah, Savior, Redeemer. The four men left their boats, business, forsaking all in order to follow Jesus, learn of His teachings, experience miracles, and join in God's kingdom work. What have you left behind in order to follow Jesus?

After recruiting His first group of disciples, Jesus continued on His mission of teaching and healing. The group moved on to a city not mentioning which one. What did they encounter there?

• A man full of leprosy fell on his face when he saw Jesus. 
• The man said to Jesus, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (verse 12)
• The leper wasn't doubting Jesus' ability, but the Lord's willingness to cleanse him. It was as if he said, "I don't blame You, either way."
• He expected nothing, didn't bargain with God, or to justify his condition. 
• He merely presented his need to the Lord and remained open to receive whatever Jesus might offer. (Swindoll)

Do we come to Jesus, humbling ourselves before a holy God? Or do we try to handle problems on our own?

LET IT GROW

Not only was Jesus willing to heal the leper, but He was willing to do the unthinkable-touch the man. (Leprosy was contagious so the man had been shunned by society as an untouchable.) Jesus had the ability to speak a word and the miracle would happen to the man. (He had healed 20 miles away with His word, in John 4.) The Master chose to touch the man, as if saying his disease didn't prevent Him from accepting him. 

 

With a touch of the Master/Savior's hand, the man's life was changed forever.

My friend, have you received the touch of Jesus? Has He become your Savior? Are you following Him wholeheartedly?

When was the last time Jesus touched your life, your soul? Are you in need of a cleansing?

If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

LET IT GO

We bow before You, Holy Jesus.

Use us today to share Your Word and love to others.

A Boat Full of Fish

 N.T. #505  "A Boat Full of Fish"

March 12, 2025 

Luke 5-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Peter and Andrew, James and John all found out what it was like fishing with Jesus. They had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus performed a miracle and called the fish in the area to their nets, well, maybe not like that. At any rate, Jesus filled the fishermen's nets full with fish that day. The four men's good intentions and efforts was not enough. Only the Lord can make an otherwise futile life productive. So with Jesus we can do all things, but without Him, everything we touch will come to nothing. 

Zebedee had a lot of fish to clean or sell by himself. The four men dropped their nets and left their boats and everything behind to follow Jesus into kingdom work. Those guys didn't allow the greatest day of their careers to distract them. They were determined to follow Jesus anywhere He led and do whatever He commanded of them. Even if it led them into deep waters, Jesus was with them.

1. What can we learn from this event? When we are in deep waters with Jesus:
2. 
   

1. Jesus involves others in His work. He uses our efforts to accomplish His objectives. Jesus shares His victory with us

2. Jesus uses the familiar to do the incredible. He got involved in the men's workplace, on their turf, the fishing world, using their things, the boat and net. The four saw what can be accomplished through Jesus' power.

3. Jesus wants us to trust Him through the risks of the unseen. They had fished in the deep water and caught nothing without Jesus in the boat. When we trust and obey Jesus, it all works out.

4, Jesus sometimes rewards faithfulness by breaking nets and filling our boats. Those veteran fishermen never dreamed of catching so many fish in one haul. the fruit of their obedience nearly sank their boats.

5. Jesus conceals His surprises until we follow His leading. The supernatural working of the Lord happened after the men obeyed His directions.

6. Jesus reveals His objective to those who are willing to relinquish their security. Those fishermen saw the greater plan Jesus had for their lives. They were going to be fishermen of men (people). (verse 10)

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

Peter, Andrew, James, and John forsook all and followed Jesus. (verse 11) How about you? 

Are you willing to trust Jesus with everything you need in order to do His kingdom work? 

Have you given Jesus your time, money, efforts, thoughts, family? 

Are you obeying Him today?

LET IT GROW

Jesus had blessed His followers more than they could handle. His Word often contradicts our natural reasoning. If we obey Jesus in faith, then our vision of Him, praise for Him, and experience of blessings from Him will grow. 

Peter was astonished after Jesus displayed His knowledge and power. He recognized Jesus was no mere miracle-working preacher. Peter knew Jesus was "the Holy One of God." Peter had caught fish for a living, but now he would fish for people as a kingdom ambassador so they might become followers of Jesus. 

