Who is Walking Beside You?

N.T.#663 "Who is Walking Beside You?"

Oct. 31, 2025 

Luke 24-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

Ever felt like you were walking alone in this weary world? Is your heart broken and your dreams shattered? You are not alone.

He tried to make sense of it all. Initially, the disciples disbelieved the women's testimony. Yet, it prompted Peter and John to run to the tomb if it was true.  Was Jesus alive and not in the tomb? John outran Peter and arrived first, looked inside but didn't go in.  Peter had to see for himself. Sure enough, Peter saw nothing there except the linen cloths that had wrapped Jesus' body. The headband was folded and lying in a separate place from the rest of the grave clothes. It was obvious that Jesus' body had not been stolen. John believed. Jesus' teachings about His resurrection began to dawn on them. Their sight now turned to faith as they realized Christ had risen again from the dead. (John 20:3-8)

 What were the reactions at the empty tomb?

• The women trembled and were amazed at what took place at the tomb. (Mark 16:8) 
• The women departed quickly with fear and great joy.(Matt. 28:8)
• Mary was weeping when Jesus appeared to her. (John 20:13) You can read their conversation found in the same passage.

What is your reaction that the tomb of Jesus' was empty on the third day? Belief or disbelief?

LET IT GROW

What happened next that Luke records I consider funny.

• Jesus joins two people walking on the road to the village of Emmaus. It was located 7-8 miles northwest of Jerusalem. It could have taken 2-3 hours to walk that distance. 
• It is possible that the two people were Cleopas and his wife Mary. We usually consider the two were men. The two were discussing the current events. 
• They did not know it was Jesus whom they encountered. Some say it was their unbelief that prevented them from recognizing him.
• He asked what occurred to cause the two to be sad. (verse 17)
• Cleopas asked Jesus if he were a stranger and did not know what had happened in Jerusalem.(verse 18)
• The chief priests and rulers delivered Jeus to be crucified. Jesus of Nazareth was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. (verse 19-20)
• Cleopas went on to say they had trusted/hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel from the Roman rule and set the free.; besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done. (verse 21)
• Certain women were astonished when they found not his body; they saw angles who told them He was alive.(verse 23)

People had put all of their eggs in the Jesus basket. But their dreams had been destroyed; their hearts had been broken. Those two didn't know where Jesus was. Here they were complaining to the very man they were looking for! He was walking along side them all along. (Tony Evans)

Friend, do you feel Jesus has left you? Take heart, for He is there, only a prayer away. Talk to Jesus. He listens to our troubles, confusion, broken heart, and shattered dreams.

He is the One who can heal you.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that You walk and talk with us along our life's journey.

Heal our broken hearts and shattered dreams.

To You be the glory forever and ever.

Run and Tell

 N.T.#662 "Run and Tell"

Oct. 30, 2025 

Luke 24-Part2

LET IT GLOW

For whom are you running the race off life? Is it yourself or for Jesus? Today we find out who ran to tell the Good News.

Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? The women had come to Jesus' tomb to finish wrapping up Jesus in burial spices while they were wrapped up in sorrow, love, and no hope themselves. 

Matthew 28 tells us more details as to what the angel inside the tomb said to the women:

Go quickly , and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead: and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you. (verse 7)

The women left quickly with fear and great joy. Mary Magdalene left immediately to tell Peter and John, apparently. They met Jesus, held His feet, and worshipped Him. (verse 9) Jesus also told the women the same message as the angel. The guards observed what happened, told the chief priests, took a bribe to say Jesus' body was stolen away during the night while they slept. This is a common saying among the Jews even today. 

Friend, what do you say happened to Jesus? Do you believe He arose from the dead? Keep in mind, the Scriptures are inspired by God.

LET IT GROW

Who were among the group of ladies that went to the tomb early that Sunday morning, the first day of the week? Luke tells us it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women. (verse 10)

How did the disciples take the startling news of Jesus was risen from the dead? They didn't believe the women and thought it was idle tales they were telling. Yet, Peter and John ran to the sepulchre. (verse 4)

Let's leave them for now. Tomorrow we will discover what they found or didn't find.

Is all of this Truth to you or just idle words?

There is no other way into heaven, dear one, but by believing in Jesus as God's Son, the Savior and Messiah. 

Run to Jesus, then run and tell others about His saving grace, gift of eternal life.

LET IT GO

Help us lay aside to weights that weigh us down so we can run the race of a Christian life for Your glory, Jesus.

No doubt About it, Jesus is Risen!

 N.T.#661 "No Doubt About it, Jesus is Risen!"

 Oct. 29, 2025 

Luke 24 

LET IT GLOW

We have read about the reactions to Jesus' death by the soldier, righteous member of the Sanhedrin, and mixed group at the cross. Now we will see the reactions to the empty tomb by a small group of women and by the 11 disciples. 

Picture the scene in verse 1: It was the first day of the week. The Passover festivities had ended. It was very early in the morning. Probably there was no business in the streets as the women made their way toward the tomb, coming from different directions, but with a mission. They were bringing spices with which to wrap the dead body of the Messiah. They didn't know it was unnecessary. They loved their Lord and someone needed to finish taking care of them. Isn't that like women? Although they were mourning, too, they had to do it. Love conquered. I wonder if the women left the spices behind at the empty tomb, leaving them to waste away unused.

What happened next?

1. Matthew tells us an earthquake happened and an angel of the Lord rolled away the stone from in front of the tomb where they had laid Jesus' dead body. The angel sat upon the stone. Can you see the shock on the women's faces when they discovered this? I imagine they stopped dead in their tracks, so to speak. J.V. McGee said, "The stone was not rolled away to let the Lord Jesus out but to let them in."
2. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. (verse 2) I would have been scared to go in with an angel sitting there, but not these women on a mission. The grave clothes were left on the stone just as the body would have lain there, yet no body was there.
3. The women were much perplexed, (to be in nonplussed-at loss as to what to say, think, or do; to be in doubt.)
4. There was an angel, a young man, sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment. (Mark 16:5)
5. The angel spoke of Jesus' promises: Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him. (Mark 16:6)

Did you catch what the angel told the women? They were in the right place, at the right time, for the right purpose. He identified the tomb being where Jesus was laid. He was identified as a Nazarene, because there could have been more men named Jesus. Also, it was clear why Jesus' body was not there-He had risen from the dead. Jesus had told His followers that would happen. 

