Raging Winds and Waters Calm

 N.T.#540 "Raging Winds and Waters Calm"

April 30, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Is there anything raging in your life? Here is the answer. Read on, friend.

Several times Jesus stilled the waters or walked upon waters. On this particular day, Jesus said to His disciples for them to cross to the other side of the lake. Probably, the guys left the area around Capernaum and set sail on the Sea of Galilee. This Sea was notorious for the wind whipping through the mountains surrounding it and churning a calm sea into choppy waters.

 So they got into a boat, maybe a Roman ship, and started across. While they sailed, Jesus took a nap in the stern on a cushion. (Mark 4:38) However, soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, waves lapping over the hull, putting them in real danger. Can you see the men bailing water?

Really guys, the Son of God was there with you. Do you think He was going to die by drowning? They didn't think, chances are. Someone woke Jesus up and probably yelling, 

Master, master, we perish. (verse 24)

In the Greek perish means die.

What did Jesus do?

• He arose;
• He rebuked the wind and the raging of the water;
• They ceased and there was a calm.

Mark told this event a little differently from Luke:

• When they awakened Jesus they said, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:38)
• Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace be still. 
• The wind ceased and there was a great calm.

The two references are basically the same. I like Jesus saying, "Peace be still."

Have you had times when storms are raging either around you or in you? Life isn't always calm for us all of the time. Problems arise, issues come to be dealt with, troubles attack us, splashing on us, hitting us, trying to knock us down, cause us to give up, or quit trusting in God. Health issues of loved ones or ourself challenge our faith, problems at the job arise, kids get cranky,-you name it. We all find ourself there in a rocky boat of life, filling up and sinking us.

What do we do when that happens? Do we cry out to the Master for help? Or do we try to handle it on our own?

LET IT GROW

Jesus can calm the raging storm with peace for us to endure. 

Matthew recorded that Jesus asked the disciples why they were so fearful and how it was that they had no faith. (4:40)

Luke recorded that Jesus asked them, Where is your faith? (This was after He calmed the wind and water.)

The disciples didn't respond to Jesus' question. Being afraid, they said among themselves, What manner of man is this! For He commanded even the winds and water, and they obey Him. (Luke 8:25)

Mark 4:41 says the disciples asked, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

Really guys? You have admitted Jesus is the Son of the Living God and yet you doubt His ability? The Creator of everything, who spokes planets, earth, sun, moon, and stars into existence, you wonder who He is?

Well, let's not be too harsh on them. Do we even ask Jesus for help when something comes up? At least they did that. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, make a way when there seems no way.

You can do all things and do them well.

Calm our anxiety, fill us with hope, grace, mercy, and love from You.

Help our faith grow.

Are You a Part of the Family?

 N.T.#539 "Are You a Part of the Family?"

April 29, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

How important is your family? Are you shunning them if they are not believers in Jesus? We should be a witness to them of our faith and show them the love of Jesus. 

Where Jesus and His disciples were, Jesus' family showed up. (verse 20) His blood-relatives wanted to talk to Jesus. 

Do we tend to forget that Jesus had siblings and a family back home in Nazareth? I do. Mary and Joseph had a good-sized family by today's standards. According to Mark 6:3, He had 4 half- brothers (James, Joses, Juda, and Simon) and sisters (unknown number).

Jesus' half-brothers didn't believe in Him until after His resurrection. Look at who or what they became in the spiritual world. James became a leader in the Jerusalem church and wrote the book bearing his name. Jude (Judas) wrote the last New Testament epistle. We deduct that their faith and commitment. Jesus had at least 2 sisters, for the word is plural.

LET IT GROW

With that said, Mary and her sons came to speak with Jesus. He didn't downplay their importance, yet Jesus stressed the more important relationships were in the spiritual realm. Those believing in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior was why Jesus was here to teach them.

Jesus recognized that a prophet is without honor in his own country, kin, and house. He didn't disrespect His family but emphasized the supremacy and eternality of spiritual relationship/ After all, even His own family needed Jesus as Savior. (John 7:5) (MacArthur)

Jesus' true family is comprised of those who hear and obey His words. (verse 21)

Are you one of God's children.? Have you come to Jesus through faith, asked His forgiveness, and made Him Lord of your life?

According to Paul in Romans 8:16-17, when we do so. we become heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus. 

What a thought-being a part of the family of God! One day you and I will meet in heaven and discuss life. How great it is have spiritual brothers and sisters.

LET IT GO

I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod. I'm so glad to be a part of the family of God!

