Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven

N.T.#770 "Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven"

April 7, 2026

John 14-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Is your heart troubled? We are looking at the secret to an untroubled heart. 

First, Jesus tells us to believe. Are you believing God and Jesus? To believe in someone is to rely on them or to trust them. 

Secondly, Jesus reassured His disciples that in God's house in heaven were many mansions.

Mansions means to residence; abode.

Swindoll says this refers to our future relationship with our Heavenly Father rather than our prospects in real estate there. Some think otherwise, that each believer will have a dwelling place of their own in heaven. Whatever it is, I'll take it. 

Thirdly, Jesus went to prepare a place for us. (verse 3)

Fourthly, Jesus says He will come again and receive us unto Himself, so we will be with Him in heaven. We will see our Savior face-to-face. What an experience for us who have not seen Him yet!

Next, He reassures us that where He is, there we will be also. (verse 3)

Can you think of anything better than living with Jesus and saints in heaven? Hearing the angles sing His praises?

LET IT GROW

Thomas pops up and says they don't know where Jesus is going, so how can they know the way. Really guy? Jesus is the Son of God. Surely you know He had resided in heaven with God before coming to earth, thus will return there.

Get you highlighter out my friend and mark this profound statement Jesus said:

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. (verse 6)

Jesus is the only way to heaven. He is the embodiment of all truth. No man can approach the Father unless he does so through Christ. (Falwell)

How can we know the way to God? It is only through Jesus. No by works, not by good intentions, not by thinking good thoughts. Jesus is the only way.

Jesus is the truth, for He is the reality of all God's promises. God keeps His promises. His life joins His divine life to ours, both now and eternally,

The truth is, Jesus is the only way to heaven. Plane and simple. Either you believe in Jesus or not.

LET IT GO

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

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior?

Troubles and Trust

N.T.#769 "Troubles and Trust"

April 6, 2026 

John 13-Part 11

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

I'm worried sick about this situation. How in the world is it going to resolve or turn out?

Friend, are you troubled?  Are things on your mind churning throughout the day and steals your sleep at night? I hear ya.  As Christians, we may use different terms for it like concern, burden, lack of peace.

Apparently, the disciples' hearts were troubled at the news Jesus gave them, which His leaving them. (13:33)

In the Greek language, troubled means to stir or agitate (disturb).

Here are some important things Jesus was telling His disciples to not be troubled by His going away. Had the guys caused such an offense that the Lord must separate Himself from them? Had they been disloyal? 

We can see what Jesus' purpose in leaving them-provide eternal life for those who believe in Him, to take away our sins through forgiveness?

What words of comfort did the Lord offer?

Believe in God and believe in Him (Jesus). 

Place our full trust in Jesus, just as we trust in our Father God. They are unified, sharing the same divine nature and same divine purpose. Jesus is God who came in the flesh. 

LET IT GROW 

Swindoll gives us 6 truths that are found here which offer our troubled hearts:

1. Personal faith in a personal Lord brings personal relief. (verse 1)
2. Our long-term future is secure. (verses 2-3)
3. The sovereign hand of God is at work in each believer's life. (verses 8-11)
4. Greater results occur when we pray in Jesus' name and for the Father's glory. (verses 12-14)
5. We are not alone; we have been given an indwelling Helper. (verses 15-17)
6. We are inseparably linked to Christ. (verses 18-21)

Jesus' prescription for peace is faith. Faith in God's love, will, purpose, and our Lord's presence, enables us to be victorious over every trial. (Herschel H. Hobbs)

I don't know about you, but I needed to hear this. We are either coming out o troubles, going into troubles, or in them right now. That is life. How are we going to respond? Faith or worry? It's a choice.

LET IT GO 

Jesus, You are so trustworthy. 

Hep us lay down our burdens and trust You with them.

Glory to God! You will work it out in Your way and timing.

April 4, 2026

I just wanted to pop in today and say Happy Easter ahead of time, dear one. Thank you for studying God's Word with me. 

May the love of God richly dwell in you and me. I hope everyone spends time tomorrow worshiping our Savior, Lord, and King Jesus with other believers.

