Are You Ready?

N.T.#641 "Are You Ready?"

Sept. 30, 2025 

Luke 21-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

If you missed the 12 signs of the Tribulation coming, you should read the previous post. Jesus was telling His followers to recognize the signs of the coming kingdom of God-His millennial reign. No one knows the day or the hour except the Heavenly Father, when Jesus comes in the clouds to rapture out His believers. 

One thing for sure, Heaven and earth shall pass away; but My Words shall not pass away. (verse 33)

There is coming a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus claimed absolute sovereignty and authority over the fulfillment of His prophetic Words. (Evans)

God's Word is rock-solid. Jesus spoke Truth because He is Truth. 

LET IT GROW

The picture of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is a cause not for worry but for great joy. As believers see these events happening, they will know that the return of their Messiah is near, and they can look forward to His reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ's return to bring justice and restoration to His people. (Life Application Study Bible)

We still have time to love people to Jesus. Pray for your family members to get saved so they are ready for what is to come. 

Are you ready for what is to come?

LET IT GO

Help us get ready, Lord Jesus.

Strengthen us, help us to stand amidst the persecution. 

Protect us from evil and the allurement of the world.

To You be glory, honor, and praise.

Signs of the Times

N.T.#640 "Signs of the Times"

Sept. 29, 2025 

Luke 21-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Like the song says, "signs of the times are everywhere." People have always been looking for signs of the Tribulation, what it will look like before and after. Those are described in various books of the Bible. Here in this chapter, Jesus spoke of such things in the future happening.

The beauty which Herod the Great put into the Temple would one day come down. He had placed massive marble stones, polished, about the size of 67.5 feet high and 9 feet thick. There were gold-plated doors, giant lighting fixtures, exquisite tapestries, and finely-crafted artwork. Yet, nothing in the Temple was permanent, ass destruction was coming. We know the Romans did it in 70A.D. Since the leaders had failed to heed Jesus' warnings, their precious building was doomed. (19:43-44) 

Of course, we know that during the Great Tribulation, the Antichrist will enter a future Temple in Jerusalem to set himself up as God. (2 Thess. 2:3-4)

LET IT GROW

Someone asked Jesus when those things would be and what sign there would be of it happening. (verse 7)

Here is what Luke recorded for us:

1. Many will come in Jesus' name, claiming to be the Messiah. Don't believe them.
2. When you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Those things will happen, but the end will not follow immediately.
3. Nations will war against nation and kingdom against kingdom. 
4. Earthquakes, famines, plagues will be in many lands.
5. Terrifying things and great miraculous signs will happen from heaven.
6. Before this, believers and followers of Jesus will have great persecution-imprisoned and judged, hated by all. 
7. Jesus will give them the right words and wisdom so the opponents will be able to reply or refute you.
8. Family members will betray you and even kill some of you; everyone will hate you. (verse 18)
9.  By your endurance you will gain your lives. Stand firm and win souls.(verse 19)
10. When Jerusalem is surrounded by enemies, the time of destruction has arrived-get out. 
11. There will be strange signs in the sun, moon, stars, roaring seas and strange tides. (God will be warning the wicked and calling them to repentance. 
12. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (verse 27)[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

What are we to do, if we are here on earth?

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  (verse 28)

In the Greek, redemption means ransom in full; salvation; deliverance.

All will see our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, coming to reign on earth as King of kings and LORD of lords. In Him alone we have salvation, being saved from the penalty of our sins, because He paid it in full with His blood shed on the cross.

Friend, do you believe this? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

LET IT GO

Which side will you be on, dear one? 

Are you for Jesus or against Him?

How is Our Giving?

 N.T.#639 "How is Our Giving?"

Sept. 26, 2025 

Luke 21

LET IT GLOW

Does our giving please God?

Jesus had no more than a week to live when He enter Jerusalem in His Triumphant Entry. He spent His last few days in the Temple praying, observing, and reflecting. He reflected on values, what was precious in the kingdom of God. Then He spoke of the future of humanity. (Swindoll)

Jesus was watching the rich people drop their gifts in the collection box in the Temple. He sat in the Court of the Women, where 13 horn-shaped receptacles collected the freewill offerings of worshipers. (Deut. 16:10-11) Then along came a poor widow who dropped in two small coins. 

What do we know about her?

• She apparently looked poor. 
• She was a widow, maybe of older age.
• It sounds like she loved God and was a faithful Jew giving her offering.
• Her offering was a sacrifice, giving all she had to give.
• Jesus noticed her she gave everything she had, out of her need. (I wonder if she needed those two coins to buy food for that day.)