Our sinfulness is exposed when we are confronted with the holiness of God. We realize that we are a sinner in need of a Savior, a holy God; in need of His forgiveness of our sins.

The blessings God brings into our life are not meant for only our enjoyment and benefit, but for blessing others as we follow Him. 

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

LET IT GO

Dear one, what do you need to let go of in order to follow Jesus today?

He will bless you with a boat full of fish, if that is what you need.

Please Lord Jesus, use us in Your kingdom work today. 

May we be a blessing to someone.

1. 
   

Forsaking and Following

N.T.#504 "Forsaking and Following"

March 11, 2025 

Luke 5

LET IT GLOW

Yes, we were young, my husband and I, when we first followed Jesus. He left a job of 5 years and benefits. We both left families, home, friends, and our home church. We stepped out in faith to go to college some 6 hours away from it all. We stepped out into the unknown with the Savior leading. Folks, Jesus provided and protected us those years. My husband pastored little churches and we both held down jobs. Our children were preschoolers when we left. I wouldn't take anything for the experiences and blessings God gave us. He is faithful whenever we walk by faith in Him. Someone in today's lesson learned to follow Jesus' bidding, too.

Now we have a different situation beginning in this chapter. It could have occurred the next morning. One day Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, another name for Gennesaret. Great crowds pressed in on Him so to listen to the Word of God. (That was a good thing, right?) But the crowd began to hinder Jesus' effectiveness. 

Can you picture with me crowds sitting along the hillside and shore of this body of water? 

The Sea of Galilee (Luke calls it a lake.) is 685 feet below sea level, 7 miles wide, and 12 miles long. During that day, it was abundant with fish.  (Fallwell)

Jesus noticed 2 empty boats along the water's edge, since the fishermen were mending their nets. Look what Jesus did. He got into one of the boats and asked its owner, Simon Peter, to thrush out a little from the land. (verse 3)

Thrust means to put out (to sea).

Jesus sat in Peter's boat and taught the people from it, in the water. (In Mark 1, we read of the calling of Simon Peter and brother Andrew, James and brother John, fishermen. Immediately those men left their fishing business and followed Jesus.)  We don't know what sermon Jesus taught from, yet it must have been very effective. What a personal relationship Jesus developed with Peter.  Jesus healed his mother-in-law; took him on mission trips, heard Jesus confront the Pharisees and Sanhedrin, Jewish leaders; experienced miracles by the Master; saw first-hand the Transformation.

In return, Peter walked on water with Jesus, proclaimed Jesus is the Son of the Living God, sliced off a Roman soldier's ear when they came to take Jesus away, witnessed His trial from afar, saw the Savior on the cross, and preached the great message on the Day of Pentecost when 3,000 were saved. (We have an advantage of looking forward, but Peter didn't.) What an exciting life for Peter.

Did you notice that Peter stopped what he was doing, mending and washing his fishing nets, got into the boat with Jesus, and rowed out a little way? 

Are we quick to obey Jesus, do His Word, share His working and marvelous love? Are you willing to forsake it all and follow Jesus? What a thrilling Christian life it is when you do so!

LET IT GROW

(I know this is long but stick with me. It has a fascinating ending.

Jesus returned the favor, too. Whenever He was finished speaking, Jesus told Peter to go out wherever it is deeper and let down the nets again for a draught. (Fish retreated to the deeper water where it is cooler during the day.) At night fish come to the surface.

Draught means catching (of fish);a haul (of fish).

What did Peter do? He got sassy. 

Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy Word I will let down the net. (verse 5)

Then Peter obeyed, not after lunch, but immediately Peter obeyed Jesus again. Boy, did Pete make a haul! There was so much fish in the net that it began to break and Peter called his partners to help them. Partners James and John came to rescue Peter and Andrew. Both ships were filled with fish and they were on the verge of sinking. (Remember, they are out in the deep water.) 

That is when Peter fell at Jesus' knees and said, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O LORD. (verse 8)

Peter must have been reluctant or doubtful when he rowed out deeper. Anyway, he realized at that moment who Jesus is-the God who provides (Jehovah Jire). 