What an experience for those women! 

LET IT GROW

Luke tells us the angel asked the women, Why seek ye the living among the dead? (Luke 24:5)

Why look for someone who was alive at a tomb? People often look for God among the dead. They study the Bible as a historical document and go to church as a memorial service. 

God had done the raising of Jesus from the dead. He is alive! He lives in the hearts of believers and is the head of the church. We can see Him working around us and through us. We serve a Risen Savior!

LET IT GO

Let go of any doubts, fears, suspicion. 

Take the Bible as Truth.

Believe in your heart that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead and is sitting on His right hand in glory right now, interceding for you. 

Our God is an Awesome God!

He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love.

Our God is an Awesome God!

This Isn't the End

N.T.#660 "This Isn't the End"

Oct. 28, 2025

Luke 23-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

Anyone feel like you are in a dark tomb right now? Is life too heavy? Burdens wearing you down? Do you seem to be alone down there? Jesus knows how you feel.

What was to come of Jesus' body after He died? He had a mother, unbelieving brothers at that time, a few followers and disciples at 33 years of age. The crowd went home in deep sorrow. Their hope was gone.

Except, one called Joseph of Arimathea. Who was this man?

• He was from a community, Arimathea, about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem. He was waiting for the kingdom of God to come. Joseph was a secret disciple/follower of Jesus.
• He was a member of the Sanhedrin, a brave believer in Christ as Messiah. He didn't agree with the decision and actions of the council.
• He was a good and just man.(verse 50)
• Evidently, Joseph was a wealthy man and had a tomb built for his own family, so it was unused.
• He took a risk and asked Pilate for the body of Jesus to bury. (verse 52)
• He was joined by Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night, to wrap the Messiah's body with spices in long sheets of linen cloth.(John 19:38-40, NLT)
• The two men brought 75 pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. (John 19:41)
• They had to hurry with the preparation, for the Sabbath Saturday was coming.(verse 54)
• The two laid Jesus' body in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, where no one had been laid before. (verse 53)
• They rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. (verse 60)

It was done, over, finished, so they thought. 

LET IT GROW

The Pharisees and chief priests went to Pilate because they thought Jesus' followers would steal His body and say He was risen. Jesus had told people that after 3 days, He would rise from the dead. They didn't want any of that to happen, so they asked for a stone, sealed, in front of the tomb and guards to protect it. So it was.

We can read about the Suffering Savior in Isaiah 53. 

The women followers did not have time to prepare Jesus' body for burial, because the sun was setting soon. They returned home to prepare the spices. Little did they know that the spices were not necessary for the Savior was going to rise out of the tomb and to life! The tomb isn't the end.

LET IT GO

Father, fix it for us, for we can't.

Heal our hurting hearts.

Word of God speak, pouring down like rain.

May we rest in Your holiness.

What Happened to Jesus While on the Cross?

 N.T.#659 "What Happened to Jesus While on the Cross?"

Oct. 27, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

It is a difficult thing to make preparations for a funeral and to bury a loved one. I wonder if all hope was gone for the followers of Jesus when they saw Him crucified.

Luke left out some details wo what occurred:

• John19 tells us that women stood by the cross of Jesus-His mother Mary, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene; Mark 15 tells us there was also Mary the mother of James and Salome;
• Jesus hung naked on the cross because 4 soldiers gambled for His clothes. (
• Jesus told John to take care of His mother; 
• Jesus said He thirst; they put vinegar/wine in His mouth.
• Darkness was over all the eat for three hours-noon to 3 pm; (Luke 23:44)
• The thick veil of the Temple was torn top to bottom into two pieces so we have access to God directly through Jesus our High Priest. (verse 45) This veil separated the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant lay, and the Holy Place.
• Mark tells us Jesus cried out at the ninth hour, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani. This meant My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? (Mark 27:46; Ps. 22:1)
• The earth quaked; graves of believers were opened and appeared to many. (Matt. 27:52-53)
• Jesus cried with a loud voice, Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. (verse 46)
• John 20:30 tells us Jesus said, It is finished; and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost (His Spirit to God).
• The soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood with water came forth; they did not break His legs, for He was already dead. This fulfilled the prophecy of Ps. 34:20 and Zech 12:10) John 20:32-36

God's wrath was poured out on His Son during this time of darkness. He became the Atoning Christ, shedding His blood as the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. Jesus yielded His life voluntarily surrendering His life for the sake of others. This is not just another story. It truly happened as we read the Truth of God's Word.

Have you yielded your soul to Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly, this was the Son of God. (Matt. 27:54)

Luke tells us in 23:47 that the centurion glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

 Who do you say Jesus is?

We can't leave Jesus on the cross. Joseph of Arimathaea, and a Sanhedrin, a brave believer in Christ, went to Pilate to  and begged for Jesus' body. He, along with Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus' body, using a few spices for burial and laid Him in a sepulchre in the rock.

I imagined the Pharisees and Sanhedrin thought they finally got rid of Jesus, but not so.

LET IT GO

When death comes, we have to let go of everything.

Are you ready to meet the Lord of lords and King of kings-Jesus Christ?

Only Belief in Jesus Gets us to Heaven

 N.T.#658  "Only Belief in Jesus Gets us to Heaven"

Oct. 24, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Do you want to go to heaven after you die? Learn how today.

We left three men hanging on their cross. Both criminals were mocking Christ along with the crowd. They were two thieves, one on the right and one on the left sides of Jesus. (Matthew 37:28) Maybe they were robbers and cohorts of Barabbas. 

As time wore on, one of the thieves' conscience was smitten, and he repented. When the impenitent thief resumed his mocking (verse 39), this thief rebuked the other and refused to participate again. 

What took place while the 3 were on their cross?

