Predictions That Came True

 N.T.#623 "Predictions That Came True"

August 29, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

Success in kingdom work often looks like failure by human standards. Such was the case as Jesus fulfilled His mission. Verses 31-34 indicate a point in time less than two weeks before Christ's crucifixion, when He clearly announced His coming death to the disciples. He explained what was about to happen to Him. 

What were the details?

• They were going to Jerusalem, where all the predictions of the prophets concerning the Son of man will come true. (verse 31, NLT) This is found in Isaiah 42, 49-53. He came to satisfy the requirements of the Law, of which Israel had failed. Christ fulfilled all of the Old Testament, not just the prophetic parts. 
• Jesus would be handed over to the Romans.
• He would be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit upon.
• They would flog Jesus with a whip and kill Him.
• On the third day Jesus Christ will rise again. 

The King James Version uses the words mocked and spitefully entreated in verse 32.

Mocked means to jeer at. This was done in Luke 22:63.

Spitefully and entreated use the same Greek word, which means exercise violence; abuse.

It is mentioned again in Luke 20:11.

What a terrible and horrific thing the Jews did to One of their own. Yet it was in God's plan all along, so He could fulfill the Scriptures and so He could provide salvation for those who believed in Jesus. 

We find the predictions of Jesus' betrayal in Psalm 41:9, and His crucifixion in Isaiah 53:4-7, and His resurrection in Psalm 16:10.

LET IT GROW

Jesus had already predicted His sacrificial death twice. (Luke 9:21-22 and 43-45)

As terrible as all of this was going to be for Jesus, it was confusing to the disciples. They simply did not understand then, but soon they would.  They were baffled and could not grasp it. How could the Messiah be killed in Jerusalem, the place where He would one day sit upon the throne and reign as King? Was their focus on Jesus' death and not on His resurrection?

So it was hid from them, according to verse 34. The disciples needed the Holy Spirit to clarify things, which was not present yet for them. Well, the guys didn't understand the significance of Jesus Words nor did they grasp what He was talking about. 

Jesus still had some healing to do, a short rich man to see, a Temple to cleanse, and a few more things to teach. 

LET IT GO

Speak through Your Word, Lord, and save those who read this.

Fill them with faith to believe that You died in their place, paying for their sins so they don't have to.

Thank You for all You endured for me and others.

What a loving Savior!

Glory to Your name, King Jesus.

Sacrifices

N.T.#622 "Sacrifices"

August 28, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

What have you given up in order to follow Jesus? Peter said he and the disciples had left all in order to follow Jesus. (verse 28) Wouldn't it have been expected of them? Jesus had just been speaking about the rich young ruler who would not give up his riches to follow Jesus. 

How did Jesus answer Peter?

• Everyone who has given up their house,
• parents,
• brethren,
• wife,
• children for the sake of the kingdom of God will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come. (verses 29-30, NLT) 

 I think the main point here is for us to love Jesus/God the most in our life, to give Him priority above all else. We are not to neglect the taking care of our family. It is an attitude. The disciples had to leave in order for them to see Jesus perform miracles, hear His teachings, experience His healings, etc. 

Are our finances separating us from God? Is our family keeping us from growing in faith and serving Christ? Like I said before, we may not need to sell anything or move away in order to be an obedient follower. Is your spouse serving God beside you? Are your children seeing you serve God and others?

Don't divorce or leave children. Let love abound so they will come to Jesus. Be a faithful witness. A wife can win a husband by her actions.

LET IT GROW

... who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (verse 30)

Manifold means very much more.

We will reap what we sow. God sees our heart. If we give up something to further God's kingdom, then we will be blessed-in the here and now and in eternity.

This is not a name-it-claim-it situation. It is between you and God. Not everyone is called to be a missionary. Yet you can be a witness on your job, in your family, in your community.

LET IT GO

We surrender unto You what You want to use for kingdom work, Lord.

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

Glory to God in the Highest!

It Will be Worth it After All

N.T.#621 "It Will be Worth it After All"

August 27, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus remarked how difficult it is for the rich to come to Christ. Although this practical impossibility can be overcome with God. (verse 27)  How? The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. 

Then jumps in Peter with both feet into the conversation. He wondered if his personal sacrifice was enough to get him into heaven. After all, he left a very lucrative fishing enterprise, abandoned his wealth, sacrificed his future, even left his wife in the care of others so he could devote himself exclusively to the Messiah and His mission. (Swindoll)

Can you hear Peter saying, Lo, we have left all, and followed Thee. (verse 28)

Good ole Peter. Where was his focus? Yes, all of the disciples left homes and jobs to follow Jesus. Poor Peter couldn't see into the future and see what he becomes-a dynamic preacher of the Gospel with 3,000 being saved at Pentecost. Hang in there, Pete.

We walk by faith and not by sight. How are you walking today?