LET IT GROW

It appeared that the widow had given next to nothing (1/100th of a daily wage). Yet Jesus said she had put in more than all of the rich did. They gave out of their surplus; she gave out of her poverty. The wealthy showed little dependence on God, since they gave out of their excess. The widow gave of her livelihood, showing her great reliance on God as her source of blessing and provision. (Tony Evans)

How is our giving?  How is our dependence upon God to provide?

LET IT GO

Is anything more valuable than serving God and giving to His kingdom work?

Are we a cheerful giver?

How is Our Walk With Jesus?

 N.T.#638 "How is Our Walk With Jesus?"

 Sept 25, 2025

 Luke 20-Part 7

 LET IT GLOW

Do you know people who are dressed fine, act spiritual on Sunday, yet act totally different during the week? How is our walk with Jesus?

There is no record of a Sadducee being converted. The Resurrection was the acid test of the Sadducees, and it is the acid test of the liberal. They do not believe in a literal resurrection. (J/Vernon McGee)

Then Jesus turns to His disciples, telling them to beware of the scribes. Why?

• They walk in long robes. These were like an expensive, hand-tailored, silk suit. 
• They love the greetings in the markets. The respectful greetings described public recognition of their exalted status. 
• They love the highest seats in the synagogues. The chief seats were up in the front, facing the congregation, where a leader could receive the greatest visibility. (Luke 11:43)
• They love the highest seats in the chief rooms at feasts. (verse 46) Those places of honor went to the highest social rank. (14:7-8)
• They devour widows' houses. They took advantage of the helpless. 
• For show they make long prayers. They did not seek God's Word, but human admiration. (Swindoll)

Are we humbly serving our Lord? Are we helping the helpless? Praying for the needs of others? Does it really matter where we sit in church?

LET IT GROW

These will suffer the worst torment of all. God will punish those who use their position of responsibility to cheat others. Isn't it strange to think the scribes, who knew the Word of God best, would receive the worst punishment? But behind their appearance of holiness and respectability, they were arrogant, crafty, selfish, and uncaring. Jesus exposed their evil hearts in front of a crowd. 

Jesus taught that teachers will receive the most severe judgment because they should be living examples of mercy and justice. Religious deeds do not cancel sin. 

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

Do we use our resources to help others, and not just ourselves? Are we living what we proclaim? Do others see love, mercy, and grace in us? 

How is our walk with Jesus?

LET IT GO

Help us, Lord Jesus, to be more like you today.

*Praying for the Kirk family and Turning Point USA ministry leaders.

Who is Christ?

 N.T.#637 "Who is Christ?" 

Sept. 24, 2025 

Luke 20-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we learned how the Sadducees tried to trap Jesus with the scenario of a Jewish man dying and his widow marrying his brother and raising up a son for his brother's name to be carried on. Whose wife will she be if 7 brothers marry the widow? 

How did Jesus answer?

• There is no marrying when believers are resurrected. (verses 34-35)
• Resurrected believers will no longer die. (verse 36)
• We will be like angels. (verse 36)
• God is still God after the dead are raised. (verse 37)

Challenging Jesus was not working for the religious leaders. After all, He came up with the plan with the Heavenly Father. Jesus' understanding of the Scriptures and teaching was so much superior to them. 

Are you ready for the rapture of believers? 

LET IT GROW

So Jesus turned the questioning on them. 

And He said unto them, How can they say that Christ is the son of David? (verse 41)

The answer if found in Psalm 110:1-The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under Your feet.  (NLT)

In other words, God told Jesus to sit on the throne at His right hand. David calls the Messiah his Lord. Christ was a descendant of David, yet did not call David Lord. David called Jesus Lord. Christ Jesus was human, but also God. We say He is God in the flesh. Jesus will rule over His enemies one day. 

Are you ready for the trumpet sound? Will you be caught up in the air to heaven?

LET IT GO

Help us love You, Jesus, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Father, You are worthy of worship, praise, glory.

What is Heaven Like?

N.T.#636  "What is Heaven Like?"

Sept. 22, 2025 

Luke 20-Part 5 

Jesus replied, , "Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage." (verse 34 N.L.T.)

LET IT GLOW

I thought this week I was heading for heaven. I was so sick with a sharp pain the in head that I could barely walk and it was foggy to think. I was afraid that I had a stroke, yet no other signs were evident. I kept praying for Jesus to heal me. I didn't want to die yet. I have grandchildren to see graduate from college.  After tests ruled out my fears, I felt better. So they gave me some medication, which is working. It just keeps me groggy and I sleep a lot, but I am alive. Thank You Jesus!