• Rebukingly, the repentant one asked if the other feared God. After all, they had the same condemnation as Christ. Death was coming soon. (Apparently not)
• The two were justly receiving what they deserved, but Christ did not. (verse 41)
• One called Jesus Lord and asked for mercy and divine grace. 
• Christ graciously affirmed the man's salvation. (verse 43)
• That day the believer would be with Christ in paradise. [Eden (a place of future happiness)]. The word paradise is only used two others places in the New Testament-2 Cor. 12:4 and Revelation 2:7.
• In all three uses, it speaks of heaven. (MacArthur)

That very day a thief who was not fit to live on earth, went to live with Jesus. Here was a dying sinner praying to a dying Savior, who would live forever. Jesus died to purchase the forgiveness of sins for us. (verse 34)

Are you ready to meet Holy God?

 LET IT GROW

The dying thief had more faith than the rest of Jesus' followers put together. Most of the disciples had gone into hiding. By all appearances, the kingdom of Jesus' was finished. But not so. Our Redeemer lives!

Salvation comes when we put our faith alone in Christ alone. This man is in paradise with Jesus, awaiting his future bodily resurrection. (Tony Evans)

No works, no religion, not church attendance, only faith in Jesus gets us to heaven.

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me.

Only His blood could set me free.

Nobody else could open heaven's door.

Just Jesus and nothing more.

Which thief are you like-the mocker or the believer?

Who is Your King?

N.T.#657 "Who is Your King?"

Oct. 23, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

Who is your king? Is it you, your family, your job, or Jesus? Whom do you serve, love, and give?

One on the left and one on the right. Jesus was in the midst, One who knew no sin, crucified between two criminals. (John 19:18) Jesus came to open the door of divine forgiveness for all who would receive Him,  He pleaded for mercy for His executioners, for they didn't know what they were doing-killing the Messiah, the Savior, the Creator of them, the One who held their eternal life in His hands. They did not believe this. As sinners mocked Him our Savior interceded for them so that they might repent and be saved.

How could a dead Savior succumbing to death, became our death, our King crucified, yet we know the rest of the story. Jesus didn't stay cold in the tomb. He arose on the third day, just as He had said He would! Halleluiah!

What did those Roman soldiers do? 

• They derided (scorned) Jesus, the rulers, people, and soldiers. (verse 35a)
• He saved others; let him save himself, if he be the Christ, the chosen of God. (verse 35b)
• They mocked Jesus.
• They offered Him vinegar, wine mingled with myrrh, to lessen the torture. (Mark 15:23)
• And saying, If thou be king of the Jews, save thyself. (verse 37)
• They gambled for Jesus clothes. (Psalm 22:18; Mark 15:24)

Truly, the soldiers did not understand who they were speaking to on that day. Jesus was God's Son, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. 

Is Jesus your King? Are you seeking His direction for your life?

LET IT GROW

And a superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. (verse 38)

These 3 languages were:

1. the universal tongues;
2. the official language of the Roman Empire;
3. the official speech of the Jews. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Greek was the language of intelligence, of education, of literature, and of science. Latin was the language of law and order, of military and of government. Hebrew was the language of religion. When Christ returns to set up His Kingdom, He will e the political ruler, the educational ruler, and the spiritual ruler of this universe. How accurate the superscription was! (J.V. McGee)

Pilate had commanded this to be placed on the cross. Ironically, the very thing they mocked was true. They hung the King of the Jews and King of all creation. He is now seated on the throne and judges people if they are believers in Him or not. That day, King Jesus was stripped and executed in public, but He had not lost His Kingdom as it looked like He had. His death and resurrection would prove that!

Jesus is King of the Jews, Gentiles, and all of the universe! Friend, do you believe this?

LET IT GO

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you!

Praise and glory and honor to our King! 

Forgiveness

 N.T.#656 "Forgiveness"

Oct. 22, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Friend, have you received forgiveness of your sins? Jesus loves us so much that He provided a way so we can be forgiven.

As they led the beaten Jesus uphill through the city gate, up to Golgotha, people were following, and women were lamenting Him. It was like a funeral procession. 

What did Jesus say to the crowd of mourners?

• The Savior told them to not weep for Him, but weep for themselves and their children. (verse 28)
• Judgment is coming for the nation of Israel for rejecting the Messiah.  
• During the Tribulation, it would be better to have no children so mothers would not see them suffer. (verse 29)
• He quotes Hosea 10:8, describing the terrible day when people would prefer a horrendous death to divine judgment. (verse 30)
• Those who conspired against the Christ would have judgment fall upon them. Like dry wood burns and green wood does not, Their consequences were going to be severe. (verse 31)

Rejecting the glorious gift of salvation is the worse thing one can do. Judgment awaits them, then hell for eternity.  On the other hand, asking Jesus to be your Savior and repenting of sin, provides an indescribable glorious forever time in heaven. 

Where will you spend eternity?

LET IT GROW

We read about the first 3 hours of the crucifixion of Jesus in verses 33b-43. In verse 34, Jesus prays, 

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. 

Here was Jesus in excruciating pain and He intercedes for His executioners before the Father God. 

MacArthur puts it this way:

Jesus' tormentors were both Jews and Romans. (Acts 7:60) They didn't deserve forgiveness. They were blind to the light of divine truth, For had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. (1 Cor. 2:8)

Some of the fruit of this prayer would be in the salvation of thousands in Jerusalem at Pentecost. (Acts 2:41)

The imperfect tense of the verb "was saying" suggests He prayed throughout the process. (Swindoll)

As Christ and the martyr Stephen, we must be so controlled by the Spirit that in our darkest hour we will be able to speak these words and mean them. (Falwell)

LET IT GO

Jesus paid it all.

All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain.

He washed it white as snow.

O, what a Savior!

 

Enduring Pain

N.T.#655 "Enduring Pain"

Oct. 21, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

What has been the most painful thing you have endured? Today we read about the pain Jesus endured, not because He deserved it, but because He was sinless. 