Oh, how Jesus loves you and me. He gave His life, what more could He give?

In His love,

Linda

Are You Following Jesus Today?

N.T.#768 "Are You Following Jesus Today?"

April 3, 2026 

John 13-Part 10

LET IT GLOW 

Others will know we are followers of Jesus when we love one another. How are we showing others that we love them and Jesus?

What conversation went on between Jesus and Peter, in verses 36-38?

• Jesus told His guys where He was going they could not come. 
• Then Peter asked where Jesus was going.
•  Jesus answered Peter, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow later. "
• Peter asked the Lord why he could not follow Him right then. Peter said he was ready to lay down his life for Jesus' sake.
• Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a cock shall not crow, until you deny Me three times."

Peter was confident that he was ready to follow Jesus. However, Jesus knew what was going to happen-Peter was going to deny Him 3 times before the rooster crowed. It was as if Jesus poured cold water on this fiery disciple. Jesus wanted Peter to put his pride to death. He was talking a good game, but he wouldn't be able to back it up with action. (18:15-18, 25-27) (Tony Evans)

Are we playing a game at being a Christian? Are we an actor in a play, playing the good guy? Or does Jesus truly have our heart, our life, our soul? Jesus knows all and sees into our heart.

LET IT GROW 

Three years earlier it had been easy for Peter to follow Jesus. He was fascinated with Jesus and didn't need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Then Peter came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then, he received the Holy Spirit, and Jesus gave Peter another chance to follow Him faithfully. This follow went from an external following to an internal martyrdom. (John 21:18) Peter died stretched out on a cross upside down.

Peter preached a fantastic sermon on the Day of Pentecost when 3,000 got saved. Jesus forgave Peter of his denial, loved him, and used him in a mighty way to bring others to believe in Jesus. This is my prayer for all who read this blog.

Friend, have you admitted your sins to Jesus, believed Jesus is the Son of God, died on the cross your place, arose from the dead, sits at the right hand of the Father God? Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord of your life?

Too often we're exactly like Peter. In our minds we envision ourselves as better disciples than we actually are. Pride will cause us to think too highly of ourselves and then fall flat on our faces.

But Jesus...

He loves us, forgives us, cleanses our heart from sins, dusts us off, and uses us again for His glory.

LET IT GO 

of pride, ego, hurts, unforgiveness.

Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus. (Matt. 16:24)

Then you will be living the happy life with purpose-serving God and others.

Love Conquers All

N.T.#767 "Love Conquers All"

April 2, 2026 

John 13-Part 9 

By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another. (verse 35)

LET IT GLOW 

What sets us believers in Jesus apart from unbelievers? How does the world see Christ in His followers? 

When we love one another, other believers, as Jesus loves us:

• then our preeminent mark is that we are disciples of Jesus. 
• Love is how the world notices we are different. 
• It is not an option. 
• It is revolutionary when we love others as much as Christ loved others.
• Such love brings unbelievers to Jesus Christ.
• It keeps believers strong and united in a hostile world.
• Jesus was a living example of love. He loved those rejected by the world. So ought we love others.
• It is a sacrificial love. 

Folks, love is what makes us different. We read about it in 1 Corinthians 13. Are we loving others as Christ loves us? I know, some people need an extra dose of love from us. 

LET IT GROW 

Love is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us?

• Helping when it's not convenient.
• Giving when it hurts.
• Devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own.
• Absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back.

This kind of love is hard to do. That is why people notice when we do it. They see we are empowered by a supernatural source-God.

LET IT GO 

Help me love those who have hurt me and those who don't deserve my love.

Help me forgive them.

Change my heart so You can love them through me.

Don't give up on those you love, dear one. God can change hearts.

Love

N.T.#766 "Love"

April 1, 2026 

John 13-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW 

Here in the last 5 chapters, we see Jesus giving His farewell discourse. Now we are entering Jesus' final teachings to His disciples. Now with the betrayal set in motion, the events leading up to the crucifixion had begun. 

What was Jesus telling His following group about His future?