Secrets

N.T.#538 "Secrets"

April 28, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Is your light shining on unbelievers? God's ultimate purpose is not to hide the truth, but to make it known. (MacArthur)

Inconsistency, unkindly words and acts, disobedience to our known duty will prevent our light from shining. If Christ has illumined your wick, see that you trust Him to find for you your stand, from which you may emit the clearest rays. You are lighted to shine! (Meyer's Commentary)

All truth will be manifest in the judgment. 

Luke 8:17 tells us, For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 

Whatever was wrapped up in parables and dark sayings, or was secretly, and in a private manner, committed to them, should be made manifest by them to others hereafter. For what had been whispered to them, in the most secret and silent manner, was to come abroad not only in Judea, but in all the world, and to be published upon the house tops. (John Gill's Exposition)

As Christians we are to bring all our sins to the light now so that the blood of Jesus Christ might cleanse us from all sin. (1 John 1:9) And then, when that day comes we will have nothing to fear, for all our sin will have been dealt with. 

Is our light shining brightly for people to see? Is Jesus your Light?

LET IT GROW

We were in darkness until the light of the gospel got through to us. When we respond in faith to God's truth, more truth will be given. The one who refuses to respond to the truth will be lost. (verses 17-18) Tony Evans

The Master did not give us talents and spiritual gifts to be buried, but to be used for kingdom work. These will either be used and continued in us or taken from us when not used. Let's be hearers and doers of the Word. 

It's our choice. Let our light shin or hide it. Grow in grace. 

LET IT GO

Help us turn from sinful habits, a critical spirit, a lukewarm heart.

Set our souls afire for You, Jesus!

To You be glory forever!

Is Your Light Shining?

 N.T.#537 "Is Your Light Shining?"

April 25, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 4

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

LET IT GLOW

Are we good-ground Christians? Are we bearing fruit as our character and conduct are transformed as we live in obedience to God's Word? In order to be one, we must come clean with God, confessing sin and seeking change. (Tony Evans) 

These are an outward indication of our salvation. There should be no secret believers in Jesus. Really saved people will grow in grace, while mere professors will lose even that which they seem to possess.

In verse 16, we conclude that lighting a candle and blocking its light is absurd. The purpose of light is to dispel darkness and make all things visible. 

LET IT GROW

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, no, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine til Jesus comes, I'm going to let it shine.

Did you learn that song as a child or teach it to your children? 

Light represents truth. Jesus is our light, truth, and His purpose is to shine through us. When we respond to the light, then more light will be given. However, if one chooses darkness, then they will lose what they think they have, as they reject God's Word.

The thing is, you and I were in darkness until the light of the gospel got through to us. Others around us remain in spiritual darkness. Are we shining our light on them, bringing them to Jesus? It is our duty. Our witness for Christ should be public, not hidden. 

Are we looking for opportunities to shine our Light when unbelievers need help to see?

LET IT GO

Let our light shine today so others see Jesus in us.

Let love radiate to others.

Do You Have a Good Heart?

 N.T.#536  "Do You Have a Good Heart?"

April 24, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Jesus gave His crowd plus disciples a parable of the seed/soil for a life lesson to consider. In the last post we discussed the details of the 4 various types of ground the seed full upon whenever the farmer sowed them-a wayside path, rocks, thorns, and fertile soil.

Jesus explained what each soil type represented, spiritually speaking, in simple terms:

• The seed is the Word of God. (verse 11) Only the seed remains the same, but the soil changes. 
• The farmer could be anyone: a pastor, an evangelist, a writer, a Christian in the workplace, a teacher, students; anyone who communicates God's truths. Success depends upon the soil, not the sower. The soils represent the hearts or minds of people. The farmer plants seeds of the Word taking it to others. 
• First is the wayside or pathway soil. This heart is hardened and uncultivated soil. The Word of God is never given a chance to sprout and put down roots because the person remains impervious, allowing the devil to pluck it from the surface. These people are "beside-the-road-soil people and will not believe, thus well not be saved. (verse 12)
• The second kind of soil, rocky soil, represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy. (verse 13) Yet, it doesn't last since their roots are not deep in the Word. They fall the last away as soon as problems or persecution comes. This is an emotional and superficial person, without roots deep in the Word. They lack spending time studying the Word, and with God, living in obedience to His Word, and serving others.
• The third kind of soil is choked-with-thorns soil. (verse 14) The message is crowded out by the worries of this life, lure of wealth, desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. (Like kudzu in the south, which grows rapidly and choked out other plants.) They produce no spiritual fruit.
• The last type of soil is good soil. It represents those who hear and accept the Word of God, then produce fruit and a harvest. They have an honest and good heart, hear and keep the Word, so they bring people to Jesus and share His Word with patience. They seek Truth and welcome reproof, confess sin, and seek changes.

[Resources: New Living Translation Chronological Bible, Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke, Liberty Bible Commentary]

Which type of soil is your heart? Is God's Word working in your life?