And so the mockery begins. Matthew 27 tells more details of what Jesus went through:

• After the 6 trials Jesus endured, Pilate released Barabas, the murderer, thief, and treasonous prisoner for free. (verse 26). 
• Pilate had Jesus scourged (to whip; lash as a public punishment). (verse 26)
• The Roman soldiers replace Jesus' clothes with a scarlet robe.(verse 28)
• They placed a crown of thorns on His head.
• They put a reed in His right hand. 
• Then the soldiers bowed the knee before Jesus and hailed Jesus as King of the Jews.  
• They spit on Jesus.
• Then they took His reed and smote (repeated blows) Him on the head. (verse 30) This would have dug into the scalp, causing bleeding.
• After that, the soldiers mocked the Messiah.
• They took the robe off and replaced Jesus clothing on Him.
• He was led to be crucified. (verse 31)
• As they brought Jesus out of the courtyard, He would have been too weak to carry His cross. They compelled Simon of Cyrene to bear His cross. (verse 32)

John describes the robe as being purple that a king would wear. The reed was a royal staff which drove the thorny crown deeper into the skull of Jesus. 

What harsh treatment Jesus went through! At any moment, He could have called thousands of angels to kill those soldiers, but He didn't. What a Savior!

LET IT GROW

When they led Jesus away from Jerusalem, the cruelty could have lasted several hours. It was a Roman custom, apparently, that a prisoner be beat with a flagrum, a long leather whip with bis of sheep bone braided into it. (Swindoll)

After all of that, Jesus could not have managed to carry His cross, horizontal wooden piece, up the hill to the crucifixion. Simon, a Cyrenian, was compelled to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha, a place of a skull.  Cyrene was a Roman province in North Africa where many Jews lived. His sons, Alexander and Rufus, later became well-known Christians. (Mark 15:21) (Falwell)

Since it was uphill all the way for Jesus to walk, it would have been a very hard way. Such love Jesus showed for us sinners. No wonder He sweat drops of blood as He prayed in the Garden. Jesus knew what was ahead of Him.

LET IT GO

O what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

Who is Jesus to You?

N.T.#654 "Who is Jesus to You?"

Oct. 20, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

Who is Jesus to you? One day we will all stand before Him. does He know us as a faithful follower or one who despises Him? 

So far Jesus had these fake trials:

1. Annas, a former Jewish priest
2. Caiaphas current high priest
3. Sanhedrin
4. Pilate, governor of Judea
5. Herod Antipas, governor of Galilee

Now the sixth and last trial sent Jesus back to Pilate. Again, Pilate found no guilt in Jesus. He offered to punish (for a purpose of teaching a lesson or improve behavior) Jesus before releasing Him. However, the angry mob demanded His death. Probably, Pilate didn't want to risk his political career by allowing a riot. 

(verses 15-16)

The crowd wanted to do away with Jesus. Hm, that was impossible! Jesus is, was, and always will be. They wanted Jesus crucified. (verse 21) Not just to die, but experience such a painful death on the cross.  He is perfect, sinless, forgiving, loving, etc. Isn't it crazy that they didn't want Him around? 

A third time Pilate asked what evil Jesus had done. He found no faut in Jesus, much less reason to crucify Him. (verse 22)

Who do you say Jesus is? Who is Jesus to you? 

LET IT GROW

The crowd wanted Barabas released. Here was a man who committed murder, thief, and treason. They wanted him freed back into the streets. (This was a custom during the feast.) Pilate gave in to the crowd. Jealousy and anger drove the people. Barabas was freed and Jesus was crucified. Jesus loved people so much that He did not put up a fight. He knew His purpose was to be the sacrificial Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. 

Other Gospels make it clear that Jesus had endured a brutal beating and scourging by this point. (Matt. 27; Mark 15; John 19)

... he delivered Jesus to their will. (verse 25)

What is your will? Do you love Jesus and want to serve Him? Or do you want to do away with Him?

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me. Only His love can set me free. Nobody else can open heaven's door-just Jesus and nothing more.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Guilty or Not Guilty

 N.T.#653  "Guilty or Not Guilty?"

Oct. 17, 2025 

Luke 23-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

The violation of the Mosaic Law carried no weight with the Roman government. Jesus was accused of treason, which was utterly absurd. Peter found a gold coin in a fish's mouth to pay for the taxes. He is the Christ, King of the Jews, and Son of God. that was no lie or blasphemy. Pilate said that Jesus had committed no crime for which He could be charged. He wasn't leading a revolution, either. Jesus did not rebel against authority. So Pilate wanted to get off the hook and sent Jesus to Herod. After all, Jesus was from Galilee and under Herod's jurisdiction. Conveniently, Herod was in Jerusalem. (J.V. McGee)

What do we know about this Herod?

• This was Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great and tetrarch who ruled over Galilee. (verse 7)
• This was the guy who put John the Baptist in prison and later beheaded him. 
• Herod was concerned about Jesus yet had not had a chance to meet him face-to-face. Pilate gave him that chance.
• Herod was exceeding glad to see Jesus. (verse 8a) 
• He hoped to see Jesus perform some miracle. 
• He asked Jesus questions, but Jesus did not answer. This was trial #5. 
• During this trial, the chief priests and scribes vehemently (mightly, fiercely) accused Jesus. (verse 10)
• Herod and his men mocked Jesus by dressing Him in bright clothing like a false king and sent Him back to Pilate. (verse 11)

Jesus kept His mouth shut during this trial. It would have done no good had He spoken up.

There are times we just need to be still and let God handle the accusations. Most of the time His revenge for us is worse than we could have thought of to do.

LET IT GROW

What is ironic about this situation is Pilate and Herod were enemies before this, but now the circumstances brought them together. 

When Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, his verdict was "not guilty." So far, the Jewish religious leaders had not accomplished getting Jesus condemned to death. We know Jesus had committed no sin. Herod threw Pilate's problem back in his face. 

Was Jesus guilty or not guilty of those accusations?

They made fun of King Jesus, who is actually King of the Jews and believers. There was one day that they had to stand before Jesus and confess He is their LORD. (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11)

If we went on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?

LET IT GO

consider our words and actions. One day we will all give an account for them. 

We all need forgiveness and grace and mercy.

Innocent

 N.T.#652 "Innocent"

 Oct. 16, 2025 

Luke 23 

LET IT GLOW

After Jesus' trial with the Sanhedrin (third one), the whole bunch of accusers sent Him to Pilate. Now Pilate was the Roman governor who was in Jerusalem for the Passover feast. If the religious leaders could convince Pilate to execute Him, they would get what they wanted. If not, then Jesus would be a political victor, having won the support of Rome against them. (Swindoll)

the Jewish leaders tried to portray Jesus as a threat to Rome, they would get rid of Jesus. They used the charges of:

1. Misleading the nation and could cause real nationwide trouble;
2. forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar;
3. saying that He Himself is Christ, the King.