LET IT GROW

Friend, my family gave up a nice house, a luxury car, closeness with family, and a promising job in order to obey the calling of God on our lives. I wouldn't trade the sacrifices for anything. We experienced God's provisions, growing faith, and a closeness with the Lord that would not have been had we not sold it all to move where He planted us.

Following Jesus may required some sacrifices for us, some more than others. There are benefits, though. When we give up something here to obey Christ, then we will be repaid in this life as well as in the next. We gain a new family, God's family, a new home in glory, peace that passes all understanding, provisions for our needs. blessings abounding, and we see God work through us to save a lost world. Now that makes it worth it after all. Right? He gives exceedingly abundantly above all we think or ask. 

Now we live near family, have a nice house and cars, and a fantastic church family. God taught us many things through the hardships in 45 years of ministry. Just in the last 4 years we have seen people saved, baptized, serving the Lord. It can't get any better than this. Oh, but it will when we get to heaven.

How about you, dear one? Is God asking you to sacrifice anything for kingdom work? Then be a cheerful giver and you will be rewarded. We can't outgive God. Use your time, money, energy, wisdom, and life for His glory. I'll see you in heaven and we can share the blessings. No sacrifice made for God's kingdom will be overlooked or forgotten. So teach those little ones week after week about the love of Jesus.

LET IT GO

Oh Jesus, You gave Your all for us, so help us give what You want from us.

Friend, are you willing?

Are Riches Your Priority?

N.T.#620 "Are Riches Your Priority?"

August 26, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

The rich young ruler allowed his riches to separate himself from Jesus. Had he followed Jesus, he would have come to the cross for redemption. (McGee)

Riches were the guy's security and identity. Had he given them up, he would have found more security in Jesus. If utter devotion to God is the standard of salvation, then no one qualifies. We fail drastically. We can't obtain heaven through our merits, good deeds, works, words, etc. So it would be impossible for salvation on our own. We could never be good enough. 

It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. (verse 24) Jesus told us that. In fact, squeezing a camel through an eye of a needle would be easier. (verse 25) The rich think they are self-sufficient and their wealth makes them acceptable before God. (Tony Evans)

Boy did this shock the disciples. Where did it leave them?

Who then can be saved? (verse 26)

We are all sinners in need of a Savior. We deserve judgment for our sins. Agree?

LET IT GROW

And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (verse 27)

Jesus came in the form of a man so He could pay the penalty of our sin, which we could not do. It required a perfect and blood sacrifice. He met God's requirement.

Folks, we can't even be perfect in our thoughts, words, and deed for one hour, I dare say. We can't keep all the Ten Commandments for a day. That puts us in a needy condition. We need God's grace and faith to believe in Jesus. You know, He can even work in the hearts and minds of the wealthy to humble them so they look to Him and not their riches for eternal life.

God can do the impossible. Pray for the wealthy to see their spiritually needy condition. (Jesus doesn't ask everyone to sell all and follow Him. However, it is a matter of attitude.)

Who or what is in first place in your life? 

LET IT GO

Anything you need to let go so you can be a faithful follower of Jesus?

Search our hearts, Lord. 

Change our hearts so we can be like you.

 

Riches or Heaven

N.T.#619 "Riches or Heaven"

August 25, 2025

Luke 18-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Beginning in verse 18, Jesus did not tell another parable here. He spoke to a ruler who wondered what he had to do in order to inherit eternal life. That, my friend, is a serious question. What was standing in the way for this guy?

What kind of guy was he?

• He was a rich young ruler, who remained nameless by Luke.
• He called Jesus, Good Master. So he must have heard about Jesus.
• He kept the commandments sins his youth up. (verse 21)
• He had not committed adultery; had not killed; did not steal; had not bore false witness; honored his parents. A good guy, don't you think?
• Yet Jesus knew he lacked one thing-able to let go of his money, sell everything, give it away to the poor, and follow Jesus.

Here was a good 'ole boy, as we call them in my area. Something usually stands in the way of a person coming to Christ. It may be pride position, family, friends, a particular sin, or even wealth.  (Falwell)

The man went away very sorrowful. You see, Jesus saw into the man's heart and knew his weakness. He knew the guy loved his money more than anything and everything. He couldn't put God first by sacrificing his worldly treasure. He had to choose between God and his money, so the young man chose money. How sad.

Would you pass this test?

LET IT GROW

How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. (verse 24)

Do we trust in God's provision or in our own provision? God owns everything, the hills, and even the cattle on the hills.

The road we take to get to our church passes through many beautiful rolling hills. a farmer has cattle grazing on them. There are ponds in the lower parts where the hills meet. It is such a pretty farm. I wonder if he knows how rich he is. I hope his riches do not separate him and God.

It is hard for a rich person to consider himself poor in spiritual matters while he is rich in wealth and material possessions. We all need Jesus as our Savior. then we become rich, too.