LET IT GROW

Jesus rebuked the first three kinds of soil/hearts. The main purpose of Jesus' parable was to reveal the obstacles to the Word's full potential. The main things is our discipling others, sharing the Gospel, living the Word, maturing faith, producing fruit. Pray for the baby Christian and encourage them.

Is this you and me?

I appreciate your faithfulness to study the Word with me. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, produce fruit in me and through me.

Help me let go of the past hurts and live in the now for You.

Your love and forgiveness never fail.

Glory to God in the Highest, grace and mercy never cease!

Soil and Seed, You and Me

N.T.#535 "Soil and Seed, You and Me"

April 23, 2025 

Luke 8-Part 2

A large crowd from many towns had gathered to hear Jesus. They came to see His miracles and hear Jesus' teachings. Jesus used metaphors and illustrations, but this is the first parable in Luke's writings. 

Jesus told the crowd a parable, which we consider a heavenly story with an earthly meaning. It teaches us a life lesson. 

In the Greek, parable refers to a fictious narrative (of common life conveying a moral). 

This parable is about a farmer who scatters seeds across his field. We call it a parable of the seeds, but it is actually a parable of the soils. The seeds land on 4 various types of soil:

1. The first type of soil where seed landed on was a footpath where it was trodden upon and eaten by birds. (If seed survived the trampling, then it became a treat for the birds)
2. The second type of soil was rocky ground. The seed began to grow into plants with the rocks but wilted and died for a lack of moisture. (A slab of limestone could have been just under the surface. Roots could not push down into the soil for nourishment to grow and anchor the plant.)
3. The third type of soil had thorns that grew up with the seeds' plants, but the plants were eventually choked out and died. (Grain stalks wouldn't compete with briars, weeds, nor brambles. Those could grow as high as 6 feet tall.)
4. The other soil was good, fertile ground for the seed to grow and produce a crop of a hundred times as much as was planted. (Grain stalks had ample opportunity to grow. The harvest was a great return for the farmer's investment.) (New Living Translation, Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke)

We studied this parable back in Matthew 13 and Mark 4. It must have been important for us to have it recorded 3 times, wouldn't you say? 

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can understand the parables of Jesus. The Lord promised to teach anyone willing to learn. Parables equip serious disciples of Jesus while repelling hostile skeptics. (Swindoll)

Do we have a willingness to understand what Jesus is teaching us? Do we have spiritual discernment? 

LET IT GROW

What does this parable mean? You may be wonder the same thing as the disciples. They know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but others are given parables in order to learn, but they don't understand it.

Isaiah 6:9 uses an idiom, seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not see. 

They Lord sent Isaiah to rebuke the leaders of Israel but was warned that they would not understand with their hearts, return to God, and be healed. It was a heart problem not a head problem. Willing hearts will comprehend, but rebellious hearts will not. The natural mind can't grasp what God has to say to His people. 

Maybe the crowd was looking for a military leader or a political Messiah, so they were blinded by their own preconceived ideas. Jesus faced the same kind of reaction by people as did Isaiah. So may we.

Which are we? Will we see and hear with our hearts the meaning of this parable? Tomorrow we will study Jesus' explanation of it.

LET IT GO

Are our spiritual eyes and ears open to what God has to say to us?

Help us understand what You have to say to us, Lord Jesus.

May we show fruit of the Spirit today.

Forgive us when we do not.

Keep us in Your will, walking in Your ways.

You Are Important

N.T.#534 "You Are Important"

April 22, 2025 

Luke 8

LET IT GLOW

Do you sometimes feel insignificant or unimportant in kingdom work? If you are a child of the King, no need to worry. He loves you so much that Jesus died for you to provide everlasting life.

It seems that Luke was taking a break in his writings here in verses 1. It could be an overall synopsis of Jesus' ministry in the Galilean area. He didn't stay in one place long, traveling from one town and village to another.  This was so He could preach the good news of the kingdom of God. 

Many followed Jesus, but there was a core group that went with Him everywhere:

• This included 12 apostles whom He chose,
• Several women who were supporting Jesus' needs from their possessions-Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus cast out 7 demons (8:2),
• Joanna was the wife of a highly placed official in the court of Herod Anatipas (verse 3)
• Susanna, of whom nothing is known, yet she is mentioned here (verse 3).

It was two women who witnessed the Resurrected Christ Jesus at the tomb. Women were looked down upon during that time. However, Jesus made them important enough to mention them in the Scriptures, several times. 

LET IT GROW

Are you a follower of Jesus? Are you sharing His resurrection that gives us hope of life after death? Is He your Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes unto the Father except by Him.

May we live by faith today, trusting You along the way, Sweet Jesus.