The religious leaders failed to trap Jesus when asking if it was lawful to pay taxes. They should have known better to even attempt to catch Him with words. Jesus is the Son of God, perfect, all-knowing, and could read their thoughts. Those men were amazed at Jesus' answer and became silent.

Yet they did not give up. The Sadducees came along (who didn't believe in the resurrection).(verse 27)

What did the Sadducees believe?

1. They believed in only the inspired first 5 books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. They held a lower view of the rest of the Old Testament of history, wisdom prophecy. 
2. The Sadducees did not believe in an afterlife or a resurrection or a final judgment. They thought God rewarded the righteous and punished the wicked now.
3. They believed in a distant, hands-off God who did not interact or interfere in human events.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

Do you believe in life-after-death? Are you sure there is going to be a resurrection of the dead?

LET IT GROW

The Sadducees gave Jesus a scenario problem to solve:

If a man dies and leaves his wife childless, an eligible brother is to marry her, father children with her, and raise them to assume the dead man's name and carry on his legacy. (Deut. 25:5-6) If 7 brothers married the woman and she remained childless, whose wife would she be in the resurrection?

 

There are differences between heaven and earth:

• Marriage is an earthly institution but has no place in heaven. When one dies, the spouse is freed from marriage obligations on earth. There is no giving in marriage in heaven. (verse 35)
• Death is confined to earth, also. People in heaven don't die. (verse 36)
• Believers in heaven will be like angels. (Sadducees rejected the existence of angels.)

Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him. (verse 38, NASB)

It is a win-win situation for us born-again-believers-God is with us now and with us in heaven.  All are alive in heaven, Christians, that is.

To prove His point, Jesus spoke of Moses at the burning bush whenever God identified Himself being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the present tense, not past tense. This indicated that God is still the God of the patriarchs in heaven.

We believers are in a win-win-situation. God is with us here on earth in His Spirit and will be with us in heaven. Glory to God in the Highest!

LET IT GO

As the song goes, I can only imagine what it will be like in heaven.

Will we dance for Him or in awe be still?

Will we stand before Jesus or kneel in His presence?

Will we shout Hallelujah or remain silent, unable to speak at all?

I can imagine myself kneeling at the feet of Holy Jesus, kissing His nail-scared feet, silent before Him.

Tears flow whenever I hear that song. How true it is. 

Surrounded by His glory, what will my heart feel?

How about you, my friend? Do you know Jesus as your Savior so I will see you in glory?

To Pay or Not to Pay Taxes

 N.T.#635  "To Pay or Not to Pay Taxes"

Sept. 18, 2025 

Luke 20-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

The scribes and chief priests knew Jesus' parable was about them. As the villains, they hated Him for it. So they plotted a way to get their hands on Him. However, they feared the crowd. They didn't give up, did they? They sent spies who pretended to be righteous to attempt to trip Jesus in His words. If they could trick Jesus into saying something treasonous, they could hand Him over to the Roman governor to be tried. (Which happened later.) the Jews did not have the power of capital punishment. (John 18:31) (verses 20-21)

So they spies:

• Pretended to acknowledge Jesus as a God-fearing teacher telling the truth. (verse 21)
• Asked if it was lawful for them to give tribute to Caesar or not.
• They knew the Law of Moses.

LET IT GROW

If Jesus answered yes, then He was on the side of the Sadducees. If He answered no, then He was an enemy of Rome. (He and His followers paid their taxes.)

What was Jesus' answer? Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and render unto God the things which belong to God. (verse 25)

This is clearly the doctrine of the separation of church and state. 

As citizens of God's kingdom we live under the authority of earthly governments for this time. We honor God when we pay our taxes. However, we don't serve governments when their law conflicts with God's. We tithe so we show our love for God and the church. Our faith trusts God to take care of us. Christians should plan their budget so they are faithful givers to both.

LET IT GO

Be faithful in little and faithful in much.

Honor God in all we do.

Give thanks for the blessings He has given to us.

 Sorry everyone, but I have been sick this week. Hope to be back Thursday.

Who is Your Cornerstone?