Are you rich in faith, love, peace, mercy?

LET IT GO

When we die, we can't take anything with us but our soul. 

Where will your soul spend eternity?

Will you choose riches or heaven?

Trusting as Children

N.T.#618 "Trusting as Children"

August 22, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 3

But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  (verse 16)

LET IT GLOW 

Luke described how our prayers are to be-persistent and humble. So should our actions be in bringing children to Jesus. 

What happened here? 

People had brought infants/children to Jesus for Him to touch them, yet the disciples were rebuking them. It was a tradition of an elder to place their hands upon the head of a person and pronounce a blessing. Perhaps there was a long line of folks seeking a blessing from Jesus. The disciples were expressing their strong disapproval. 

In ancient history, Gentiles and children were worthless and helpless. Children have nothing to give, as they are needy and dependent upon others. Mothers would often take their children to the rabi for a blessing. But the disciples thought the kids were unworthy of the Master's time. Boy did He set them straight. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus didn't turn away the children, but He rebuked His disciples for doing so. 

What was Jesus' reaction?

• Children were not a nuisance to Him.
• Jesus welcomed them with enthusiasm, as He loved them..
• He said that we must be trusting with childlike faith in order to be saved and enter the kingdom of God. (verse 16)
• Jesus went on to say that if we do not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, then we will not enter in. (verse 17)

Matthew 19:14 records this situation, also. Children show a trusting attitude to adults who provide for them; a loving attitude upon those who show them love. 

Do we seek help for a problem from our Heavenly Father? 

Do we rely upon Him for guidance?

Are we trusting Him explicitly?

LET IT GO

Keep us humbled before You, Father.

Help us seek Your will and Your way for our life today.

May we trust in You, Good Shepherd.

How faithful You are!

Pride Versus Humility

 N.T.#617  "Pride Versus Humility"

August 21, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Not only did Jesus teach to us to pray with persistence, but also to pray with humility. Jesus gives another parable. The Pharisees were at the top of the religious ladder, while the publican (tax collector) was at the bottom. What a contrast between the two.

First of all, this Pharisee (religious leader) went to the Temple to pray while he brought an appointed sacrifice. His priest must have been yonder in the Holy Place putting incense on the altar. 

How did this hypocrite pray?

• He stood praying with himself.
• He thanked God that he was not as other men are (telling the Lord what he wasn't instead of admitting his sins),
• including extortioners (to seize; catch away), unjust (wrongfulness; wrong), 
• adulterers, 
• or even as the publican there. (verse 11)

True, the Pharisee wasn't like the publican was. That's for sure. Then he proceeds to tell the Lord what he did:

• He fasted twice a week,
• gave tithes of all he possessed. (verse 12)

This old Pharisee is out there talking to himself-he thinks he is talking to God, but his prayer never got out of the rafters. All he did was have a pep talk; he patted himself on the back and went out proud as a peacock. God never heard that prayer. (J. Vernon McGee)

Did you hear his arrogance, self-righteousness? He expected God to grant him favor because he earned it. 

Did this guy pray just to be seen of men, but not to be seen of God?

He was a sinner like the tax collector. Apparently, there was no humility found in this guy.

LET IT GROW

On the other hand, we see a publican, one who was despised by the people for collecting more tax from them to pad his pocket. He had denied his religion, his nation as a Jew, and turned his back on God and His ways. He became rich, yet that did not satisfy his empty soul. 

How did the publican pray?

• He stood afar off, unworthy of being in the Temple.
• He would not lift up his eyes toward heaven as he prayed. 
• He smote his breast, beating himself up for his sinful lifestyle; mourning over his sins..
• This man prayed, God be merciful to me a sinner. (verse 13)

Merciful means to atone for sin or be propitious.

This man knew he didn't deserve God's mercy. He stood unworthy to approach God. This humble man asks for God to cover his sins with atoning blood, propitiating grace. (Swindoll)

Both men left the Temple for home, yet only one was justified. Which one? Jesus tells us in verse 14:

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. 

Abased means to humiliate (in condition or heart); bring low.

When we humble ourself before Holy God, He will lift us up as repentant sinners, not only to a place of undeserved honor, but all the way to heaven! (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Keep us humble, letting go of pride.

Pleas show us mercy, Lord.

We are just sinners saved by Your grace.

Such love that You would die in our place, taking our punishment for our sins!

Glory to Your Name!

Persistent in Prayer

 N.T.#616  "Persistent in Prayer"

August 20, 2025 

Luke 18 

 ...men ought always to pray, and not to faint. (verse 1b)

LET IT GLOW

At the beginning of this chapter, we find Jesus giving two parables involving prayer. He is teaching His followers to pray with persistence (verses 1-8) and pray with humility (verses 9-17). 