Faith and Forgiveness

N.T.#533 "Faith and Forgiveness"

April 21, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 8

LET IT GROW

leave evil

The host of the dinner party to which Jesus attended was Simon, a Pharisee. While there, a woman, maybe a prostitute, came and anointed Jesus' feet with precious perfume. Also, she wept on His feet, kissed His feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. (verses 37-38) Doing this, she showed love for Jesus and honored Him for bringing the grace of God into her life. She did not go to the temple, for this sinner would not have been welcome among the priests. She went directly to the Savior.

The host was more disgusted with Jesus than the woman barging in and crashing his party. He thought to himself or muttered under his breath that if Jesus were a prophet, then He would know the truth about that woman. And boy did He!

Jesus knew the thoughts of the host and gave him a scenario: Two debtors owed money to a creditor, one owed 500 denarii and the other owed 50 denarii. The creditor forgave both. Which one will love him more? (verse 42) Of course, the host answered, "He that was forgiven the most." Did Simon see the correlation between forgiveness and gratitude?

To provide a guest with water to wash his feet was common hospitality. Walking dusty roads in sandals resulted in filthy feet back then. Greeting a guest with a kiss and oil for his head were signs of warmth and friendliness. Simon had not shown any of these courtesies to Jesus. An uninvited, sinful woman showed more hospitality to Jesus than the Pharisee. Simon must have been squirming in his seat. (Tony Evans)

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (verse 47)

The greater the forgiveness, the greater the appreciation for the forgiveness. 

LET IT GROW

The woman didn't ask for forgiveness from Jesus, did she? Yet, Jesus forgave her sins.(verse 48) 

The Pharisees wondered who he was that forgives sins, also. (verse 49) They did not acceipt the fact that Jesus is God.

And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace. (verse 50)

Jesus knew the love this woman showed Him was from a humble heart. She recognized Jesus to be the Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God. 

Are your sins forgiven by the Savior? Is your faith put in Him today? 

Pride holds us hostage, but humility sets us free. (Swindoll)

To know our sins are forgiven and God remembers them no more. How glorious it is to have this assurance! And the peace that surpasses all understanding floods our soul.

LET IT GO

Let go of pride and humble yourself before King Jesus.

He is the only way to heaven.

We are loved by the King.

May we show Your love to others today.

How Are We Treating Others?

 N.T.#532 "How Are We Treating Others?"

April 18, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 7

And stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with her hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with ointment. (verse 38)

LET IT GLOW

If the only accusations of being a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of the publicans and sinners was all Jesus had to contend with, it would have been an easy ministry. However, it seemed the religious leaders were most of the time just around the corner, ready to pounce on the Messiah with threats and accusations of sins. It would have been a privilege for the Savior to have been called a friend of sinners. Yet, we know they eventually carried it to the extreme of killing Jesus on a cross, which was not merited. Jesus did no sin, thought no sinful thoughts, nor did He say anything but the truth. Looking back, we know it was in God's plan all along for the Perfect Lamb of God die in us sinners' place.

Look at what happened next. Jesus went to eat in the home of Simon, a Pharisee. Here was a host that was curios about this controversial rabbi. 

During the dinner party, an unexpected and uninvited guest showed up. What do we know about her?

• a woman in the city (who must have heard about Jesus' love, forgiveness, and healings);
• she was a sinner (perhaps a loose woman or prostitute) who was not welcome among these dinner guests, except for Jesus;
• this unnamed woman came with a mission (probably a believer in Jesus as Savior by this time);
• she brought a gift for the King Jesus, an alabaster jar of perfume (an expensive perfume imported from India);
• not only the perfume, but the woman brought with her love and praise and worship of the Master;
• she expressed her love with weeping, wiping, kissing, and anointing Jesus' feet with ointment (verse 38).

Such humility and humiliation in the company of religious leaders is shown here. It was known what lifestyle this woman lived, yet she had the gall to walk in and do this to the honored guest. Jesus didn't send her away, though. 

Jesus doesn't send us sinners away nor look the other way when we come to Him. He welcomes us with open arms like the children.

LET IT GROW

How did the host of the dinner party react to this woman? Verse 39 tells us of his thoughts: If Jesus was a prophet, he would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touched him, for she is a sinner. 

While the woman worshiped, the Pharisee condemned her. So the Pharisee concluded that Jesus wasn't an emissary of God because He tolerated the presence of a sinner and welcomed her devotion, too. (Swindoll)

How devoted are we to Jesus? Does it matter who is around us whenever we praise Him or worship Him? Do those around us know we are a believer?

How are we walking?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for loving us so much that You died in our place to pay for our sins!

Help us show Your love to others today.