• The Son of Man is glorified. (verse 31) 
• God is glorified in Him. 
• Jesus would soon be gone and ascend to God the Father. (verse 33)

Jesus came into the world to offer Himself as a substitutionary atonement and then be raised from the dead. As Jesus glorified God, so we Christians called to do the same. Everything we do-in thought, word, and deed-is to be done for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW 

What was the new commandment which Jesus gave His men and us?

I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

Guys, love each other because the Jews were about to kill your leader., Me.  Love one another because I will be gone and you will need each other. Support and encourage each other, boys. 

Biblical love is the decision to compassionately, responsibly, and righteously pursue the well-being of another person. Loving someone may or may not have feelings connected to it. Love is a decision to seek another's best, regardless of your feelings.

LET IT GO

Help us love others as You love us, Jesus.

Remind us throughout today.

Betrayal

 N.T.#765 "Betrayal"

 April 1, 2026 

John 13-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

Friend, have you been betrayed by a loved one or friend? It hurts like your heart has been cut out and sliced into pieces. Jesus experienced betrayal. Read on.

 Who is it? One in the group who would eat with Christ would betray Him.-Judas. All along Jesus knew who His betrayer was, but the disciples did not.

He quotes Psalm 41:9:

Even my close friend, in whom I trusted,

Who ate my bread,

Has lifted up his heel against Me. 

In the ancient world, to dine with someone was an intimate activity that affirmed mutual trust. It would have been inconceivable to eat with one's enemy. This is what made Judas' actions all more reprehensive. (David Jeremiah)

Which guy in the group was a betrayer? Peter wanted to know if it was him. Not this time, Peter.

It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it. (verse 26)

Then Jesus dipped the bread (probably in oil) and gave it to Judas Iscariot. Satan entered Judas. Jesus told Judas what he was to do, do it quickly. Judas left, went to the religious leaders, bargained the location of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. 

Judas had been in charge of the money bag for the disciples. They used the money to give funds to the needy and to buy food for the group. 

Whatever Judas was thinking, Satan assumed that Jesus' death would end His mission and thwart God's plan. Jesus' death was the most important part of God's plan all along. 

Will we remain faithful to Jesus forever? Or only when it is convenient to be a follower of Jesus?

LET IT GROW 

Keep in mind that Jesus hand-picked His disciples. 

Although Judas would be turning Jesus over to the authorities, the Son of Man would be glorified because everything remained under the foreknowledge, control, and redemption of a sovereign God. Even the greatest of injustices against God's own cannot prevent His goodness from prevailing. (Romans 8:28)

Jesus found it in His heart to forgive His accusers, those who beat Him, those who drove the nails in His hands and feet. Our sins put Jesus on the cross. Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior? His loving, nail-scarred hand is stretched out to you today.

LET IT GO

Forgive our betrayal, Jesus,.

Help us forgive those who betray us.

Heal our hurting hearts and fill us with Your love.

Glory and praise to Jesus. You are our hope, joy, peace, love.

Who Are You Serving?

N.T. #764  "Who Are You Serving?"

March 30, 2026 

John 13-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

Washing dirty dishes, clothes, mopping floors, are chores we do for our family because we love them and want to take care of their needs. Jesus showed us more.

In verse 15, we read of Jesus telling His disciples that He had done the foot washing for an example of humility. Then He said they should do as He has done.

What is God asking us to do, go the second mile with Him? 

The things that Jesus did were of the most menial and commonplace order, and this is an indication that it takes all God's power in me to do the most commonplace things in His way? (Oswald Chambers)

LET IT GROW 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (verses 16-17)

When we practice a life of humility and service, then we will be happy/blessed.

Are we helping those in the family of God when things get dirty? 

Our service is needed most when people's lives are messiest and hurting and suffering. don't pick and choose who you will serve, but ask Jesus who He wants to minister to today.

Keep the faith, friends.

LET IT GO 

Open our eyes to see the needs of others.

We serve You, Lord Jesus, for Your glory.

Serving With Love

N.T.#763 "Serving With Love"

March 27, 2026 

John 13-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW

Washing dishes, washing dirty clothes, and washing smelly feet, wipe up vomit off the floor-that takes love to do those remedial jobs. The One who created everything humbled Himself to show His disciples and us how to express love.