We can't leave it there. The guys hauled in the haul of fish that Jesus gave them to land. Jesus told Peter, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. (verse 10)

They forsook all, and followed Him (Jesus). Is Jesus calling you to forsake all and follow Him? It may not be to move away, but with an attitude we can serve God with a whole heart, not just a half heart. Then watch God work through you!

Good intentions are not enough; only the Lord can make an otherwise futile life productive. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Jesus, we are all sinners. Please save the lost from eternal damnation.

Show Your grace and mercy to all who will believe in You as their Savior.

Thank You, Jesus for loving us so much that You would die in our place, suffering the consequences of our sin!

O what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

Does Jesus Come to Your House?

N.T.#503 "Does Jesus Come to Your House?"

March 10, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

What happens when Jesus comes to your house? Is He welcome? Is Jesus an honored guest or is He turned away?

We left Jesus at Simon Peter's house healing the sick and diseased, as well as Peter's mother-in-law. Jesus healed them all. No one went away unhealed that night. Who else was healed? Those possessed by demons were delivered by Jesus. What were those demons crying who were sent out of those people? 

Thou art Christ the Son of God. (verse 41a)

Those demons knew who Jesus Christ was/is. He is the Messiah, yet Jesus rebuked them and refused to let them speak. 

Jesus waged war on evil throughout the night, receiving all who came for relief, and healing each individual merely for the sake of love. He demonstrated that the Lord possessed authority over evil and the problems they caused (human suffering). Both submit to Jesus' Word. (Swindoll)

Jesus treated each person individually face-to-face. He went outside where the people were. That is how He deals with us, individually. Jesus loves you and me. He knows what is going on in each of our lives. Have you had a touch from Jesus today? We are each important to Him. He doesn't turn us away.

LET IT GROW

So why did Jesus silence the demons?

1. Jesus showed His authority over them.
2. Jesus wanted His listeners to believe He was the Messiah because of His words, not because of the demons' words.
3. Jesus was going to reveal His identity according to God's timetable, and He would not be pushed by Satan's evil plans.
4. Jesus came to be the suffering servant before He became the great King. He didn't want the people to have the wrong expectations of why He came to do. (Life Application Study Bible)

What a compassionate Savior, the One with authority over evil, teaching the truth! 

Do we seek Jesus to heal our infirmities? 

Are we giving Him the glory in all we do? Jesus wants praise from people, not demons. 

Is Jesus your Healer, Redeemer, Savior today? How is your spiritual condition?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for Your grace and mercy which You show us daily.

Deliver us from evil.

Glory to God in the Highest!

How Do We Show Love?

 N.T.#502 "How Do We Show Love?"

March 7, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Have you seen a ministry continue beyond its time? After a tornado ripped through a neighboring town last fall, a local church opened their doors to feed those effected. The provided warm meals, took in items to meet the people's needs, and shared the love of Jesus. This continued many months. Our church helped them with meals and collected needed items. What a way to show people the Lord Jesus loves them.

We left Jesus in Capernaum in the synagogue where He delivered a man from a demon. The people wondered by what authority and power this happened. They hadn't seen anything like it before. 

Next, we read about Jesus going to Simon Peter's house. Before this took place, Jesus had called His 12 disciples/apostles. Matthew 4 tells us about it, the only place mentioned in the Gospels. What do we know about the situation?

• At Simon's house lived his brother Andrew, the fishermen, his wife and mother-in-law. 
• At this time James and John were with Jesus, as well as Simon and Andrew. (verse 29)
•  Simon's mother-in law was sick in bed with a high fever. they told Jesus about her right away. 
• After seeing Jesus heal the demon possessed man, Simon probably figured Jesus could heal her. Any way, they besought (asked; requested) Him for her. (verse 38)
• Then Jesus stood over the sick woman, rebuked the fever, and it left her. (verse 39a)
• Immediately she arose and ministered (wait upon; a host) unto them. (verse 39b)

The woman must have recovered strength, too. She got up and waited upon her guests. (Maybe she fixed them supper.)

Luke shows us that Jesus possesses authority over personified evil (demons) and the problem of evil (human suffering), and that both submit to His word. (Swindoll)

Do we seek Jesus' healing power when we have problems? He has not changed. Jesus is still all-powerful. 