 

Struggling With Doubt

 N.T.#531 "Struggling With Doubt"

April 17, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Are you struggling with doubt today? People are sinners and say and do bad things, yet Jesus remains faithful. John the Baptist even had doubts. How did it turn out? Read on.

What a different response concerning the baptism of John in the two groups of people. Many of the people heard (responded by believing and had received Jesus' teaching about John as truth). 

They justified (innocent; righteous) God. They vindicated God by their very existence as believers. 

The other group were Pharisees who rejected God's sovereignty rule over them. 

Rejected  means to declare invalid, to nullify, to set aside.

 Jesus likened the Pharisees to squabbling children who complain that everyone doesn't play their phony games. (verses 31-34)

The Pharisees had it all wrong. 

They dismissed John as a demonized heretic and Jesus as a drunkard and glutton. In less than 3 years, Jesus would prove His identity as God in human flesh. The religious ones would kill Jesus, yet He would rise from the dead and then ascend into heaven taking His rightful place in power-sitting on the throne at the right hand of our Heaven Father God. 

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

Time will tell who has believed correctly, as opposed to those who have rejected God's purpose for them and His salvation through Jesus. People who receive the messages of John and Jesus with spiritual insight validate it by their actions. Thus, they are the wiser than Israel's religious leaders.

Which are you, dear friend?

LET IT GROW

Was John encouraged by Jesus' reassuring message? John the Baptist remained in prison until beheaded by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee (9:9) 

We consider John's death as cruel and pointless, but he remained the greatest mortal who ever died. John's trust in Jesus gave him unshakable confidence during his lonely last days. Though shaken by doubt, John never blew away. 

What lessons can we learn from John's struggle? According to Swindoll:

1. Doubting may temporarily disturb but it does not permanently destroy a relationship with Christ. If you are doubting, may the grace and mercy of God sustain you. Seek truth and let it lead you to God.
2. Special blessings rest upon those who can live with earthly inequities, knowing there are heavenly purposes. Keep trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, for special blessing lie ahead.
3. Being childlike is commendable; being childish is unacceptable. Run to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Let go of discouragement and doubt. Trust Jesus and follow His teachings. 

Don't try to justify our actions. Jesus sees it all.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless all who read this today, Sweet Jesus, with comfort and salvation and faith.

Which Are You?

N.T.#530 "Which Are You?"

April 16, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

After John the Baptist's disciples left and took Jesus' message to him in prison, Jesus set straight the bystanders concerning John's doubt, his character, and ministry.

• John was a man of strong conviction. He wasn't a reed swaying in the wind. (verse 24)
• He lived in the desert, living on locust and honey, dressed in camel's hair. (verse 25)
• John was a prophet, fulfilling Malachi 3:1. 
• He was a messenger preparing the Messiah's way. (verses 26-27)
• John knew which king to seek: King Jesus.
• John was a very great man, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (verse 28)

The New Covenant, which Jesus would bring through His atoning death on the cross, was greater than the Old Covenant. So we citizens in the kingdom operating under the New Covenant will have a greater capacity than John, who had been operating under the old. 

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

It is by faith in Jesus that saves us, believing He is the Son of God, our Sacrificial Lamb, The One who shed His blood so we don't have to pay for our sins. Oh, what a Savior!

Friend, have you asked Jesus to be your Savior?

LET IT GROW

In contrast to John, the religious leaders:

• They depended upon men instead of God for their sustenance.
•  They enjoyed the comforts of the religious elite in Jerusalem. 
• Wearing their eloquent robes and ate like a king.
• Their messages were preset with rules and more rules for the people to abide by.
• They rejected the plan of God, showing grace and mercy, compassion and love. 
• Most importantly, they rejected Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah.

Well friend, which category do you fit into? Are you walking by faith and not by sight? Will you celebrate the Risen Savior this Sunday in church?

LET IT GO

Anything holding you back from giving your all, your soul, to Jesus?

His love never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on us.

Have a blessed week serving the Living Savior.

Are You Blessed or Offended by Jesus?

N.T. #529  "Are You Blessed or Offended by Jesus?"

April 15, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

John was in prison, suffering for telling the king he was living in sin with his brother's wife. He was about to be beheaded and wanted to know for sure that Jesus is the Messiah. So he sent a couple of friends to find out. Jesus' answer was the evidence found in the healings and delivering of the people. 

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. (verse 23)

In the Greek language, blessed mans happy and offended means stumble or trip up.

John was facing death, so he had a right to be concerned about his spiritual condition and how to get to heaven. John's faith was firm as a rock; he fulfilled his commission by the Heavenly Father; he had preached repentance of sin; he was the messenger to point people to Jesus the Messiah and God through faith. Eternal life was awaiting him in heaven. John just needed that affirmation by Jesus. Look at the evidence, John. No one else could do the miracles Jesus did, so don't be tripped up or stumble over Jesus the Only Way to heaven.