It was a humbling thing for one to wash another's feet. You bow before them, lower than they are sitting. Washing stinky, sweaty feet is not pleasant, either. Peter didn't want Jesus doing that to Him. After all, Peter had proclaimed earlier that Jesus is The Christ, the Son of the Living God. 

Then Peter, not understanding what Jesus was demonstrating, told Jesus to give him a bath. Jesus set Peter straight-one who had taken a bath only needs their feet washed. Dirt with sweat, walking in sandals, could have made quite messy feet during that time. Jesus recognized that all were clean, except one of the disciples. (Jesus knew it was Judas who would betray Him for money.)

LET IT GROW 

The disciples rightly called Jesus their Teacher/Master and Lord. Yet He had rinsed their feet like a servant. If He would do this for them, they should do this for one another. Jesus did not give them a third ordinance, but an example to follow. It was a lesson on humility. 

All Christians need a lesson on humility every now and then, right? Instead of climbing the ladder of success, we ought to be content to perform the lowest service to the glory of God. 

[Resource: The Gospel of John: Invitation to Life by Herschel H. Hobbs]

Oswald Chambers had this to say in his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest:

To have a master means that there is one who knows me better than I know myself, one who is closer than a friend, one who fathoms the remotest abyss of my heart and satisfies it, one who had brought me into secure sense that he has met and solved every perplexity and problem of my mind. To have a master in this and nothing less-One is your Master, even Christ. The only word to describe mastership in experience is love. (my italics)

We show that we love God and Jesus when we obey them. Actions speak louder than words.

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Swindoll) (Galatians 5:6)

James 2 tells us faith without works is dead, useless. 

I Corinthians 13 tells us if we don't have love, then our words are as noisy cymbals; If we have faith to move mountains without love, then it is nothing; If we give our body to be burned or possessions to the poor, yet without love, then it is for nothing. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

I have some things to work on, friend. How about you? 

LET IT GO 

We let go of everything, Jesus and lay it at Your feet.

Let us be Your servant today.

May all we do be done for Your glory, Father God.

Nothing Takes Jesus by Surprise

N.T.#762 "Nothing Takes Jesus by Surprise"

 March 25, 2026 

John 13-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

How did Peter respond when it was his turn for Jesus to wash his feet? 

• You will never wash my feet.  
• Unless Jesus washed Peter's feet, he could have no fellowship with Jesus (verse 8) 
• Essentially, Peter told the Lord to forget his feet, give him a shower. (verse 9) Sounds like Peter. He jumped to the other extreme. 
• In Peter's heart, he was willing to do anything to show Jesus that he didn't want to be disconnected from Him. (Peter was one of the 3 closest disciple of Jesus'.)
• Peter needed to submit to the Lord and obey Him. 
• Jesus assured Peter that if one had bathed, he only needed to wash his feet. (verse 10)
• When we are saved, we need only to confess our sins and ask Jesus' forgiveness. We don't need to be saved over and over again. Jesus died only once in our place for our sin-punishment. 

Are we submitting to the Lord Jesus and obeying Him in our life?

We only need to address the dirty areas of our life (sins) so we can stay clean spiritually. Daily we should be confessing our sins to the Savior. If you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, friend, do it now. 

LET IT GROW 

Jesus told His disciples that not all of them were clean. (verse 10) Jesus knew who was about to betray Him-Judas.. Nothing takes Jesus by surprise.

So, Jesus knows what battle we are in right now. The devil may have a strong hold on someone in our life, but Jesus can deliver them. Pray without ceasing, dear one. Wait patiently for those chains of sin, addiction, lust, to be broken. Hold on tight to Jesus. Let your faith grow stronger while you wait for His deliverance.

LET IT GO 

Help us remain strong as we trust You, King Jesus.

Father, do whatever it takes for our loved one to be broken free.