LET IT GROW

In verse 40, we read that Jesus healed folks into the night. There may have been hundreds. Christ didn't turn them away because He was tired. He had compassion on them.

Swindoll says that Jesus' ministry boils down to 4 fundamentals:

1. Teaching truth (verses 31-32)
2. Confronting evil (verses 33-37,41)
3. Demonstrating compassion (verses 38-400
4. Renewing one's strength. (verses 42-44)

Are we teaching the Word of Truth? There is no other way to heaven but through faith in Jesus Christ. Do we stand strong against evil with Jesus? 

There is so much suffering around us caused by poverty, illness, crime, ignorance, or natural disasters. All we need to do is go there and ask, "How can I help you?" 

Be sure to schedule some down time. Ministering can be exhausting. Take a break before it breaks you.

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go so we can effectively minister to those in need?

Help us love others abundantly, to love You Jesus with extravagant love.

To You be the glory forever.

Who is Jesus to You?

 N.T.#501 "Who is Jesus to You?"

March 6, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Friend, who is Jesus to you? Is He a good teacher, a main character in a story book, or is He the Holy One of God, His Son, Savior of sinners? 

Jesus left His hometown of Nazareth because of the people rejecting Him and His teachings. Jesus claimed Himself to be the Messiah and the Jews wouldn't hear of it. so Jesus went down to minister in Capernaum. The journey took Him, literally from 1150 feet above sea level to 680 feet below it, by the Sea of Galilee. Although He went down in elevation, Jesus' ministry soared upward.

What happened while Jesus was there?

• He taught them truth on the Sabbath days. (verse 31)
• His word was with power. (verse 32) Jesus taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)
• The people were astonished or amazed at His doctrine. 

Such words, supported by miraculous works, should have produced faith on the part of all. However, most religious leaders rejected Jesus' claims, and most common people followed Him for the wrong reasons. (Falwell)

Rabbis based their teachings on tradition, citing opinions of their predecessors. It was according to so-and-so. Jesus didn't appeal to the traditions of men; He taught directly from the Scriptures. (Swindoll)

That is how it should be, right? Preachers, pastors and evangelists should base their messages upon the Word of God, not traditions or opinions. 

Not only did Jesus understand the meanings of the scriptures, but He also directed the writing of them, as well as living out the principles of the Old Testament. He is our model teacher.

LET IT GROW

While in the synagogue, Jesus encountered a demon-possessed man, crying with a loud voice. The demon did not struggle with Jesus' identity. How did he address Jesus?

I know thee who thou art: the Holy One of God. (verse 34)

The demon asked questions of Jesus: What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? (verse 34)

Let us alone. (verse 34)

Jesus rebuked the man's captive, a demon, and it came out of the man. Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth. This amazed the people at Jesus' authority and power His words had. Even evil spirits obey Him and flee at Jesus' command. (NLT, verse 36) The news about Jesus spread through every village in the entire region. (verse 37)

This was the first miracle which Jesus performed that is recorded by Luke. However, it was not the first one He did. 

Friend, do you know who Jesus is? Do you have faith to believe He is the Savior, the Son of God, who takes away our sins? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

LET IT GO

My source of strength, my source of hope is in Christ alone.

May we let go of the world and cling to You, Sweet Jesus.

Glory to the Lord in the Highest!

Is Jesus Passing by You?

N.T.#500 "Is Jesus Passing by You?"

March 5, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Jesus proved His point made in verse 24 that a prophet is not accepted in his own country. (He was in the  Nazareth synagogue at the time.) The religious ones were trying to get Jesus to prove Himself to be the Messiah. He had done miracles elsewhere, so He could use His supernatural power for them to see. (verses 23-24)

Jesus wasn't Johnnie on the spot, for he wasn't there to perform miraculous signs. In Galilee Jesus had compassion on the sick and spiritually burdened. He was authentic, giving a tangible reason to believe His words.  Each miracle was Jesus' sovereign choice. 

Be sides, the people of Nazareth were skeptic and would not believe Jesus' claims. He turned their objections around to Israel's history of ignoring and even abusing messengers from God. 