Those mean guys thought they had Jesus.

If you read chapter 23 already, you would notice Pilate told Jesus' accusers that "he found no fault in this man." (verses 4, 14-15, and 22) 

In verse 22, Pontius Pilate told the people he found no cause to put Jesus to death. His trying to weasel out of this did not happen. 

LET IT GROW

However, the voices of the chief priests and the people demanded that Jesus be crucified. Their shouts prevailed. (verse 23)

Here was a man who knew what was right but failed to do it. He sought the approval of others instead of the approval of God. (Bily Graham)

Is our goal to live for Christ and be faithful to Him, regardless of what the crowd demands? Or do we seek the approval of others instead? Do we cave in to the pressures of the crowd?

Where are you now in your journey of faith? 

LET IT GO

Help us let go of what others think of us and be more concerned with what You think of us, Jesuss.

Illegal Trials

N.T.#651 "Illegal Trials"

Oct. 15, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 9 

LET IT GLOW

The first two trials didn't work in getting Jesus condemned to death. So the religious leaders named in verse 66 came together as the Sanhedrin, the supreme governing body of Israel, only limited by there authority of Rome. They kept trying to get rid of Jesus using intimidation, mockery, beatings, humiliation taunting, and blasphemy, but their schemes failed. At least a quorum of the council in its official chambers met that morning. They wanted Jesus to say out right that He was the Messiah. Then they had a case against Him.(verses 66-67)

How did Jesus reply?

• If I tell you, you won't believe me.
• And if I ask you a question, you won't answer.
• But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God's right hand. (verses 67-69) (Psalm 110:1)
• As it was shouted out that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, He replied, "You say that I am."(verse 70, NLT)

The court took that as a yes, but He did not directly say it. They didn't need any mor witnesses. They heard it from His mouth. 

Do we tell others that Jesus is the Son of God? Believing He is the only way to heaven? Sharing that salvation is a free gift from God? 

LET IT GROW

This whole procedure broke many of the Jewish rules and laws:

1. No trials occurred during the night be fore the morning sacrifice.
2. No trials on the eve of a Sabbath or during feasts.
3. All trials were to be public, not secret.
4. All trials were to be held in the Hall of Judgment in the Temple area.
5. Capital cases required 23 judges minimum.
6. Accused people could not testify against themselves.
7. A witness was required to speak on behalf of the accused.

So far all of those were broken during Jesus' trials. The first two trials were held at night, during the Passover celebration, in secret, Jesus spoke for Himself, no witnesses for Him were present.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

Unless you have studied this or been taught about the illegal trials, you would not know all of this.

Those Jews didn't care about Jesus, either. They wanted Him gone so they could control the people, the money, and Word.

LET IT GO

May we always stand firm on Your Word, Lord.

So much You went through to accomplish God's will of being the perfect sacrifice for people.

Glory to Your name!

Endurance

 N.T.#650  "Endurance"

 Oct. 14, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

The first two trials of Jesus with Annas and Caiaphas had two objectives. First was to craft a credible case against Jesus, which was a violation of Sanhedrin rules. Secondly, intimidating Jesus, breaking down His will, would result in His recanting His claims as the Messiah. The Jewish leaders tried intimidation, mocking, beating, humiliation, taunting, and blasphemy, yet it all failed. Jesus stood firmly on the truth of His identity and continued to endure His long, dark night. (Swindoll)

In 1 Peter 2:21-24, we read how Jesus left us an example to follow and committed no sin, spoke no deceit, did not revile, spoke no threats when suffering, and entrusted God to judge righteously, He bore our sins in His body on the cross, so we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds we are healed.

Praise God! Jesus did what we could not do-pay for our sins to appease a Holy God.

How do we react whenever someone abuses us, mocks us, and ridicules us? Do we return the same or take it like Jesus dis and let God take care of the revenge for us?

LET IT GROW

How crazy those opponents were to blindfold Jesus, strike Him on the face, then challenge Him to prophesy who did it. (verse 64)

How would we react if such a thing happened to us?

Recently, a person mumbled a curse word walking away from me, not thinking I could hear it but describing something I had said. It was like a dagger in my heart. I bawled privately. Then I faced the person and demanded an apology. No one had ever talked about me like that. (I wasn't supposed to have heard it.) Certainly, I did not deserve such treatment. Finally, I got an apology. (I didn't retaliate in anger, either.) Let me tell you, it took a few days for me to get over it. Although the incident was a huge thing in my life, it is nothing to endure compared to what Jesus went through.

Have you endured bad treatment? How did you respond?

LET IT GO

More like Jesus I would be. More of His love to others show.

Give us strength to endure, Lord Jesus.

Denials

N.T.#650 "Denials"

Oct. 13, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

And so it began, one of the darkest nights of all time for Jesus. It began with an identifying betrayal kiss from one of His own-Judas. Had the charges against the Lord been legitimate, His enemies would have had no problem seizing Him in public on any given day as Jesus taught in the Temple. The power of darkness referred to the secrecy of the nighttime arrest and their service to the forces of evil. (Swindoll)

Jesus went through 6 trials after His arrest:

1. He first appeared before Annas, a former high priest. He was the Godfather-like power behind the office of high priest. (AD 6-15) No charges were made; it was illegal to hold a trial at night. Guilty of irreverence by Jesus was His wrong. Really?
2. Caiaphas was the son-in-law of Annas, who held the office at the time, accused Jesus of blasphemy, yet no formal charge was made. (John focuses on the detail of the events of the trials, while Luke focuses on the courtyard where Peter warms himself by a fire.)
3. The Sanhedrin was a Jewish court who charged Jesus guilty of the same things. So they sent Jesus on to the Roman officials because the Jews could not execute anyone.
4. Pilate, governor of Judea, found Jesus not guilty, and sent Him to Herod Antipas to find a loophole.
5. Herod Antipas, governor of Galilee, questioned Jesus at length. He had no jurisdiction, no specific charges against Jesus. Jesus was mistreated, mocked, falsely accused, and returned to Pilate without a decision made. 
6. Pilate declared Jesus not guilty yet condemned and sentenced to be crucified to mollify the angry mob. (A man guilty of murder and treason was released.)the Jewish leaders wanted to get on with the execution before the Sabbath and they could celebrate the Passover.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