Let Jesus Wash You

 N.T.#761 "Let Jesus Wash Your Soul"

March 24, 2026

John 13-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

We left Jesus on His knees washing the feet of the disciples. When it was Peter's turn for Jesus to wash his feet, Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" 

In other words, Peter told Jesus "You will never wash my feet." But unless Jesus washed Peter's feet, he could have no fellowship with Him. (verse 8) 

"Forget the feet, give me a shower!" that was in essence how Peter replied. Peter was willing to do anything to show he didn't want to be disconnected from Jesus. (Tony Evans)

Really, Peter?

LET IT GROW 

If one has bathed already, then they only needed to wash their feet. Our feet get dirty from walking in the world, and so does our mind and soul. If we are already saved, then we don't need to get saved again. We need to address the dirty areas (sins) in our life so we can stay clean before the Lord. To maintain fellowship with the Lord, we must regularly come to Jesus in confession and repentance. (Tony Evans)

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

Has our pride and ego died yet? 

Do we confess our sins daily to Jesus?

LET IT GO

Are there any sins we need to repent of and turn from them, and turn to Jesus?

Grace and mercy and love and peace await for us.

Are You a Humble Servant?

N.T.#760  "Are You a Humble Servant?"

March 23, 2026 

John 13-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus had spent 3 years teaching, leading, praying for, and loving His disciples. Here we see the Christ as a servant. It was custom for a servant to be greeting visitors at the door of a host. The servant would remove the guest's sandals, rinse each foot with water, wipe off the dirt with a clean towel. 

Jesus is in the Upper Room expressing His love to those closest to Him, the disciples. John gives an overview, not a lot of details. Here is what He did:

• After eating His last supper with the guys, Jesus riseth from the supper table (a low table).
• He laid aside His garment, 
• Jesus took a towel and girded Himself. He pulled His tunic up in a belt so Jesus would not trip on it.
• Jesus poured water into the bason.
• He began to wash the disciples' feet, then wiped them with a towel.

If anyone deserved their feet washed, it was King Jesus, but no one did it for Him. He was the one which should have had this kind of service and devotion shown to Him. It was not so. Jesus washed all 24 feet, down on His knees.  Even Judas got his feet washed-the betrayer.

LET IT GROW 

Do we ask the Lord Jesus to remove the dirt and grime of sin in our heart?

Are we willing to be a servant for Jesus?  

Do we bend down and help those who can't return it?

If we receive grace and mercy, shouldn't we share it with others?

LET IT GO 

Lord, I do things I shouldn't and don't do things I should do.

I am a sinner in need of a Savior's love today.

Hold me in Your arms.

Help me bend down and serve others, then lift me up in Your arms.

To You be the glory.

Are You Serving Today?

 N.T.#759 "Are You Serving Today?"

March 20, 2026 

John 13

LET IT GLOW

Jesus moved from His public ministry to private ministry with those who had received Him-the disciples. the cross was only a day away. 

These last 5 chapters focus on Jesus' love for His own and His desire to communicate that love so that it would never be forgotten after His return to heaven. (David Jeremiah)

Jesus knew:

•  His hour of departure out of this world had come. He was making the best of His time left, instructing and showing the disciples about love. (verse 1a)
• He loved His own which were in the world. (verse 1b)
• He loved them unto the end. (verse 1c)
• Even though His beloved disciples would abandon Him, one of them would betray Him, Jesus loved them to the end.
• The Father had given all things into Jesus' hands. (verse 3a)
• He had come from God and went to God. (verse 3b)

Do we know those things as well?

LET IT GROW

With all of that in mind, we see the Lord's humility as He bent down and washed the disciples' feet at His Last Supper. (verse 4) It was custom that the servant do so, it they none present, so Jesus picked up the water bason and towel and proceeded to do it. This removed the dust from their feet. 

How do we serve others? Are we bending down and helping those who can't return or pay us back? Are we showing Jesus' love?

LET IT GO

Such humility and love, Jesus, you show to us.

May we serve You while serving others today.

Do You Believe in Jesus?

N.T.#758 "Do You Believe in Jesus?"

March 19, 2026 

John 12-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

Last year I taught a young children's class. It thrilled me when one of the boys quoted me John 3:16. Have you had that experience? Ever wonder what God is like? How can we know an invisible Creator? Jesus made it clear that those who saw Him saw God, because He is God. We can find out what God is like by studying His Word. Jesus is the only way to heaven, for He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. (John 14:6)

Why did Jesus come into the world?