The first was the time whenever Israel turned to worship Baal, the false god of storms. Elijah stood alone against the king Ahab, his wife Jezebel, and the 420 prophets of Baal. In the 3-year drought, the false god could not supply their need of food and water. God prevailed in the competition between Himself and the false god, showing His sovereign power over nature.

The second example was Elisha directing the Gentile military commander with leprosy, Naaman, to wash 7 times in the Jordan River for healing. And it happened just as the prophet had said. The Gentile's faith qualified him for divine favor that the Jews could not receive. Either we receive and obey Jesus by faith or we reject and defile Him. 

Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? Have you followed Him by faith and obedience? Jesus is the only way to heaven.

The people of Nazareth were insulted by those two illustrations since Jesus suggested the Gentiles, whom the Jews despised, were worthy of His teachings and healing ministry. They were filled with wrath. so much so as to lead Jesus to the top of a hill in order to throw Him off and kill Jesus. 

LET IT GROW

It wasn't Jesus' time to die, and certainly not that way. 

Verse 30 says, But He passing through the midst of them went His way. 

It was a miraculous escape for the Messiah. John recorded at least 3 other times Jesus escaped from the Jews intending to kill Him. (John 7:30; 8:59; 10:39)

Should we be surprised when those in our hometown or family do not accept our Christian witness? No, for it happened to Jesus. Don't give up witnessing. Although we may be opposed, keep sharing the truth and pleasing God. don't get sidetracked. People need the Lord, His forgiveness of sins, love and acceptance. 

Let God work in our life, pray to be a positive witness for Him, and be patient. Don't let Jesus pass us by. Today is the day of salvation. It is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it.

LET IT GO

Let others see Jesus in you. 

Hometown Boy

N.T.#499 "Hometown Boy"

March 4, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

It is hard to minister in the area (and family) where one grew up, for they remember your bad deeds before your change of heart. Jesus had this problem of unacceptance. 

We left Jesus in Nazareth reading in the synagogue. Not only was Jesus purpose to preach the gospel to the poor, but also to heal the brokenhearted, set the captives free, deliver sight to the blind, and set the bruised free. 

In addition to those things, Jesus came to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (verse 19)

What does that refer to here?

• Jesus came into the world to let them know that the God whom they had offended was willing to be reconciled to them, and to accept of them upon new terms.
• This refers to the Year of Jubilee, which was the acceptable year of the servants.
• Debtors were free of their obligations, and mortgaged land was returned to the original owner. 
• Christ came to sound the jubilee trumpet and bless those who heard it. (Ps. 89:15) (Matthew Henry)
• Slaves were set free upon this 50 year jubilee, debts released. (Lev. 25)

The land is not to be permanently sold because it is God's land and the people are only aliens and temporary residents on His land. 

It is good news for those Jews in economic crises (the poor), and in political crisis (the oppressed).

LET IT GROW 

Christians are God's possession since He bought us back from slavery to sin by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are free from sin and death, spiritually, because we are servants of God. (Tony Evans)

After reading the passage of Isaiah, Jesus gave the book back to the minister and sat down. Eyes were on Him. (verse 20)

Then Jesus said to them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (verse 21)

This was a direct and full claim of Jesus to be the Messiah. (Falwell)

The witnesses wondered at His gracious words, Is not this Joseph's son? (verse 22)

In other words, they were meaning, "Hey, this is the carpenter's kid. He's a local. Who does he think he is? If you really think you're the Messiah, give us some proof. Do something messianic."

The people were in unbelief and unwilling to receive Jesus. They thought they knew Him. Nothing special. He couldn't possibly be the Messiah. Because of this, Jesus performed His miracles throughout Galilee, not in Nazareth. After all, 

No prophet is accepted in his own country. (verse 24)

LET IT GO

Let failure or resentment be in the past, my friend.

Follow Jesus daily.

Give Him glory for your good works, for they are kingdom works as you work for the King Jesus.

*Please pray the evil ones do not hack into this website and destroy the Word taught here. I can see where they are from.

Why Jesus Came

N.T.#498 "Why Jesus Came"

March 3, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 

LET IT GLOW

While at Nazareth in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day, Jesus stood up and read from the book of Isaiah, which we know as 61:1-2:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (verses 18-19)

This portion of Scriptures showed how Jesus fulfilled what the prophet said the Messiah would do?