LET IT GROW

Peter followed afar off. (verse 54b)

Luke focuses on Peter's three-time denial of knowing Jesus. Let's take a closer look:

• There was a fire kindled in the courtyard of Annas' home, a palace with an enclosed courtyard.
• First a servant girl, maid, looked at Peter as he sat by the fire, and recognized him as being a part of Jesus' followers/group/disciples/ "This man was also with him." (verse 56)
• Woman, I know him not. (verse 57) That was Peter's firs denial.
• A little while later, a man recognized Peter as one of the 12, accused him of being with them. (verse 58)
• Man, I am not. (verse 58b) This was Peter's second denial.
• Then another man insisted the same thing about an hour later. "Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilean."
• Man, I know not what thou sayest, was Peter's third denial of following Jesus. (verse 60)
• Peter had sinned, even cursed and swore in his denial. (Mark 14:71)
• And immediately, while Peter spoke, a cock crowed.
• Previously, Peter had vowed to remain true to his King to the bitter end, but he was mistaken. He was ready to go to prison or die with Jesus. (verse 13)
• A rooster crowed as Jesus had predicted and Jesus looked at Peter, making eye contact. This was a lingering stare-silent eloquent, penetrating Peter like a dagger in the heart. Then Peter remembered what the Lord had said to him earlier. (verse 61)

LET IT GROW

What did Peter do after all of that happened? 

And Peter went out and wept bitterly. (verse 62)

It was a mournful cry of those grieving, bitterly with intense anguish. Peter's remorse knew no bounds. Not only had Peter denied his Lord and Messiah, but he turned away from a very dear friend who loved and taught Peter for 3 years.  Peter broke his promise to remain true to his end. Those few hours changed Peter from a halfhearted follower to a repentant disciple. He became the kind of person Christ could use to build His church. 

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GO

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

Do we repent of our sins when we commit them?

Do we recall that Christ can use those who recognize their failures?

Peter is our example.

What Happened in the Dark?

N.T.#649 "What Happened in the Dark?"

Oct. 10, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW

A lot of things took place in the Garden of Gethsemane:

• Jesus prayed at least 3 hours, according to Matthew 26:37-46; a 3-hour prayer meeting between Jesus and God, Father and Son.
• He sought help of His 3 prayer warriors 3 times within 3 hours, but they slept instead.
• While Jesus prayed, the men dozed, an army encircled the garden in the dark.
• During that time, an angel strengthened Jesus.
• Jesus' agony was evident as His sweat was as blood dripping from His forehead.(verse 44)
• Then Judas greets Jesus with a betrayal kiss, probably on the cheek, as he identified the Son of man, saying, Hail master."(verse 48) 
• Jesus questioned Judas about this, as if to say, "Why are you betraying the Son of man with a kiss?" Then they laid hands on Jesus and took him.
• Two of the disciples had swords (verse38). One asked the Lord if they should use them. Jesus didn't answer, but Peter used one, slicing a right ear of the high priest's servant. Had Peter not missed his aim of cutting the man's head off, he would have been tried for murder and kill. Peter would not have been alive to preach the Gospel on the day of Pentecost, where 3,000 got saved.
• Jesus touched the man's ear and healed him.

LET IT GROW

Do you think it was a burdensome time for the Messiah to pray alone, be betrayed by His own, and captured by the religious group using Roman soldiers?

Jesus was treated like a thief with His captures having swords and staves. Jesus pointed out to the Jewish religious leaders that they had not come against Him in the Temple that way. Was He a dangerous revolutionary that they needed such weapons to arrest Him?

Jesus told His captures that was their hour and the power of darkness, too. (verse 53)

They took Jesus to the high priest's house, up a hill.

Peter followed from afar, and by a fire (slang far) he first denied being with Jesus. (This was the first of Peter's 3 denials of any association with Jesus.)

So much took place in the dark as darkness began attacking our Savior. This was illegal in the courts. Had their charges been legal, they would have had no problem seizing Jesus in the daytime in the Temple. The forces of evil was at work and the plan unfolded.

Do we recognize the strength Jesus got in His prayer time? What about us? Is prayer important to us?

LET IT GO

O what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

So much You endured because You love us sinners!

Endurance

N.T.#648 "Endurance"

Oct. 9, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

Do you need some endurance today? Are you suffering because others know you are a Christian, different? We are not alone, friend. Jesus needed it, too.

Shall we look closer into the Garden of Gethsemane? We will find Peter, James, and John inside with Jesus. The rest of the disciples were left outside the gate/entrance. Jesus had already warned His men, especially Peter, of the crazy trial awaiting Him. 

Sadly, that warning, as well as His imploring them to pray, went unheeded. (MacArthur)

The disciples needed to pray that they might not fold under the pressure of the temptation they were about to face. (verse 40) They would need strength and divine assistance. (Evans)

Jesus went a little farther away from the trio, knelt down, and prayed:

Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. (verse 42)

It was His private time to pray. Jesus knew the suffering He was about to face. Humanly, He wanted to avoid it. Was there any other way to provide salvation for sinners? No, for He was the perfect Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Jesus never sinned. He wasn't trying to get out of His mission, but Jesus expressed His true feelings to His Father. Don't you think He dreaded the upcoming beatings, trials, pain of it all? It would have been a terrible agony to know what was ahead of Him.

Maybe it is a good thing that we don't know the circumstances around our death.

LET IT GROW

What was this "cup" Jesus asked God to remove?

• It was a bitter cup. One of suffering and death, which was the Heavenly Father's will for Jesus. In His heart, Jesus knew what He had to do, yet He was humanly a man, too. 
• I think it was Christ's coming death. It was a painful 6 hours on the cross with His hands and feet supported by spikes while hanging there. He had physical agony to endure, knowing He had the power to kill the guys responsible.
• Separation from God as He bore all the sins of the world on Him, in order to be the adequate sacrifice. 
• It was a cup of divine wrath from which Jesus drank willingly. The Father's wrath was completely satisfied. I think all hell broke loose on Jesus.
• Jesus had to choose between obedience and self-preservation. Aren't we glad He chose not to say, "Forget it" and return to heaven?
• Jesus chose to endure whatever was the Father's will over His own will.