N. T. #634 "Who is Your Cornerstone?"

Sept. 15, 2025 

Luke 20-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

We are in a spiritual war. Shootings are happening around our nation. Evil is trying to get rid of the Truth, the good, those sharing the Gospel. We have to be alert all the time. Even in our country, people are trying to get into my blog site and prevent it from going around the world with hope in Jesus Christ. We need to pray for strength and protection as we believers share the love of our Savior in our families, communities, and world. We know that He is the answer to hate problem. 

As we focus on the Word, we studied about Jesus giving the religious leaders a parable which pertained to them and His situation. In the ending, as the son was killed. Then Jesus asked what those listening thought the owner would do to those farmers. (The wicked murders represented the religious leaders.)

The religious leaders replied, He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest."

And so it is-the religious group did not share the love of God but used their office for personal gain. So it is. Gentiles have found salvation in Jesus and share with others so they can have eternal life in heaven. God is given the glory for the harvest.

LET IT GROW

Jesus went on with His discussion asking them about the Scripture found in Psalm 118:22.

The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.

Jesus is the stone which the Jewish leaders rejected as their Messiah, King, Savior. He is the Cornerstone. When constructing a foundation, the cornerstone becomes the reference by which every part of the building is measured. What had been rejected as worthless ultimately became the most important stone in a building. (Swindoll)

So the kingdom of God has been taken away from the Jewish leaders and given to the Gentiles to produce fruit. Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and those it falls on will be crushed. 

All of that heated up the Pharisees and leaders. They wanted to arrest Jesus but were afraid of the crowds who considered Jesus a prophet. (verse 19)

Is Jesus the Cornerstone on which you build your life?

LET IT GO

Anything you need to let go of so you can completely follow Jesus?

Precious Jesus, bless those who faithfully study Your Word and Truth.

Use us in kingdom work today.

 

The Story That Came to Life

N.T.#633 "The Story That Came to Life"

Sept. 12, 2025 

Luke 20-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Here is another parable which Jesus told illustrating God's special care for Israel. We have the owner of the vineyard who leased it to tenant farmers. When it was grape harvest time, the owner sent 3 servants at various times to conduct an accounting and to collect what belongs to him. However, they all return with nothing but injuries to show for their errands. So, the son of the owner is sent, hoping for a different response and they would respect him. That did not happen. The son, heir to the estate, was killed so the farmers would have it all. 

Jesus asked what should happen to the farmers. Jesus told them that the owner would come and kill the farmers, then lease the vineyard to others. How did the listeners of the parable react? 

They said, "May it never be!" or "God forbid!"

LET IT GROW

Did you figure out the meaning of the parable? The Jewish religious leaders did. 

• The landowner is God, who owns everything.
• The husbandmen or leasing farmers are the Jewish religious leaders.
• The servants are the prophets.
• Christ is the son of the owner, thus the Son of God.

Those religious leaders had been plotting to kill Jesus for quite some time. How angry they must have been, for that same hour they sought to lay hands on Jesus, yet they feared the people. Remember, the crowd was there to celebrate the Passover. Those Jewish leaders had to come up with a scheme that would be appealing to the Roman governor. That way they would not look bad to the people. 

How would we have reacted?

I believe the Bible is true. This parable had a meaning that was so apparent. The religious leaders killed Jesus. He came with a different agenda from theirs. Yet, it was all in God's plan. The story came to life.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that we come to You through faith.

We can never do enough, give enough, nor be enough to appease Holy God.

You are the perfect one that we can never be.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Who is Jesus to You?

N.T.#632 "Who is Jesus to You?"

Sept. 11, 2025 

Luke 20 

LET IT GLOW 

Do we have courage and faithfulness which Jesus modeled in the last chapter? There was the Triumphal Entry, the Lord's weeping over Jerusalem, and His angry cleansing of the Temple by our Savior. 

In verses 1-8, we see Jesus' authority is questioned about His cleansing the Temple, teaching the people, and preaching the Gospel. Luke tells us of the 3 groups-chief priests, scribes, and elders, who were members of the Sanhedrin. Earlier in 9:22, Jesus predicted that such men would reject Him. As Jesus acted like He owned the Temple, which He did, His authority was in question. (Now the high priest was backed by Rome and every political official in Israel.) 

They asked where Jesus got His authority.

Don't you just love the way Jesus always knew the right reply. Look how the Messiah answered the religious leaders:

He asked where John the Baptist got his authority-from heaven or men. Of course, both Jesus and John's authority came from the Heavenly Father. John declared Jesus as the Messiah. 

Who is Jesus to you?