• preached the Gospel to the poor; Jesus brought salvation to people, being anointed by the Holy Spirit;
• heal the brokenhearted; Brokenhearted refers to crush completely the heart, thoughts, or feelings;
• preached deliverance to the captives; When sin holds us captive, Jesus can free us;
• healed the blind, returning their sight physically and spiritually;
• set free those bruised; Bruised means to crush.

Has your heart been crushed, brokenhearted? I think it is like there is no breath left in you. Sadness, pain, suffering takes over. Jesus said that He came to heal you, dear one. Turn to Jesus. Tell Jesus all about it. He can heal you, put your life back together.

LET IT GLOW

Jesus was proclaiming Himself as the One who would bring this Good News to pass. His healings were only a portion of Jesus' good works. His dying on the cross after beatings brought us salvation. He took the penalty for our sins so we do not have to pay for them. Freely Jesus this. Yet, He arose from the dead to give us everlasting life with the Father. What a glorious Savior!

LET IT GO

I will magnify the Lord, who is worthy to be praised!

May the God of my salvation be exulted!

Heal the brokenhearted, Lord.

Set us free!

Faithful in Worship

N.T.#497 "Faithful in Worship"

Feb. 28, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

So far we have read about Jesus' baptism, 40 days in the wilderness fasting and communing with the Father, and at least 3 temptations or spiritual assaults by the devil. 

What did Jesus do next? 

• He returned to the Galilean area in the power of the Spirit. (verse 14) 
• News of Him spread through all the surrounding district. 
• Jesus began teaching in the synagogues. (verse 15)
• He was praised by all.

Most Jewish village had a synagogue. They were used as a place to instruct in the Old Testament,  worship, and as schools for young Jewish boys during the week. Centuries of tradition and hundreds of rules for the rabbis were in expectance for people to follow. Jesus is our example of attending church. 

Luke introduces the public ministry of Jesus with just a summary of His activity in the area of the Sea of Galilee. 

I have to ask, but are you faithful in attending a New Testament church where Jesus is preached and taught?

LET IT GROW

Luke seems to have skipped the healing of a child in Capernaum and His turning water into wine at the wedding. (Although, John covers it in the fourth chapter.) There are several things which happened while Jesus was in the Galilean area:

• The first 4 disciples were called to follow Jesus. 
• Healing of a demoniac.
• Peter's mother in law and others healed.

We find these things happening later in chapter 4. Jesus probably ministered in the area several weeks or months since at least 15,000 people lived in the area.

Then Jesus moved on to His hometown of Nazareth where He taught in the synagogue. (verse 16) We will study more in depth what Jesus taught next week.

LET IT GO

As followers of Jesus, we are to be attending worship and Bible Study each week.

If you are not, what do you need to let go of so you will?

Temptations

N.T.#496 "Temptations"

Feb. 27, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

We have learned about the two temptations of the devil for Jesus while fasting in the wilderness 40 days: turning stones into bread, a personal temptation (verse 3), which would have been acting independently of the Father for His physical needs, and a power temptation(verses 5-8) as the devil offered kingdoms of the world if Jesus worshiped him. (Jesus already owned it all since He created it all.)

The third temptation was that of pride. Jesus was transported to the pinnacle of Herod's temple in Jerusalem. This would have been an extremely high elevation over looking the Kidron Valley. It would have been 150 feet above the Court of the Priests below. (Swindoll)

If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence.  (verse 9)

The devil even quoted Scripture, Psalm 91:11-12:

For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over Thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone. (verses 10-11)

The devil was implying that the Jews would see that miracle and accept Jesus as the Messiah. Again, Jesus answered the devil with Scripture:

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord Thy God.. (verse 12 and Deut. 6:16)

During the 40 days in the wilderness, the devil pressed every temptation to its fullest extent, yet Jesus did not fail to surrender to it. He is our Overcomer. Jesus suffered the affliction of temptation like no other human ever has or ever will. (Swindoll)

When the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from Jesus for a season. In Luke 22:3, he returns filling Judas. He failed, but Jesus won. 