He was consciously, deliberately, and voluntarily subjugating all His human desires to the Father's perfect will. (MacArthur)

The Father sent an angel to minister to Jesus to strengthen Him. (verse 3)

That was what Jesus needed. He didn't get it from His disciples, but from His Heavenly Father.

I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8)

So, my friend, are we willing to suffer for standing up for Jesus?

Will we endure whatever so we glorify God and share the Gospel?

My husband and I have endured a lot of things because he preaches the Truth-a smashed in mailbox, hidden his Bible, broken in office, high hatted, a slapped hand, ugly words, a cold house, a jalopy car, family ignoring, children doing without, loneliness, illness, laughed at. The list could go on. Yet, all that was not a pin drop compared to what Jesus Christ endured to provide our salvation.

LET IT GO

Will you surrender to do God's will, no matter the cost?

The Passover Lamb

 N.T. #646 "The Passover Lamb"

Oct. 7, 2025 

Luke22-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

These last three chapters involve the betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Did you ever stop to think about God's timing in all of this? It was the week of the Jewish Passover when they celebrated their first-born not dying in Egypt as the sacrificial lamb's blood was on the doorpost. It would have been a joyous time. 

Now the Perfect Passover Lamb of God (Jesus) was preparing to be the sacrificial lamb for all people by shedding His blood and giving His body for all sinners. Christ's substitutionary atoning sacrifice, our New Covenant, for us.

It was God's predetermined plan to sacrifice His Son-the Suffering Servant-to atone for sin. (Isaiah 53:5-6) 

LET IT GROW

What do we see here in Jesus?

• Jesus is our example of a serving servant to others (washing disciples' feet).
• He prayed for Peter, since Satan was going to wreak havoc on him, resulting in 3 denials of knowing Jesus.
• He prayed for unfailing faith of Peter to be strengthened and not shattered. Later, Jesus forgave Peter and used him in kingdom work. (At Pentecost, 3,000 were saved after Peter preached the Gospel.)
• He yielded to God's will, even when it required His very life.
• He provides what is needed-when the group was sent out by twos to witness, they lacked nothing. (verse 35)
• And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,  And interceded for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12 NAS) (verse 37)

Thinking about all of this, do we realize that Jesus had been offered the earthly kingdom by Satan, yet refused; rejected as The Messiah by the religious leaders; died in our place so we can have eternal life in heaven? He gave His all. Jesus met the requirement of the atoning lamb, being perfect, without blemish of sin.

Is there any better example of love?

Jesus in the way, truth, and life. No one comes to the Father but by Him, faith in Him. Nothing less, nothing more. He purchased our salvation. Nothing we sinners can do to obtain it.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for loving us, setting us free from the bondage of sin and punishment of sin.

Thank You for giving Your life for me and every sinner.

Only Jesus paid the price for me. Only His blood could set me free. Nobody else could open heaven's door. Just Jesus and nothing more.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

N.T.#647 "Actions Speak Louder Than Words"

 Oct. 8, 2025 

Luke 22-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

 Actions speak louder than words. We've heard that one many times, yet it is true. You can say you love someone, but treat them like dirt; what kind of influence do you have over them? Showing love and saying love should go hand-in-hand. 

What is the problem here? Found in verse 31, And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he many sift you as wheat. 

The "you" is a plural pronoun, so the devil would attack the whole group by attacking Peter, their future front man. (Swindoll)

In effect, Jesus was telling Peter his faith was going to fail, deny knowing Jesus 3 times. His actions spoke louder than his words. Although, Peter was to strengthen his brethren afterwards. (verse 32)

Swindoll put it this way, "After you have failed, remember that your faith need not fail; I command that when you recover from your stumble, you become a stronger leader than you are now."

Good ole Peter told the Lord he would go with Jesus to prison and even to death. (After all, Peter had a sword. He did strike at the soldier, missing his head and cutting off his ear. Jesus fixed that for him.) Denying knowing Jesus, being a part of His support group, spoke volumes. Can you see poor Peter later sobbing at his failure. (I think it may have saved his life, though, so he could later preach and 3,000 get saved.)

Does it seem like Satan is sifting you? Cling to Jesus. Let Him grow your faith and strength.

LET IT GROW

Jesus went up to the Mt. of Olives to pray:

Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.

Peter, James, and John were selected to be near Christ during His agony of prayer. (Matt. 26:36-38) Other disciples remained some distance away, maybe at the gate.

The cup refers to Christ's coming death. Although without sin through His entire life, Jesus suffered humiliation, beatings, pain of nails through His hands and feet. Jesus surrendered His human weaknesses to God. He was bearing the weight of the whole world's sins on Him; even separation from His Father. Jesus knew what was ahead of Him. It was such an intense time of prayer that Jesus' sweat was like drops of blood. (verse 44) Only Luke, the physician tells us that.

An angel from heaven came to minister to Jesus and strengthen Him. (verse 43) He was not alone. Father God was with His Son.

Jesus' support system fell asleep, not praying for Him nor for themselves. It was a spiritual warfare. Later, His disciples would face ill treatment because of faith in Jesus. What they needed more than physical rest was spiritual strength. (verse 46)

Because of Jesus' divine nature, victory was sure, but His human nature was weak. He didn't give up or give in. Jesus completed His mission for which He had come.

Jesus chose between obedience and self-preservation. Jesus' actions, showing love and forgiveness, spoke louder than words. We may have the same decision one day. Is our devotion to Christ like that of the disciples-sound asleep? How about our service for Him? Are our actions speaking louder than our words? 

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary; Swindoll's Living Insight on Luke; Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GO

What do we need to let go in order to do God's will in our life?

Are we willing to endure whatever, suffering, death, humiliation, because we stand for Jesus?

Do our actions speak louder than words?

Will You Take a Stand?

N.T.#645 "Will You Take a Stand?"

Oct. 6, 2028 

Luke 22-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

And so it begins. Everything Jesus did in the last 6 months was due to His knowing the end of Jesus' life was coming. Now the last Passover and instituting of the Lord's Supper was at hand. 