The first parable involves a helpless, friendless, and destitute widow. She kept coming before a lawless, bad, and unprincipled judge with no moral fortitude to what was right. She wanted the judge to avenge her adversary. 

Avenge in verses 3 and 5, mean retaliate; punish.

However, this judge would not rule in the woman's favor or protect her from her opponent's attempt to defraud her. Unscrupulous people trumped up debts against a widow in order to place a lien against her property. She had no husband or children to produce an income. Yet, she was persistent and wore him out by repeatedly going to the judge. 

The result was the judge, an unbeliever, avenged the widow because: lest by her continual coming she weary me. (verse 5b)

LET IT GROW

Look what the unbelieving judge said: And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (verse 8)

How persistent are we in pray for our loved ones to be saved? Or that we find God's will for our life?

If the unrighteous judge will dispense justice in response to the desperate woman's persistent petitioning, how much more can we count on God, who is perfectly righteous, to do what is right on behalf of "His elect"?  (Swindoll)

This parable is also about justice. God does what is right and just. It is not depending upon whether we deserve it or not. 

Do we persistently pray for justice on the earth? When Jesus returns, there will be justice.

LET IT GO

Help us be faithful to pray for our leaders of our nation, our church, and our family.

To You be the glory.

Will You be Left Behind?

 N.T.#615 "Will You be Left Behind?"

August 19, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 9 

LET IT GLOW

Why did Lot's wife become salt? She didn't believe God would do what He said, destroy her city. She looked back mourning the life she left. Was she materialistic, skeptic, and self-centered?

To believe God is the important thing for us. We need to abandon the values and attachments of this world in order to be ready for Christ's return. It's a matter of attitude. When Christ returns, there will be no second chances. Either we repent of our sins now, believe Jesus is the Savior and only way to heaven, or we don't. Plain and simple. Have you begged for mercy? Are you still praying for family members to come to Jesus?

Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.

LET IT GROW

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (verse 33)

When we give our life to Jesus, work for His kingdom work, worship Him, share His love with others, give to the needy, think of others before ourself, then we are loosing our life. Thus, it shall be preserved.  

In verses 34-36, we find two sleeping, working at the mill and in the field. It will make no difference what you are doing when Jesus returns for His children. The believers and unbelievers will be divided instantly. 

We who know Jesus will be raptured out of here to heaven. Then the Great Tribulation will begin. Evil and death are always found in the same places, like vultures circling a dead body. They will pounce to retrieve the spoils left behind. 

Will you be left behind? Or will you be caught up in the air with Jesus?

LET IT GO

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

All we like sinners have gone astray, every one.

None are perfect, no not one. 

Jesus, thank You for providing eternal life through faith in You.

Are You Ready?

 N.T.#614 "Are You Ready?"

August 18, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

The Jews during Jesus' days on earth believed the Messiah would establish an earthly, political kingdom. Jesus said that wasn't His goal. His kingdom is not of this world. (He told Pilate in John 18:36) His goal instead was to rule in the hearts of men and women. (Billy Graham)

A kingdom is never far from its king. A kingdom is its king. Jesus pointed to Himself. It was right in front of the Pharisees, yet they rejected Jesus as their King. The Pharisees wanted to know when the kingdom of God would come, not realizing it had already arrived-Jesus was there.

Then Jesus speaks to His disciples:

• Don't be deceived when people say the Son of man is here or there-do not follow them. (verse 23)
• Jesus said that He must suffer many things and be rejected by that generation. (verse 25)
• Here Jesus illustrates the attitudes of nonbelievers during that time using Noah and Lot's stories. 
• People watched Noah build the ark for 120 years, living like the world would remain the same, unbelieving, yet perished in the flood. Only 8 survived.
• Only Lot and his family survived the fire and brimstone judgment Lot's wife looked back at the city, warned not to, but mourned the life she had left, wanting to carry her old life with her, died becoming a pillar of salt. 
• People continued life in sin, not heeding the warning of God's coming judgment. (verses 26-32)

Where are you and where are you going? The life of this world, defined by the pursuit of wealth (16:13), will result in eternal, spiritual death. Life in the kingdom demands putting to death any desire for wealth. We must move toward the kingdom with haste, as though the world were on fire. It soon will be.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

LET IT GROW

The kingdom of God is not like an earthly kingdom with geographical boundaries. It is God's Spirit working in people's lives and in relationships. What is God doing in your heart, your church, your family?

The thing is, life will be going on as usual when Christ returns. We don't know when it will be, but we must be ready to meet Him. Keep your commitment to Jesus Christ strong, as well as your faith. We will leave it all here when we are raptured out to our eternal home. What a day that will be!

LET IT GO

One day it will all be over. Either we are raptured or we die individually. Are you ready, my friend?

Believing in Jesus is the only way to get to heaven. Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

The Kingdom of God

N.T.#613 "The Kingdom of God"

August 15, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Have you thought about the kingdom of God? Believers in Jesus are scattered throughout the world doing His work, sharing the Gospel. Yet it is within us believers, too. Of course, it is in heaven, also. A little mind boggling? 