LET IT GROW

The group of Jewish leaders tried to trap Jesus, again. Had Jesus answered that His authority came from God, then He was openly stating He was the Messiah and the Son of God. The harsh, shrewd men would have accused Jesus of blasphemy and bring Him to trial. It wasn't time for that yet.

Jesus did not let Himself be caught. Instead, He turned the question on them. Thus, He exposed their motives and avoided their trap.

Had the Jewish leaders answered (where John got his authority) “from heaven",  then Jesus could have asked why they did not believe John and repent of their sins. If they had said, "from men" then the people would have stoned them since John was believed to have been a prophet. The tables were turned on them. 

Jesus wasn't going to tell them by what authority He did these things (threw out those selling in the Temple).

Obviously, it by God’s authority. Friend, it all comes down to this: Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God, The Savior, the Messiah sent from God?

Faith in Jesus is the only way into heaven. Are you ready to meet a Holy God?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for shedding Your blood as our personal sacrifice. 

I pray for all who read this blog will admit they are sinners in need of a Savior.

Please protect this blog from the evil ones trying to destroy the truth being spread.

We love You Jesus.

A House of Prayer

N.T.#631  "A House of Prayer"

Sept. 10 

Luke 19-Part 7 

It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. (verse 46)

LET IT GLOW

What did Jesus His house? A house of prayer is what it is intended to be. 

Prayer used in the verse, means worship.

Jesus is quoting Isaiah 56:7:

I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. 

In the Hebrew, prayer in this verse means intercession; supplication. 

Prayer moves mountains when it a faith prayer. (Mark 11:22-24) The faith in in God, not the object of the request. The request is to be for the good of God's kingdom. 

However, people had set up stalls in the Temple's Court of the Gentiles to sell merchandise. That made it impossible for non-Jews to spend any time in worship. What a distraction. Jesus had dealt with this problem three years earlier. 

Is your church building a place where people can pray? 

LET IT GROW

The final days of Christ before death were spent in public and private teaching. (verse 47) The people were very attentive to hear Him. (verse 48b)

In contrast, the Jewish leaders spent time in conspiracy to commit murder. It was the chief priests and scribes and chief of the people who hated Jesus. After all, He disrupted their profit-making business. They rejected Jesus as God's Son, the Messiah, and the Savior.

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be Lord of your life?

LET IT GO

Which is more important to you, following Jesus or making money?

 

He Wept

 N.T. #630 "He Wept"

Sept. 9, 2025 

Luke 19-Part 6

And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it.  (verse 41) 

LET IT GLOW

Wasn't all well when Jesus had His triumphal entry into His beloved city of Jerusalem. It would appear so. Yet, not all things are as they appear, my philosophy. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. It was not because He would be rejected, condemned, and crucified. The Gospel was preached there and salvation was offered there. It was due to the future which Jesus knew would happen that He wept.

Why did Jesus weep over Jerusalem? 

• His people, the Jews, would soon reject Him as The Messiah. 
• They could have known peace. (verse 42)
• God was going to hand the city over to judgment.
• Jerusalem's enemies would surround her. (verse 430
• The Romans would decimate her in AD 70. 
• The Temple became a place of business (unhealth animals for profit as sacrifices).
• Selling of merchandise was present
• Prayers and worship of God was hindered by the den of thieves. 

Less than 40 years later those things would take place in that sacred place, destruction and a flattened city. And it is still a mess spiritually. Islamics built their temple of false religion over the site of Jehovah's Temple.  Only a partial wall of the Temple remains, which is call The Wailing Wall. Jews place prayers in the crevices of the wall. They spend time praying in the area. It is a sad sight to behold.

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

Through out the ages, prophets begged the rulers of Jerusalem to trust in the Lord for the city's protection rather than in treaties, alliances, compromises, or submission to pagan rulers. (Deut. 23:6; Isaiah 30:1-3; Jeremiah 43:5-7; Amos 5:4-8)

The religious leaders would not desert their dreams of political power and acknowledge Jesus Christ as their long-awaited Messiah. Instead of that, they did not want this man reigning over them. (Luke 19:14)

One day Jesus will rule as King over Jerusalem and the world. (Rev. 21) Joh saw the New Jerusalem. 

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

LET IT GO

King Jesus, reign over our hearts, lives, cities, nation, and churches.

We pray for Your mercy and repentance of the unbelievers.

Please protect Your Beloved City and our nation.

 

What a Parade!

N.T.#629 "What a Parade!"