We can't point fingers at John the Baptist. How often do we question Jesus when things aren't going our way? 

LET IT GROW

That very hour Jesus performed miracles predicted of the Messiah in Isaiah 35 and 61. So don't take offense for what happens to you as a Christian. Stay firm upon the Rock of Salvation. Don't fall away with faithlessness. Shout for joy while suffering for Jesus. 

Do you need a broken heart healed? Come to Jesus.

Do you need set free from a stronghold? Tell it to Jesus.

Repentance of sins and trusting in Jesus is what we need in our hour of need.

LET IT GO

Open our spiritual eyes to see where You are working, Jesus.

Give us ears to hear what people need.

Help us walk by faith again today.

Cleanse our life of bad thoughts and condemning words.

Raise us up to walk in newness of life with You, Savior.

Restore the joy of Thy salvation.

 

Is Jesus The Expected One?

N.T.#528 "Is Jesus The Expected One?"

April 14, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Friend, who do you say Jesus is? Is He your Savior, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah, to you? John had some questions about Jesus' identity. Read on to find out.

So far we have learned that Jesus healed the centurion's servant and bringing to life the dead son of a widow. Yet, the people considered Jesus to be a great prophet and God had visited His people. They glorified God. (verse 16) Remember, 400 years had passed as God remained silent toward the Jews. He raised up John the Baptist to predict/prepare the coming Messiah and preach repentance. 

We will recall that John the Baptist had baptized Jesus, was an eccentric desert preacher, and suffered for not compromising his obedience to the Father. Most assuredly John had heard of the wonderful things Jesus was doing.  John was locked up in prison by Herod Antipas (chapter 3) by this time. He had warned people of God's coming wrath and the Messiah. John expected the kingdom of God to come, but he was in prison with no kingdom.

Although, John had a few questions for Jesus to answer, so he sent a couple of fellows to the Messiah for the answers:

Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? (verse 20)

Does our faith sometimes waver, not because of doubting Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Messiah, but because of circumstances we live in, the way Christians treat us badly, or we get weary in well doing, loss of a loved one, sickness?

The Jews were looking for the Messiah to conquer the Roman government and make things right and easy for them. He didn't come with that purpose in mind. Jesus came to show us how to love and forgive, show compassion to the less fortunate, and be faithful to God.

How are we doing in those departments? I fall down and He picks me up, dusts off the offense, and bids me go tell and love again.

Who is Jesus to you, my friend? Is He just a prophet, or the Son of the Living God? Will you believe in Him as the only way to heaven? 

LET IT GROW

Are You the Expected One, the Lamb of God?

Little did they know Jesus would prove Himself to be so when He died on the cross as our Sacrificial Lamb, then rise from the dead to be our Living Savior!

Jesus told John's disciples to report back to John all the miracles they had seen and heard:

• The blind see,
• the lame walk,
• lepers are cleansed,
• the deaf hear,
• the dead are raised, and
• the poor are preached the gospel. (verse 22)

Instead of giving a "yes" answer, Jesus performed many miracles for the guys to witness.  They were to tell John about it as evidence of Jesus' identification as The Messiah.

Jesus wanted John to be encouraged to continue to have faith in Him, despite his circumstances. (Tony Evans)

Faith does not require evidence. We live by faith, not by sight. That is what makes salvation so wonderful to me. I don't have to do a gillion good deeds, do a billion repentances, or be highly educated to understand and receive this free gift from God.

For God so loved (you) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (anyone) believes in Him, shall not perish (not go to hell), but have everlasting life (in heaven). John 3:16

LET IT GO

Have you admitted you are a sinner?

 Do you believe in Jesus? 

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior?

He will never leave you nor forsake you, dear one, whenever you become a believer in Jesus Christ.

Dead or Alive

N.T.#527 "Dead or Alive"

April 11, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

They found the servant whole that had been sick. (verse 10) The centurion felt so unworthy to go to Jesus himself, so he sent friends to ask Jesus to heal his servant. The centurion spoke to Jesus, "Just say the word and he will be healed." And it was so. When the others returned to the house where the servant was dying, they found him healed. Jesus had not found so great a faith in Israel. 

To have the Savior say that about us. Wow! I want great faith but have failed too often.  

Isn't that what we want to hear, "Enter into your rest, good and faithful servant."

His grace and mercy continue to prevail. That is good news for us.

LET IT GROW

Then the next day, Jesus and His disciples traveled to a small town or village of about 200, called Nain. When they got there, a funeral procession was taking him to be buried. The dead man was the only son of a weeping widow.

What happened next?