I like how Swindoll gives us subtitles in this chapter:

• Protect your relationships against lingering resentments. (verses 3-4)
• Grow toward maturity in faith. (verses 5-6)
• Serve the kingdom without expectations. (verses 7-10)
•  Cultivate a grateful attitude. (verses 11-19)

In other words, we are to forgive others, keep the faith, serve out of love and not for recognition, and be thankful, as well as encouraging. Continue our praise, worship, and thanksgiving toward our God. 

How are you doing in these areas? I always have homework to do concerning what I have learned.

LET IT GROW

After that good teaching, the Pharisees demand of Jesus to know when the kingdom of God should come. (verse 20) They were looking for dates and times. 

How did Jesus respond? The kingdom of God is not something observable. It wasn't coming as they expected. It was actually in their midst because the King was standing in front of them, within you.

Within means inside, in the Greek language.

This word is only used twice in the New Testament. (Matt. 23:26)  Was Jesus referring to the Holy Spirit indwelling a person after they got saved? 

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom. It isn't temporal nor external. It is not of this world. (John 18:36) It changes hearts and lives, not outward conditions. Besides, it isn't for us to know when Jesus returns.

Are we ready?

LET IT GO

Use us for kingdom work while we are here, Lord Jesus.

Thank You for letting us live this long and enjoy our blessings.

Attitude of Gratitude

 N.T.#612 "Attitude of Gratitude"

August 14, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Have you experienced the healing of God? Here is a man who did.

We left the ten lepers asking Jesus for mercy and them following His instruction of going to show themselves to the priests. That was for clarity, a confirmation of their healing. As they went, the lepers were healed. I wonder if the 9 were Jews who followed the Word of God as they went to see the priests. (Lev. 14)

What happened next?

• One of the lepers turned back and glorified God with a loud voice whenever he saw that he was healed. (verse 15)
• He fell down on his face at the feet of Jesus, his healer. (verse 16)
• He gave thanks. 
• He was a Samaritan. 
• Jesus asked it there had been 10 lepers, yet only one returned to glorify God. (verse 17-18)

Why did the others not return to give thanks? 

It could have been due to superstition, ignorance, self-interest, or plain ingratitude. (Falwell)

Here was a Samaritan, a half-breed Jew, if you will, who was despised by Jews, which returned with praise and thanksgiving for his healing. We see God's grace available to everybody. 

Have you experienced the grace of God?

LET IT GROW

And He said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (verse 19)

Our true spiritual blessings come through worship, praise, and thanksgiving.  (Tony Evans)

It is obvious that the Samaritan former leper had experienced not only a physical blessing, but a spiritual blessing as well. He had encountered Jesus. No entitlement was present. Compassion found in our Lord Jesus was exhibited that day. Some commentaries say this man was saved that day, forgiven of his sins. 

Here was a changed man, a healed man, who was able to return to his family and normal life. But oh the witness he had, his experience with Jesus he could share. 

(Keep in mind that not all are healed so God can receive glory through sickness or death.)

LET IT GO

How great is our God!

We surrender to Your will.

"Mercy From The Master"

 N.T.#611 "Mercy From The Master"

August 13, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 5 

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Are we trusting and obeying God in the little things? Are we willing to submit to Him? Today we read about ten men whose lives were changed. What do we know about them?

• The 10 had leprosy, a skin disease which was contagious. What suffering physically they must have endured. Plus, they were away from family and friends, as well as normal daily life. It was a social death sentence. 
• They were located in a village on the other side of the Jordan River, in the land between the borders of Samaria and Galilee. They had to be outside of town in their own commune. Jews and Samaritans were living there. 
• They stood afar off, not near Jesus so He could touch them or heal them right there. (It was a rule for them to shout "leprosy, unclean" so no one could come near them and contact the disease.) How humiliating. 
• Evidently they had heard about Jesus healing people. 
• Our key verse above indicates that those Jews and Samaritans asked Jesus for mercy.

Mercy means compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace; have pity on.

Those ten sought the One who could not only show mercy on them, but heal them of that horrible disease. Do we go to the One who can heal our sin-sick soul, our problems, our diseases? Or do we seek help from worldly sources first? 

Do we seek mercy from the Master?

LET IT GROW

The ten went to the right source. How did Jesus respond to their request? He told them to show themselves to the priests. (Lev. 14:2-7) There was no further conversation with the ten; no questioning Jesus; no conversation among the ten that we know of.

What happened to the ten? Only as the ten ventured off by faith did their healings occur. (They could have thought, "No, I'm not going into town and be seen by people scared of me. Not today.") Can you feel their desperation? They had faith. I can see them running if they were able.