Sept. 8, 2025 

Luke 19-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Do you like parades? I recall my high school days before our homecoming, we would have a parade down main street of my hometown. It was a big deal, for football was a big deal in our community. We would have our school marching band playing, cheerleaders cheering, the homecoming court of girls representing each class riding on convertibles and such. Our homecoming queen would be dressed up looking fantastic. Students would line the street cheering. Of course, our football team would walk in their jerseys, too. What a fun time of celebration. 

Today's lesson is a triumphal entry of the Messiah. Jesus didn't come riding on a victorious horse as a king would back then. How is the King of the Jews pictured in Zech. 9:9? humble and just, bringing salvation, riding on a donkey. 

The people lined the streets with palm branches and clothes, shouting "Hosanna!" which means "Save us!"

They were celebrating Jesus as the Messiah. The Pharisees stood back, observing this openness. 

It was a good thing Jesus was riding on a donkey, because the descent from the Mt. of Olives to the eastern gate is a steep one. I was glad that I had on good walking shoes whenever we walked down the hill. 

Notice what the disciples/followers of our Lord were doing during this walk:

... the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. (verses 37b, 38)

The people were praising God for giving them a king, but they had the wrong idea about Jesus. He didn't come to be their national leader, but their Savior. 

Who is Jesus to you?

LET IT GROW

Leave it to the Pharisees to stir things up. They wanted Jesus to quiet the crowd. The praises were not blasphemous or sacrilegious. They didn't want someone to challenge their power and authority nor did they want the Roman army down on them. 

What was Jesus' reply? 

If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers! (verse 40, NAS)

If the people were silent, the created things will take up their praise. Jesus faced His enemies head on. It would not have been a hard things for Jesus to raise up the dead to praise Him.

Are we praising our Savior and Creator?

LET IT GO

Trust Jesus. Submit to His will. Give Him praise.

This is what I want to do, Precious Jesus.

Get Ready

N.T.#628 "Get Ready"

Sept. 5, 2025 

Luke 19-Part 4

 LET IT GLOW

 By this time Jesus was well know. All that were going to the Passover festival had heard of Him. For a while the popular mood was favorable toward Him. The time was approaching for Jesus to enter Jerusalem. This was a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NAS)

The King of the Jews was about to make His final entrance into the beloved Jerusalem. The Jews should have been looking for someone from the line of David. Jesus Christ was the fulfilment of the prophecies. The Messiah's character mentioned here is described as:

1. He is King;
2. He is just;
3. He brings salvation; and
4. He is humble. (MacArthur)

Jesus had a long climb ahead of Him. It was a 3,000-foot ascent from Jericho to Jerusalem, some 17 miles. As a boy, Jesus had made the journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem 3 times a year for the Jewish festivals. This time He wasn't going to worship, but to die; not as a visitor, but as its King. 

Before approaching the Beloved City, Jesus stayed with His friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha in Bethany. 

His disciples stopped off on the eastern hill known as the Mount of Olives. You will recall that Jesus was praying there right before they took Him prisoner.

LET IT GROW

This event is traditionally known as the "Triumphal Entry." Jesus officially offers Himself to the nation of Israel as her long-awaited Messiah. However, the day ends in Jesus' public prediction of His rejection by His own people. 

Jesus sent two of His disciples into the village to get an unridden donkey. some suggest that it was an ancient custom for certain citizens required to keep an animal ready for use by government couriers. Perhaps the owners expected Jesus to borrow the animal. Perhaps.

Are we preparing for Jesus' return to get His children, church? Have we told others of His appearing in the sky to take us home? Are our family members ready?

LET IT GO

Believers will be raptured out of here for heaven, one day.

We better be ready. Have you made preparations? Is Jesus your King?

What Kind of Servant Are You?

N.T.#627  "What Kind of Servant Are You?"

Sept. 4, 2025 

Luke19-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Jesus, His disciples, and others were traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus told a parable to the group because they thought His kingdom was going to be established immediately.  It was not in God's plan, though. Jesus was going to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the people. Peter was going to be used to preach the Gospel and establish God's church (ekklesia), a chosen or called-out assembly. Christ is the Rock on which the church is built, not Peter. (Matthew 16:18) 

The Messiah had a different agenda than what the Jews thought. They wanted the Roman Empire to fall and Israel reign. In order for His disciples to change their focus from their earthly perspective, Jesus told a parable so they could see the world through His eyes.

Who are the main characters? a nobleman going on a trip and his 10 servants. the servants hated their master and didn't want him to rule over him.

What were the servants given and why? They were each given money, 100 days' wages, to invest by trading, to make a profit for the nobleman. The money was not a gift but owned by the master. They were to engage in business until he returned.