What are some teachings Jesus which He gave in the rest of this chapter?

• Believe on Jesus means we are believing on God who sent Him. (verse 44, 46)
• Jesus came as a light into the world. (verse 46)
• Jesus came to save the world, not judge it. (verse 47)
• By rejecting Jesus and His sayings has god to judge him. (verse 48)
• God told Jesus what to say, to speak, and His commandment. (verse 49)
• God's commandment is eternal life/life everlasting. (verse 50)
• 
  

We can't live any way we please, in sin, without being accountable to Jesus.

Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth by showing and providing the way to salvation and eternal life.

 

LET IT GROW

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Are we teaching this verse to our children and grandchildren? We should for they can have heaven forever by believing in Jesus. Who else will tell them?

LET IT GO 

Thank You God our Father and Jesus our Savior for providing eternal life with You.

Such amazing love that You would die an horrible death for us.

Who is the Son of Man?

N.T.#757 "Who is the Son of Man?"

March 18, 2026 

John 12-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

Who is this Son of man? He must be lifted up?

The Jews thought:

•  surely their Messiah would not die on a cross.
• They were expecting the Christ to reign forever.(verse 34) (Eventually He would, but not right now.) 
• They were walking in darkness spiritually. 

What about us?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus told the Jews to believe in the light, receive the light, walk in the light, for the Light would soon be removed. Although Jesus had done so many miracles before them, the Jews did not believe Him to be the Messiah. They rejected the Lord Jesus in spite of what they heard and saw. Their eyes became blind to the truth and their heart hardened because of their unbelief. (verse 40)

Many leaders believed on Jesus but were unwilling to confess Him for fear of the Pharisees putting them out of the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.  (verses 42-43)

LET IT GO 

May all who read this believe You are the Christ, the Son of God and Son of man, the Messiah.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Lifted Up

N.T.#757 "Lifted Up"

March 17, 2026 

John 12-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

The Father answered from heaven that His name had been glorified (through the obedient ministry of His Son), and it will be glorified again (through the death, burial and resurrection of the Son). (verse 28) (Falwell)

The people thought it was an angel that spoke to Jesus. They were to recognize that Christ was God. It was for the people to recognize Christ as God. Christ is referring to His judgement of sin through His death, and His defeat of Satan. (verse 30-31)

LET IT GROW

Christ will draw people to Himself through the cross. He would die on a cross lifted up. 

Are we lifting up Jesus in our life? 

LET IT GO

Praise be to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. 

Are You Troubled?

N.T.#755  "Are You Troubled?"

March 16, 2026 

John 12-Part 6 

Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. (verse 27)

LET IT GLOW 

Friend, are you troubled today? Take courage, Jesus was, also. 

Not only is the principle of death applicable to Jesus, but to His followers, also.  Are we willing to loose our life in service to Jesus, our Lord? Are we willing to loose whatever so we witness for Him? (John MacArthur) 

Then Jesus admitted something. What was it? His soul was troubled, which means to stir or agitate (roil or disturb water).

The term used here is strong and signifies horror, anxiety, and agitation Jesus' contemplation of taking on the wrath of God for the sins of everyone who would believe caused revulsion in the sinless Savior. (MacArthur)

Can you see Jesus in His full humanity? His soul was troubled, not because He wavered in His purpose but because He knew the suffering He would endure. In bearing the sins of the world, not only would He experience physical torture, but He would be separated from the Father. Nevertheless, Jesus was "obedient" to the point of death. (Phil. 2:8) (David Jeremiah)

Wow! That is deep, isn't it? Can we see the love dripping from the heart of Jesus, even before He went to the cross with nails in His hands and feet? How can we but love and serve Him!