LET IT GLOW

Do we know enough Scriptures to combat temptations when they come our way? 

When was the last time the devil dropped his baited hook and you bit, sinning? 

Mine was yesterday when I ate not 1, not 2, but 3 apple pie fritters. I was trying to loose some of this hibernation flab. Oh me. I failed again. Crazy thing is, I threw out the box they came in into the trash. And to beat all, those things were not fresh, but had been in the freezer too long. Ugh! I am bad.

James tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. (James 4:7)

So when we are weak, we can expect a major assault. Satan can twist words and situations around. When we resist, be ready for a different approach from the evil one. 

God has promised He would never leave us nor forsake us.

After yesterday's yielding, I ate cottage cheese and yogurt for breakfast. Thought I'd better get back on the narrow road.

LET IT GO

Help us say no to the things of this world and yes to Your Holy Spirit today.

May we let go of self and cling to Jesus.

Thank You Jesus for being faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Who Rules Your Life?

N.T.#495  "Who Rules Your Life?"

Feb. 26, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

We read where the devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread. This was after He had fasted 40 days in the wilderness. It would have been no problem for the Son of God to do that, but in doing so, He would have been questioning God's willingness to provide for Him. 

Something may not be wrong in itself, but it may not be good for us at the time. Have we ever questioned God's provision for us? Have we done things outside God's will or ahead of His timetable?

The second temptation is found in verses 5-8. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He claimed that all this authority had been given to him, the devil, and he could give it to anyone. Therefore, he offered it to Jesus if He would worship him. Of course, this was a lie, which the devil is good at. 

Adam was called to rule the world on God's behalf. (Gen. 1:26) By rebelling against God, he abdicated his role and handed it over to Satan, who is now the "god of this age (world)" and the "ruler of the power of the air." (2 Cor. 4:4 and Eph. 2:2) Thus, the devil offered Jesus what he had come into the world to claim. He had come to be the King over a kingdom. And, if He listened to Satan, Jesus wouldn't have to work so hard. All Jesus had to do was worship the one who could give it to Him immediately. 

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

LET IT GLOW

All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me; and to whosoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (verse 6-7)

Well, in the first place, the devil had it all wrong. God had control over His creation, not the devil. Secondly, the devil had only the power which God allowed. Remember, the devil wanted to be like God. That is why he was thrown out of heaven. 

Jesus worship the devil? Really? The devil was trying to divert Jesus from His mission and to receive His worship. It did not work. 

What was Jesus' answer? Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou worship. 

No way was Jesus going to get His authority from the devil. He was present whenever God kicked him out of heaven. Jesus' authority was from God Himself and would always be. This was a power thing. 

Jesus came to confront, overcome, and ultimately destroy evil. One day the devil will be gone from us. In the meantime, we battle with temptations to sin. 

Who is God of your life? 

LET IT GO

Are we allowing God to rule as our Master?

Is our trust in Him?

Who do we serve-self (devil) or the Lord God?

What about our family and friends? Have we shared what God had done for us?

Is there anything we spend our time doing instead of reading God's Word? 

Questioning Who Jesus Is

N.T.#494 "Questioning Who Jesus Is"

Feb. 25, 2025 

Luke 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

We left Jesus fasting in the wilderness for 40 days. He was there allowing God to preparing Him spiritually for His ministry ahead. When it had ended, what happens but the devil comes to tempt Jesus. Not once, but three times in verses 3-13. Shall we take a closer look at their encounter:

The devil (false accuser; Satan) attacked Jesus, tempting Him in three ways:

1. Personally
2. Power
3. Pride.

How did the devil tempt Jesus personally? He tempted the physically hungry Jesus to turn stones into bread, if He was the Son of God. Satan knew who Jesus is. Turning stones into bread for Jesus to eat would not be sin. Did you catch the little word if? Right up front the devil was trying to cause Jesus to doubt who His is.

Do we doubt who Jesus is? Is He your Savior, Master over your life?

Did you catch it? Just as the devil tempted Adam and Evil to sin (which was successful), he used the same tactics on Jesus. Doubt the goodness of God, act independently of the Father, and not trust in God; that was what the first couple did when they disobeyed God's orders.