How did it turn out whenever the nobleman returned? 

1. The first servant increased the nobleman's money by investing it, gaining 10 pounds. He was called a good and faithful servant, plus given authority over 10 cities.
2. The second servant increased the money by 5 pounds. He was given authority over 5 cities.
3. The third servant did nothing with the money, so no profit was gained. The master told this servant that he could have put the money in the bank to gain some interest. It sounds like this unfaithful servant wanted nothing to do with responsibility. of stewardship. His money was given to the most faithful servant.
4. Nothing is revealed about the other 7 servants.

Are we a faithful or unfaithful servant in using what God has given us to manage? Are we trustworthy?

LET IT GROW

What can we learn from this parable?

• The nobleman in the story represents Jesus and His death is the journey.
• As the servants gave an account of their actions, so will we. One day we will answer to Jesus for our life. 
• Faithful servants will receive rewards in eternity.
• Unfaithful servants will receive no reward and suffer disgrace. 
• All that we have belongs to God, for He provided it for us. 

God will call us to give an account for how we have managed our money, possessions, spiritual gifts, relationships, time, and life. (Tony Evans)

God has entrusted us with gifts, opportunities, relationships, abilities, experiences, training, skills, and other things we like to call "mine." (Swindoll)

Are we yielding heavenly fruit in our earthly realm? 

Let's be faithful in serving the Lord with all we have and are.

LET IT GO

Lead us to invest our life well in Your kingdom work, Lord.

Help us give up what stands in our way of being a faithful servant.

When Mercy Abounds

N.T.#626 "When Mercy Abounds"

 Sept. 3, 2025 

Luke 19-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

When we surrendered to the ministry, we have not the faintest idea of the lessons, experiences, and blessings which were ahead of us. That was 45 years ago. We would not exchange it for the world. Hurts were healed, problems were solved. provisions were received, and strength to carry on sharing God's Word and salvation was abounding. Love never fails.

Zacchaeus simply wanted to get a glimpse at this man called Jesus. That would have been enough for the tax collector. However, the crowd prevented it. So what did Zac do, he climbed a tree. He probably wasn't spotted by anyone, so he thought. But Jesus stopped, turned, and looked up directly at Zac. Then He spoke to this despised man in a tree. Thus began a special time with Jesus that radically changed his life.

Does Jesus relate to you in ways that are unique to you? He knows our past and what we will face in the future. Since He knows all about us, Jesus' word to you and me will perfectly fit our circumstances. God will personalize His word to us. (Henry Blackaby)

This short man was standing taller than ever before in his life-Jesus visited this sinner, who repented, and had a change of heart that day. The evidence is clear since he offered to give half of his possessions to the poor, and repay anyone he had defrauded 4 times what was taken. A notorious tax collector promised to make things right. He cast it all aside to be a follower of Jesus.

Is there anyone to whom we need to make things right, if we knew we were dying tomorrow?

I will never forget the day my brother apologized to me, my husband, and son for the wrongs he had done to us in past years. He died 5 days later. Cancer took his life, which he battled several years. Tears dropped onto his frail body as I bent down to kiss him. (I had some apologizing to do, too. I had not turned the other cheek enough, showing him love.) Now he is in heaven with our parents, his wife, and Jesus, who gave His life so we can enjoy eternal life forever. 

LET IT GROW

The things that are impossible with people are possible with God. (18:27)

Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. (verse 10)

So far we studied about a rich, young ruler who couldn't give up everything to come to Jesus by faith. He loved money more than God. Then there was the blind beggar who had nothing to give, except himself, followed Jesus with praises to God. Mercy abounded. Finally, a short man which no one carried about, was noticed by the Savior, had had a change of heart.

Which person are you alike? 

LET IT GO

Anything you need to let go so you can follow Jesus?

Have you exchanged your will for His will to accomplish?

God can do exceedingly abundantly above all we think or ask.

Let His plans transcend our wishes.

What a glorious adventure you two will have!

What a God we serve!

A Tax Collector Finds Jesus

N.T.#625 "A Tax Collector Finds Jesus"

Sept. 2, 2025 

Luke 19 

LET IT GLOW 

Did you climb trees as a child? I certainly did, having grown up on a farm. The pecan tree in the backyard was my castle and the land around was my domain as a princess. Indeed, I could see what was going on below. 

Today we study about a man who climbed up in a tree. Can you guess who he was? If you went to Sunday School as a child, you probably sang about this wee little man named Zacchaeus.