• Jesus had compassion on her and said, "Weep not." (verse 13)
• Jesus touched the coffin.
• Those carrying the coffin stood still.
• Jesus said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.  (verse 14)
• The dead man sat up and began to speak. 
• They delivered the alive man to his mother. (verse 15)
• There came a fear on all.

They glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited His people. (verse 16)

To have been there and seen the look on the people's faces-priceless. To  experience a dead man raised alive! For the widow to have her son back alive and well. 

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;

If we deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)

Have we great faith as the centurion or a dead faith that needs to be made alive by Jesus as the dead young man?

Are you spiritually dead or alive?

LET IT GO

Times are hard, Lord Jesus. Fill us with faith overflowing and love reaching to others who need it.

Please forgive us of our failures. Use us in Your kingdom work today.

Bless all who read this with Your Spirit of encouragement. 

Great Faith

N.T.#526 "Great Faith"

April 10, 2025 

Luke 7 

LET IT GLOW

This past week my state has had an over-abundance of rain. We really need some for we were in a drought. Yet it kept pouring down. Our yards were flooded. The road to our farm was flooded and rocks washed into the road. It was passable so I was able to feed my cats living there. By the weekend, the lowlands of our state were flooded, running off of the mountains. Tornadoes sparked as thunderstorms came and came. Yet, we had hope that the rains would stop and the flood waters would recede. And it has done just that in our area. 

Without hope, despair drowns in difficulties, all too often pulling its victim under with it. (Thornton Wilder)

Spiritually speaking, we sometimes get flooded with hurtful words, tragedies, problems, changes, that keep coming down upon us, weighing us down, trying to drown us. What do we do? There is always hope in Jesus. 

Jesus encountered hopelessness in varying degrees. Luke illustrates a close connection between hope for the future and confidence in Jesus' power and goodness. Here Jesus and His apostles returned to His adopted home of Capernaum. He may have stayed in the home of Peter's wife's family or with Matthew. 

Now we read of two healings performed by Jesus-the centurion's servant and the widow's only son. The first was deathly ill, while the latter was already dead.

What do we know about this centurion?

• He could have had up to 6,000 Roman soldiers under his command.
• These were Gentiles so Jews would have to go through a cleansing ritual before entering the synagogue again after being with them.
• Some Jewish elders considered the centurion worthy of Jesus' miraculous healing of his slave. 
• The centurion had funded the building of the Jewish synagogue in Capernaum.
• The guy loved the Jews, though not many did so.
• He sent friends to Jesus concerning the matter. The guy felt so unworthy to ask Jesus to heal his friend, much less come to his house. 
• Let's not forget that the centurion's servant was dear to him. Dear means valued, more honored, precious.  (Maybe the servant had been under the centurion's command for a long time. At any rate, he cared about the guy and didn't want him to die.)
• Matthew 8 tells us the man had palsy, which means he was paralyzed and greatly afflicted. 

Do we take our friends' problems to the Lord Jesus in prayer? As the centurion went extraordinary lengths to save a life, do we?

LET IT GROW

The centurion realized Jesus was a man with authority. Perhaps he had heard about Jesus casting out demons. This man was one with power and influence in the Roman military, so he understood authority. His word caused men to go, come, and to do something. So would a word from Jesus. Just say the Word, Jesus and it will be done. 

... but say the word, and my servant shall be healed. (verse 7)

Jesus responded by telling the crowd following Him, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. (verse 9)

Can you see Jesus standing there, marveling and amazed at the centurion's great faith? His faith was the greatest that Jesus had seen in all of Israel. 

Matthew 8:10 says that Jesus marvelled (to wonder, to admire) at the man's great faith.

Where is the response about what happened by the people, Mr. Luke? 

Jesus dealt with the cause of physical sicknesses, sin itself, when He died on the cross. 

Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. (Isaiah 53:4, Matthew 8:17)

LET IT GO

When we have tried everything and still no change in our troubles, we must lay them at the feet of  Jesus, and let Him take them away from us, to deal with them as He would.

When it happens, let Jesus have the victory and glory. 

Hearing and Doing

N.T.#524 "Hearing and Doing"

April 9, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 15

LET IT GLOW

For the last three days it has been pouring down rain. Our dirt roads are washing, streams are flooding, and yards are a swamp. However, we did need rain very much, just not this much. Although, my life is built upon the Rock of Jesus and nit shifting sand.

Leadership in God's kingdom bears little resemblance to leadership in the world. Jesus describes the difference using 3 parables:

1. 1. The blind leading the blind (verses 39-42)
2. 2. The produce of good and bad trees (verses 43-45)
3. 3. The wise builder and the foolish builder (verses 46-49)

In the first two illustrations, we find the difference between genuine citizens of God's kingdom and those who merely pretend. A blind person usually takes the elbow of a sighted person who leads the sightless person through unfamiliar territory, helping them avoid obstacles and pitfalls. What good is a blind guide? Those who reject God's Messiah and teach others to do so will lead them to destruction. Is the character and conduct of our Master shining through, because discipleship is a reflection of the Life of Christ?