As they went they were cleansed. (verse 14)

Jesus wants us to obey His Word and His Spirit. Is our faith strong enough to not ask questions, but to obey without details? Thosse guys had to step out in fiaht that Jesus could and would heal them. They proved it by going on their way to see the priests.

LET IT GO

 

Forgive us Lord Jesus for our unbelief, disobedience, questioning You.

Your ways are best.

You are all-powerful God.

Help our faith be bigger than mustard seed.

How faithful  and merciful You are!

"What Kind of Servant Are We?"

N.T.#610  "What Kind of Servant Are We?"

August 12, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

How is our mustard-seed faith doing? What about our daily forgiving others? Here we have a scenario concerning a servant and master.

Slavery, in Roman times, could have resulted in a way of paying a debt or a voluntary indenture where the person vows to serve in exchange for room, board, protection, and community, or a child was born to a slave so they became one.

This is a picture of a servant working hard in the field all day, plowing and feeding cattle is not an easy job, then coming to the master afterwards. This master didn't have the servant sit down to his own meal. (verse 8) The servant had to prepare his master's meal after working hard in the field. He was probably exhausted before doing this task. It was expected of the servant, though. (verse 9) Did you notice the master didn't thank the servant for doing his job either? Many times our job or obedience is thankless.

LET IT GROW

 What can we learn from this story?

 True faith, the size of a mustard seed, submits to divine authority. The duty of a servant is to honor and obey his master. Are we trusting God and obeying Him in little things? If so, then when big things come along, we will trust God to do what is impossible for us to do, but not impossible for Him to do.

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Obedience is our duty, not something extra we do. It is a privilege. We shouldn't obey just to receive a reward. Jesus obeyed the Father out of love for Him and for us. 

What about us? Have we done all that is expected of us? Are we only doing our duty or do we extras? Are we expecting rewards or recognition for being faithful? Are we proud or humble? Are we God's faithful servant? 

Will we hear one day: well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of thy lord. (Matt. 25:23)

LET IT GO

It is You that we love and serve, Heavenly Father. 

May You receive all the glory and honor in what we do today. 

 

"How Big is Your Faith?"

N.T.#609 "How Big is Your Faith?"

August 11, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

How is your faith? Is it growing and serving? Or is it just sitting still?

Here we have some teachings of Jesus to His disciples in this chapter:

• Offending and leading astray a little one, child or young believer, with a stumbling block causing them to sin results in divine judgment. (verses 1-2)
• If a brother trespass/sin against you repeatedly in one day, rebuke them, then forgive them if they repent. Forgiveness is an unceasingly, ongoing thing because we sin daily. (verses 3-4)
• Grow in faith, exercise faith, and use the faith they have.  
• Provided it is God's will, we can ask anything and it will be accomplished. (verses 5-6)

Genuine faith is more important than the amount of faith. Faith is complete trust in and loyalty to God that results in a willingness to do His will. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GROW

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou panted in the sea; and it should obey you. (verse 6)

Asking God for anything, even for a tree to be uprooted and cast into the sea, will be accomplished, provided it is God's will. To pray in the will of God we must have His Word abiding in us, (John 15:7) because only His Word informs us with certainty regarding His will. (Falwell)

Do we have genuine faith in our tremendous God?

How are you showing your faith?

LET IT GO

It isn't enough for us to let go of something which is holding us back from exercising faith in God. We must let go and let God. 

What comes to your mind that you need to let go of and let God handle it?

"Protect the Little Ones"

N.T.#608 "Protect the Little Ones"

August 8, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

Do you remember when traps for small animals (like rabbits, skunks) in the woods would be set using a stick to hold up a wooden box? 

Now Jesus is teaching His disciples some principles to live by concerning relationships. First, He warns against being a stumbling block for little ones. Stumbling blocks was like a stick holding open a baited trap, like a trip wire. Jesus is warning his followers against traps like pride, greed, fear, addictions, compulsions, temptations, distractions. (Swindoll)

We are not to be the reason someone falls into sin. We are not to lay traps for them, the little ones (helpless, innocent children). Those may include needy or emotionally wounded or downtrodden by life or ignorant of spiritual matters. We are not to be users, either.

LET IT GROW

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and be cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (verse 2)

You have probably seen pictures of a millstone used in biblical days. It was a huge, extremely heavy stone used to grind grain into flour or pressing olives into oil. 

Jesus warned of God's wrath for those who offend, abuse, hurt, or lead astray the little ones. This term can also include new believers. It is a terrible thing for children to be abused or hurt by adults. We must be warned to guard them against abuse, mentally and spiritually, as well as physically. Corruption and evil can enter homes through television and internet. We must filter and supervise what is watched. 

One time when our children were little we saw a cute little Smurf call on the name of Beelzebub, another name for Satan. We must guard their innocence. Schools can become a place where homosexuals, transgenders, and perpetrators seek to change that in our children.