What do we know about this man called Zacchaeus? 

• Zacchaeus was the chief among the publicans, tax collector. He worked for the Roamn Empire, collecting taxes from his own people, the Jews.
• He was wealthy or rich, since tax collectors often collected extra for themselves. This occupation for a Jew was considered a traitor. He probably had few friends.
• Zac was a short man. (verse 3)
• He wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd prevented that from happening.
• He was a tree climber. Zac resorted to the only option he had and climbed a sycamore tree. That was a bit below his dignity, yet he had endured public scorning before. 

Who was this man that everyone crowded around to see? What was so special about this man called Jesus?

I don't recall Jesus having gone through Jericho before. It was on the eastern side of Jerusalem, not the northern side. Jesus had grown up in Nazareth, located north of Jerusalem. Jericho was a retreat for royals and the rich. There were palaces, with swimming pools, gardens, bathhouses, and a theater. It was one of the best trade routes during that time. Therefore, this chief tax collector had a lucrative business. 

Friend, have you wondered who Jesus is?

He is the Son of God, the Messiah, Savior, Creator, Redeemer, and King of kings, Lord of lords, the perfect Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.

LET IT GROW

Blind Bartimaeus was not the only person to experience God's grace that day in Jericho. When Jesus came by Zach's tree that he occupied, Jesus looked up, saw him, and called Zac by name.

Have you had Jesus call your name? He wants to have a personal relationship with us, and He knows everything about us. Jesus is a personal Savior. Yet He still loves us. 

There was evidence that Zac had a change of heart:

• He called Jesus "Lord."
• He offered to give half of his possessions.
• He offered to give 4 times as much of what he was accused of taking. (verse 8)
• Jesus said salvation had come to this house. (verse 9)
• Jesus called Zac a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (verse 10)

This is a key verse of Luke's Gospel. Jesus' purpose for coming to earth was to seek and save the lost. 

LET IT GO

I once was lost, but now I'm found. Amazing grace!

Anything keeping you from coming to Jesus for salvation? Riches?

The Blind Can See

N.T.#624 "The Blind Can See"

Sept. 1, 2025 

Luke 18-Part 9 

LET IT GLOW

Do you pray before you rise to meet the day? I always pray for my family, each by name. Today we read about a man who keep seeking Jesus. 

This situation is recorded in three of the Gospels. However, one differs in the time it took place. Matthew says it happened when they departed Jericho. (20:29) It could be the Roman city about a mile east of Herod's winter headquarters, which was also called Jericho. Matthew says there were two blind men involved. 

It was a bandit-infested road from Jericho to Jerusalem. Remember the Good Samaritan? Jewish pilgrims usually traveled the road to the Temple, banding together for safety. It would have been a 20 mile climb to Jerusalem, the city on a hill. 

It is a paved highway now, I recall riding on our tourist bus seeing hills on both sides as we went through the area down to Jericho. It would have been scarry walking back then.

This event is known as the healing of blind Bartimaeus. He was sitting by the road begging and heard a noisy crowd pass by, then wondered what was going on. The blind man was told that Jesus of Nazareth was going by. 

What did the blind man do then?

So he began shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (verse32, NLT)

Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the Messiah., Israel's future King. But the people in front yelled at him to be quiet. Yet, Bart said it again. Only Jesus could heal his blindness. Jesus had heard the pleas, stopped, and ordered the man to be brought to Him. Jesus asked Bart what he wanted Jesus to do for him.

Do we reach out to Jesus when we have a need? Do we keep on seeking Him, waiting for His grace? Is prayer a priority in our life?

LET IT GROW

"What do you want me to do for you?" (verse 41a)

Of course, Bart wanted to be able to see. He wanted to receive his sight. (verse 41b) 

Do we seek to see Jesus' will in our life? Do we pray to see the needs of others?

What did Jesus do to meet Bartimaeus' need? He spoke and it was so. 

Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. (verse 42)

That could have been how this event ended, but it wasn't. Immediately he received his sight, followed Jesus, and glorified God. His faith believed Jesus could heal his blindness.

Bartimaeus was not only physically healed, but spiritually healed, too. That day he had something to praise God for-a new citizenship in God's kingdom. Can you hear his excitement?

I almost missed something here. The people gave praise to God, also. They saw God working in their midst, firsthand.

LET IT GO

Help us bring the spiritually blind to You, Jesus.

We all need Your forgiveness of our sins, Precious Jesus.

Amazing grace-I once was blind but now I see.