The third reveals the devastating consequences of disobedience. The spiritually blind cannot lead a spiritually blind person. It's like do as I say, not as I do. The Pharisees were good at that. 

Good trees produce good fruit and bad trees produce bad fruit. Apple trees produce apples. You can identify people who follow God based on what they say and do. Spiritual leaders are to lead by example. The good spiritual leader produces good fruit of the Spirit. Jesus is their authority and teacher, not them. 

We speak and act from the overflow of the heart. (verse 45)

The wise person builds their life on Jesus and His Word. Because his foundation is built upon the Rock, when the rains and flood come, it does not crumble. 

Are we having spiritual eyesight? Does our life produce good fruit? Do we stand firm amidst the storms of life because Jesus is our Rock?

LET IT GROW

If we have a beam (sin) of wood in our own eye, then we should not complain about the splinter in our brother's eye (a minor fault). A hypocrite says one thing and does another. They talk a big game and give an impression of being a spiritual person but are not. Our actions speak louder than words. So let's deal with the larger issues in our own heart before addressing the small issues in the life of a brother or sister in Christ. 

And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (verse 46)

LET IT GO

Is there anything which keeps us from serving and loving God with all our heart? Let it go.

Are we hearing and acting upon it? We are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. (James 1:22)

We ask Jesus what He would have us do. If we love Him, then keep His commands. (John 14:15)

Giving

N.T.#524 "Giving"

April 8, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 14

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (verse 38)

LET IT GLOW

We are to love others, not judge them. If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to us in full measure. Jesus used a parable to picture the measuring grain in a basket to ensure the full amount. (Life Application Study Bible)

I like the way Tony Evans puts it: Kingdom people will give generously in time, prayer, finances, and service. They realize that all they have has been given to them by God, so they can bless others. God rewards sacrificial generosity done in His name with overflowing spiritual and physical blessings. The key is to give to others the very thing that we want God to give us. When we minister to the needs of others, the result is He raises up people to minister in return to us in that same area of need. 

LET IT GROW

The illustration given here is measuring grain correctly and not cheating doing it for a sale. When we give something, it should be from the heart, because we have the love of Jesus in ours. 

The principle Jesus is teaching is that love expresses love, love gives, love overflows, love thinks of others and not self. When we have the love of Jesus within our heart, we give it to others in various forms. Is our love running over? Is Jesus' love in us running over? 

LET IT GO

What is holding us back from giving our all to Jesus and to others?

Mercy and Forgiveness

N.T.#523 "Mercy and Forgiveness"

April 7, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

We found out how to treat others. Love our enemies, do good to them, and lend expecting nothing in return. When we do so, we will have a reward in heaven and be called a child of the Highest. (verses 32-35) We need to remember to treat others like we want to be treated. (verse 31) 

In verses 36-38Jesus gives us 5 examples of the grace principle: Be merciful. (verse 36. How are we to be merciful? We have received mercy from our Heavenly Father, so we should, in turn, show mercy to others.  

1.Merciful  means of tender mercy

2. Don't judge (distinguish; try; call in question). (verse 37a) God alone is qualified to judge people. As we distinguish between right and wrong, we must avoid sitting in judgment over people. 

3. Don't condemn.  (verse 37b) Condemn is to pronounce guilty. A follower of Jesus understands the great gift they have received. Gratitude inspires compassion and renders condemnation unthinkable. 

4. Forgive. (verse 37c) Forgive means pardon; release; let go. To forgive a debt is to release the debtor from the obligation to repay. To forgive an offense is to release the offender from any obligation to repair the damage or to suffer similar pain.

LET IT GROW

5. Give in good measure. (verse 38) Mercy withholds justice after a sin; grace gives sacrificially to the sinner despite his or her wrongdoing.  Don't give them what they deserve. We don't want what we deserve. [Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights]

If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to us in full measure. A forgiving spirit demonstrates that a person has received God's forgiveness. However, if we are critical, we will receive criticism. 

How are we doing? It is through Jesus' help that we can treat others like we want to be treated, to forgive, to give, to show mercy, and not condemn. 

Is there anyone that comes to mind which needs us to do those things toward them? 

This is deep and maybe cuts us to the core. Maybe we need to have a heart-to-heart talk with God and another person if we are harboring ill feelings.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the painful memories and love those who caused it.

Forgive us of being unforgiving.

Help us to not judge, condemn, but to give good to all around us.

Help us Jesus, to be more like you. 

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. 

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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.