It is better for a person to be drown than to face the wrath of God for such things. so be careful what we teach new Christians. Make it Truth from the Word.

LET IT GO

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus.

Help us encourage instead of hurting others.

Give us strength to stand for You and Your Word.

"Are You a Believer?"

N.T.#606 "Are You a Believer?"

August 6, 2025 

Luke16-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW 

Are you a believer? The only way to heaven is believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Plain and simple. Good works won't get you there. Being born a Jew won't get you there. Being rich won't get you there. Nope. It is by faith and the grace of God only.

We just finished studying about the rich man and the beggar. It could have been written in parabolic fashion to prove a main point presented in symbolic form. The rich man would not have known Abraham and Lazarus by sight for they lived in a different time. Other parables do not use specific names like this one did. Moses, Abraham, Lazarus, and the prophets were real people, as was the certain rich man.  

I think Jesus recounted what happened to these two men after they died. He would have been there before He came to earth. This proves there is a real heaven and a real hell, a place of torment and punishment. However, there is a great gulf or distance between the two so no one can change places. They are there for the duration of eternity. 

Believers in Jesus have the assurance of heaven after death. What peace that gives us. Are you a believer? 

LET IT GROW

Before we move onto the next chapter, there are some gold nuggets for us. I like how Swindoll summed it up:

1. God's written Word is the most important evidence a person can examine.
2. It contains the most compelling information to prepare us for death.
3. The person who ignores the Word of God in life will not be ignored by the God of the Word in eternity.

What does this mean to the unbeliever? Study the Word of God, and examine it closely. History validates there was a man named Jesus who walked on this earth. That makes the Bible to be Truth. Jesus claimed to be God (John 5:17-18); the Messiah (John 4:25-26), and the only way to heaven. (John 14:6)

I write those things because we have visitors who are not believers in Jesus, yet. Perhaps you have believers in your family, work place, neighborhood. We must share the Good News of Jesus.

LET IT GO

Keep us standing firm in the Truth, Jesus.

We owe You our everything because You gave Your everything for us.

Such love, grace, and mercy!

"Are You Ready For Death?

N.T.#606 "Are You Ready For Death?"

August 6, 2025 

Luke 16-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW 

Going through the doorway of death certainly changed the status of the rich man and poor man. It was due to what was in the hearts of these two men. The rich man becomes the beggar, while the beggar is now the rich man. You must make the decision in this life where you will go after your death. You do not get a second chance after death.  (J.V. McGee)

In other words, is Jesus your Savior today? Today may be all that we have. After death, it is either heaven or hell for the soul forever. This is the most important decision in your life which you can make.

What about our loved ones? Do they know Jesus? Eternity is a very long time, forever and ever.

LET IT GROW

... if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (verses 30-31)

Jesus' friend Lazarus had returned from the dead and the religious leaders sought only to kill him, though some believed through his testimony. (John 12)

Also, Jesus Christ arose from the dead and many back then and now do not believe it happened. 

There is no returning or sending back of messages from hell; no reincarnation, nor spiritism as it is thought of by those who are thereby deceived. (Falwell)

Jesus used this message to warn the Pharisees. They separated obedience to God and compassion for people. A life of abundance and success does not always mean God is pleased with us. 

Watch out for rules, rituals, regulations, and traditions. It is God's Word by which we are to live. In it we find eternal life. Are we sharing it today?

LET IT GO

Make us into what You want us to be, Lord Jesus.

We are here to serve You and others.

"Where Will You Spend Eternity?"

 N.T.#605 "Where Will You Spend Eternity?"

August 5, 2025 

Luke 16-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus finished teaching about having the right attitude towards money. He told about the "Rich man and Lazarus." It's about a billionaire and a beggar. Although, it could have been an account of two real men who are known as a certain rich man and a certain beggar. 

Here is a contrast:

• A rich man, which remains nameless, was always clothed in fine linen against his skin and a purple outer garment, that was the most expensive material. (verse 18)
• This man lived sumptuously (luxuriously) every day. (I wondered if he lived in a gated community.)
• He indulged his appetite with any food he desired.
• He received good things in his lifetime. (verse 25)
• He knew about Lazarus the beggar. Maybe he walked around him daily as he went outside his gate to go to work, town, or the store.
• When the rich man died, he was wrapped in aromatic spices and placed in a burial cave.
• Oh, he probably had family, friends, associates, city officials, and professional mourners to weep. 
• The rich man's soul went to hell, where he was tormented in a flame, and needing his tongue cooled by water. (verse 24)
• We know he had 5 brothers, for he begged Abraham to send someone to testify unto them. Yet it was not possible. There is a great gulf fixed between heaven and hell and no one can go to the other place. Ones eternity is sealed once one dies. (verse 28)
• The rich, selfish man thought if one came back from the dead, then people (his 5 brothers) would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus, not having to experience hell.