If Jesus yielded to the devil's temptation by stones into bread, then He would yield to other temptations, chances are. Jesus wasn't there to do the devil's work, but His Heavenly Father's work. 

For whom are we working? Self, the devil, or God?

LET IT GROW

How did Jesus respond to the first temptation of the devil?

Jesus used Scripture to put the devil in his place.

He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

Jesus had power over stones, kingdoms of this world, and angels. However, the devil wanted Him to use that power for His purpose, disregarding Jesus' mission, act selfishly. 

Jesus refused to act independently of His Father; He trusted God's provision. (After all, Jesus had gone 40 days without food. What's another couple of hours in comparison?)

If the Son of God faced the devil while full of the Spirit and armed with the Word of God, wouldn't he likely tempt us, also?

We must guard ourselves with the Word of God, know who Jesus is, and be obedient to the Father, without sinning. That is what pleases God.

However, there are times we yield and sin. He faithfully forgives us when we confess our sins. May we not cause our brothers and sisters to stumble into sin by what we do.

LET IT GO

Righteousness is what You want from me, Lord Jesus.

Take my heart and form it, take my mind and life and conform it, to Yours, O Lord.

Jesus, You are the Son of God. 

Use us in kingdom work today.

While in the Wilderness

N.T.#493 "While in the Wilderness"

Feb. 24, 2025 

Luke 4

LET IT GLOW

Ever feel like you are in the wilderness?  Jesus went there on purpose. Why? Read on to find the answer.

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. He did it in order to fulfill righteousness. (Matt. 3:15) Jesus identified with those whom He redeemed. He was showing His death, burial, and resurrection to come for the sins of the world. This pleased the Heavenly Father. 

Not only did God's voice speak His pleasure in His Son after the baptism of Jesus, but also on two other occasions-the Transfiguration (Luke 9:23), and the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  (John 12:28). (I didn't realize this.) (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Then the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. There He stayed for 40 days and fasted. (verse 2) Why was Jesus led there and for what purpose? He was tempted of the devil. 

Evidently being under the influence of the Spirit does not mean uninterrupted peace and tranquility. Jesus was in the middle of the Judean wilderness, a completely barren place. (Evans)

Here are some of my thoughts, which could be totally wrong or right on course.                                      

• I think God was giving Jesus instructions while He was there. Jesus was away from the noise of town, had time on His hands, away from work. 
• Jesus was learning who He was, the Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah. 
• Jesus was going to be confronted by the religious leaders many times, so He had to know the Word. He had to learn to submit to God for wisdom for comebacks. 
• He had to learn to restrain His power. He could have zapped people dead, but Jesus chose to heal the sick and diseased with His power, instead.
• Jesus was going to pick and choose His disciples. And it sure wasn't easy to put up with them during the process of their spiritual training.
• He was taught the Beatitudes before Jesus taught them to the people. What a preacher!
• Jesus taught in parables, with a spiritual meaning in mind, so folks could understand what He was talking about. 
• Jesus was developing character. He extended the Ten Commandments using love. 
• Jesus prayed the Lord's Prayer before teaching it.
• Jesus learned acts of worship while alone. He learned praying, fasting, and giving.
• He had sheep to lead as our Good Shepherd.
• Jesus was preparing people for heaven.
• He knew the signs of the end times, what the Tribulation entailed. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus was not just a great teacher of  the good life. He is The Way, The Truth, The Life. No one comes unto the Father except by faith in Jesus. 

Jesus was prepared for betrayal, for a sacrificial death on a cruel cross in order to take our punishment for our sins. What a Savior! Yet, He knew the shedding of His blood, as the Perfect Sacrificial Lamb was the only way to satisfy the Father. He willingly did that for you and me and thousands of those before us and after us. 

Jesus knew His life did not end in a tomb. He would rise from the dead on that first day of the week. He reigns forever in heaven, beside the Father, interceding for us.

We have a Savior who was tempted as we are, yet He did not sin!

Friend, do you know my Jesus as your Savior? Simply ask Him to forgive your sins, come into your heart, and trust Him today.

LET IT GO

Turn to Jesus for strength, compassion, and power to resist the temptations of the world.

Help us to deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow You, Sweet Jesus.