Behind the scenes Judas Iscariot went plotting with the chief priests to betray Jesus.  The religious leaders needed inside help to find where Jesus went each night. (During the day He taught in the Temple with thousands of witnesses around, so they could not harm Jesus there and then.)

Who was this Judas? (John 18 tells us more details.)

• He was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. 
• He was in charge of the money bag and a greedy fellow. He even got paid for the betrayal/information.
• He was possessed by Satan, an easy thing, since Judas loved money. (verse 3)
• Then he talked with the chief priests and captains concerning how he might betray Jesus and giving Him over to them. (verse 4)
• Judas, being part of Jesus' group, knew where He went in the evenings away from the crowds and the city, to the Mt. of Olives. 
• He led a band (600 Roman soldiers) of officers and men, chief priests and Pharisees, going to the secret place. They had lanterns, torches, and weapons. (verse 3)

LET IT GROW

The evil ones carried lanterns and torches to take the Light of the world and Prince of Peace as a prisoner.

Jesus was completely aware of Judas' plan. Jesus went forth from the garden to meet this crowd approaching the gate. He could see them coming up the hill. Notice that Jesus did not run and hide, for He always face His adversaries head on. He was prepared, prayed up. 

LET IT GO

Give us strength to stand for You, King Jesus, Light of the world, Prince of Peace, Savior and Redeemer, Almighty God.

Have You Made Preparations?

 N.T.#644 "Have You Made Preparations?"

Oct. 3, 2025 

Luke 22 

LET IT GLOW

What time was it? It was time for the Feast of the Unleavened Bread or the Passover. It continued for 7 days as all Jewish men were required to be in Jerusalem for it. (Deut. 16:16) We know the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus, which they thought was for the good of their nation. 

Luke gives us a condensed version of Judas' betrayal of Jesus in verses 3-6. the next posting will go into detail. Jesus sent Peter and John to secure an upper room, private for His followers to participate in the Lord's Supper for the first time. 

So the two did just that. They found a man with a pitcher of water, just as Jesus told them. He had prepared the upper room for the Passover of Jesus and His disciples to participate in privately. Isn't it just like Jesus to have things ready for us to carry out His will?

LET IT GROW

Before this took place, Matthew records Jesus deep, emotional prayer in chapter 26. John records in chapter 13 that Jesus sent Judas out of the room to do his betrayal after identifying him. This would have been before the group participated in communion.

As the disciples sat down with Jesus to participate in the Passover meal, they learned something new. Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper:

• Jesus break the unleavened bread (yeast represented sin), gave thanks, and gave it to them.
• This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. (verse 19)
• Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and it was passed among the disciples.
• This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (verse 20)

The bread and wine represented Christ's broken body and shed blood for all. Friend, do you understand this. We believers who participate in the Lord's Supper in our church, must be born again believers. 

Such love Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Truly, He is the Perfect Lamb of God who takes away our sins, as John the Baptist proclaimed. We could never meet God's standards of perfection, so Jesus dis it in our place and took our punishment so we can be in heaven with Him.

O, what a Savior! Isn't He wonderful!

LET IT GO

Dear one, have you admitted you are a sinner in need of a Savior?

If not, ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior. 

You must make preparation before you die.

Lamb Preparation

 N.T.#643 "Lamb Preparation"

Oct. 2, 2025 

Luke 21-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

I missed watching our granddaughter handle her lambs at the county fair's sheep show. However, my grandpa recorded it for me. I was so proud of her progress in developing the talent needed. She placed second in two showings and fourth in another. Although, I really think she should have received grand champion, for the one who did could not even catch his sheep running around the pen. All the while, our granddaughter remained in control of her lamb. Well, this was her last showing since she is a senior. 

Here it was probably the last week of Jesus' life. How did He spend it? He spent the daytime teaching in the Temple. Then Jesus went out and spent the night on the Mount of Olives, which is above the city on a hill. The large crowds in the Temple protected Jesus from being arrested. His private location kept Him safe from kidnapping or execution in the evenings. 

Where would you spend your last few days on earth if you knew it was?

LET IT GROW

Soon, households all around Jerusalem would be preparing their Passover lambs for sacrifice. And so it was for the Lamb of God. (Swindoll)

Eventually, the religious leaders would find out where Jesus was staying each night-led there by a traitor. 

We must be alert, ready, and living in anticipation of the coming rapture that will precede the period of the tribulation. (Tony Evans)

Are we doing that?

LET IT GO

Let go of those things which become lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride tempting us away from Jesus.

How to be Prepared

 N.T.#642 "How to be Prepared"

Oct. 1, 2025 

Luke 21-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Do you need something to never change nor disappear? Did you find it comforting that God's Word will never pass away? If there is something we need to remain the same, never change, nor cease to exist, it is the Word of God. Right? Heaven and earth will pass away, but not His Words. That includes the Promises of God and His Commandments. (verse 33) That tells me that God's love always is, He never leaves me, He will always take care of me. When friends and family desert me, there is One who will never walk away-my Heavenly Father and Savior. I find comfort in that. Don't you?

Then Jesus gives warnings to His followers:

• Don't let your heart be weighed down, dulled, overcharged (to burden) with
• surfeiting (a headache (as a seizure of pain) from drunkenness), 
• with drunkenness,
• and with cares of the world. (verse 34)
• Don't let that day catch you as a snare (a trap).

The day of the Great Tribulation is coming on those who live on the earth. I wonder if an antichrist is going to use AI to control the world and its people. Are we warning people of the Great Judgment ahead? Are we telling them about the forgiveness and love that Jesus offers them?

LET IT GROW

How did Jesus encourage His followers?

• Stay alert to the happenings around us and signs which He foretold. 
• Watch and pray always. (verse 36)

In other words, stay at the tasks fulfilling our responsibilities, not become complacent or distracted by meaningless activity. Keep your life in order and be ready for difficulties, persecution and even martyrdom. Be looking up for our Redeemer. Is our life glorifying God? How is our schedule, bank account, priorities? Will we be affirmed or apologetic when we stand before our Lord Jesus? Be prepared.

LET IT GO

What are the most important things to you?

Anything we need to let go of today so we can better serve Jesus?