Hell is a real place for unbelievers in Jesus. It was designed for the devil and his angels to suffer for their sinful rebellion, wanting to be as God). However, when people do not repent and believe in Jesus as their Savior, the Son of God, The only way to heaven, then they spend eternity considering their mistakes.

The rich man did not show Lazarus compassion and this, he would not experience compassion for all of eternity. What a sad thing. It could have been avoided. And so it is for so many prideful souls.

LET IT GROW

Lazarus's life is such a contrast to that of the rich man:

• Lazarus was a helpless beggar who was laid at the rich man's gate, dying. 
• He was hungry, skinny, malnourished, desiring to eat crumbles which fell from the rich man's table. (Just give him some leftovers.)
• He must have been diseased, for Lazarus was full of sores, painful abscesses, which the dogs licked. What a pathetic situation in which to live. (verse 20-21)
• When this beggar died alone, he was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom, the Hebrew father of faith, surrounded by faithful ones in heaven. (verse 22)
• His body was probably hauled to the city dump-no elaborate burial, no mourners, no family.

The Pharisees had the Law, Moses' teachings, and the prophets, yet they didn't repent of their sins. 

Is heaven yours to gain or hell to receive forever? Friend, have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior? 

LET IT GO

We need Your grace and mercy, Heavenly Father.

Thank You for sending Jesus to die in our place for our sins.

How wonderful heaven must be!

Please change hearts today, save lost souls, help others to believe in You today.

Glory to Your name.

"Divorce"

 N.T.#604 "Divorce"

August 4, 2025 

Luke 16-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Here we are again on the topic of divorce. I didn't bring it up, Jesus did. Marriage is God's design, His ideal, and the way for a family to be established. The institution of marriage was established before the church. Marriage is a lifelong commitment and bond between one man and one woman. The husband is to love his wife and the wife is to respect her husband. 

To leave your spouse for another person may be legal, but it is adultery in God's eyes. (Life Application Study Bible)

Christ will not allow divorces, for His Gospel is intended to strike at the bitter root of men's corrupt appetites and passions, to kill them, and plucked them up. (Matthew Henry)

Matthew 5:32 gives an excuse for divorce-fornication before their marriage. In the ancient Near East, it  was allowed for a man to verbally divorce his wife. The Arab custom would allow him to say tell her 3 times that he divorces her. There was no legal protection for her. The ancient law of Israel insisted on a writing of divorcement or certificate of divorce.  

Christ allowed it because of sexual unfaithfulness during the engagement period. However, the legitimacy of divorce does not necessarily establish the legitimacy of remarriage. Also, there are many examples of extending forgiveness to the adulterous offender. (Hosea 3:1; Gen. 38:26; John 8:1-11) (Falwell)

LET IT GROW

When there is a divorce involved, both families are effected, and children if present. Heartbreak or anger can result, too. Both should repent of this sin to Jesus, as well when remarriage is involved, in my opinion. Living together is not an option. 

You know, marriage is hard work. Relationships take hard work, too. That is why we need Jesus to be the head of our family. His blood covers a multitude of sins. We should seek the will of God for our life before making such a commitment. 

LET IT GO

Help us stand for Your standards, Lord Jesus.

Forgive our sins today.

"Rules Vs. Jesus"

N.T.#603 "Rules Vs. Jesus"

August 1, 2025 

Luke 16-Part 3

And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. (verse 17)

LET IT GLOW

The Pharisees couldn't fool Jesus. He told them that they can't love or serve God and money at the same time. The Pharisees scoffed at Jesus because they were lovers of money. God knew their hearts. What hypocrites they were. They were good at using their wealth to camouflage their greedy hearts. (Tony Evans)

These religious leaders were good at diluting the Word of God into man-made rules and traditions. 

In verse 15, Jesus confronted the Pharisees saying they were:

• justifying themselves before men.  
• God knew what was in their hearts-love of money, which was an abomination to God.

Abomination means idolatry; a detestation.  

The Jews rejected the rule of Jesus over them and when He reigns as King. Have you accepted or rejected Jesus as King over your life? What does Jesus see in your heart?

LET IT GROW

The Law and the Prophets mentioned here referred to the Old Testament, which taught about the kingdom of God. Then John the Baptist came on the scene, preaching repentance and the Good News that its King, which is Jesus, had come. He accused the Pharisees of violating the Law. 

The universe will dissolve before the Law of God passes away. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not to destroy it. (verse 17)

I pray the Ten Commandments will be hung in the classrooms across our country. Without them our schools and society have become chaos, with killings. With them, we realize we are sinners in need of a Savior, for we can't keep them all. 

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me.

Only His love can set me free.

Nobody else could open heaven's door.

Just Jesus and nothing more.

*Please pray that no one hacks into this website so the Word is not destroyed. (especially in S. America)