LET IT GROW 

It's like a person who knows they have to have surgery, but dreads it, does not want to go through the pain of it. So it was with Christ. He knew what was ahead for Him as He carried out God's purpose for His life. Jesus knew the suffering that would be required in order to save His people for their sins. Yet, He asked to be saved from it. Jesus came to suffer and die for sinners is why Jesus came. (verse 27)

Let's take a closer look here:

• Jesus was committed to doing the will of God.
• He wanted to glorify God.
• God audibly told Jesus , I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. (verse 28)
• And God had been glorified when Jesus performed miraculous signs.
• The ultimate glorification was coming in the cross and resurrection. (Tony Evans)

How are we glorifying God in our life? Who are we serving-self or Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Glory, honor, praise be to God the Holy Father and Christ Jesus the Son!!

May we fulfill our purpose you have for each of our lives.

Who Are We Serving?

 N.T.#754 "Who Are We Serving?"

March 13, 2026 

John 12-Part 5 

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me: and where I am, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. (verse 26)

LET IT GLOW

Are we pursuing the worldly and materialistic ways of this life? If so, then we will miss what God wants us to have in the spiritual realm. The natural outflow of a spiritual life is serving and following Christ. (David Jeremiah)

If your life is all about you and finding yourself, you will not find the "you" that you're looking for. To hate your life means not living in a self-centered way but being a servant of others. The one who lives a life of service in the name of the Lord Jesus will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come. To serve the King, we must follow the King. If He serves, we must serve. (Mark 10:45) 

The first responsibility of a follower of Christ is to His people. We are to love those whom He loves and gave Himself for. And if we love and serve sacrificially, the Father promises to honor us with a reward-some of which may come in this life, though most will come in eternity. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW 

Are we willing to die if doing so will glorify God?

LET IT GO

May we serve Jesus with a heart given to Him.

Die and Reap a Harvest

N.T.#753 "Die and Reap a Harvest" 

March 12, 2026 

John 12-Part 4

 LET IT GLOW 

When a grin of wheat dies (buried in the ground), it sprouts up nd produces many seeds, fruit. So it is with believers who die to a self-centered life, they experience joy and become fruitful for the kingdom of God. When we do so, we give Jesus control of our lives and we produce fruit from His Spirit. Is that you and me?

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (verse 25, KJV)

He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal. (NAS)

These verses use two different words for life in the Greek language. The first two times it appears in this verse uses the word psuche, which refers to one's present existence in this world and exercise of the mind, desires, and will. The third use refers to spiritual life everlasting. 

He owh love his psuche (life now) will lose it, and he who hates his psucche will keep it for zoe. To pursue a psuche life with a materialistic philosophy will cause a person to miss what God wants him or her to have in the spiritual realm. The natural outflow of a zoe life is serving and following Christ.

[Resource: The Jeremiah Study Bible]

Do you want to miss out on what God has for your life by living in the flesh, worldly ways, focused on self? Or do you want to live the extraordinary Christian life with blessings overflowing? Ouch!

I'm not saying this is easy. It is a difficult thing to do, but what a harvest we can reap when we follow Jesus and obey His Word.

LET IT GROW 

What can we glean from those sown seeds?

Seeds which are not sown are alone. The seeds which are sown, die, and in so doing bring forth a harvest. Christ used this to illustrate His death, which will produce a rich spiritual harvest. ((Liberty Bible Commentary)

And Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)

There is our challenge for today, folks. When we die to self and our desires, surrender it all to Jesus, He will bring forth spiritual fruit in our life. Are we willing?

LET T GO 

Change our mind, desires, and will, Father God.

May we surrender our self as a living sacrifice. 

May it be acceptable in Your sight, Lord.

Do You Want to See Jesus?

N.T.#752 "Do You Want to See Jesus?"

March 11, 2026 

John 12-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus came into Jerusalem riding not on a king's decorated horse, but humbly on a donkey never ridden before. His people laid down palm branches and clothing, shouting "Hosanna!" It means save us. They believed the Messiah had come on His triumphal entry. No longer was Jesus a visiting worshiper, but claimed to be their King. 

As a result, the loyalty of people shifted away from the Pharisees and onto Jesus. (verse 19) There were some Greeks that came to worship at the feast. Some Greeks had become Jewish faith. They may have gone to Philip because he was a Jew and he had a Jewish a Greek name. 

They asked to see Jesus when they approached Philip:

Sir, we would see Jesus. (verse 21)

It would have been something for the group of Greeks to say they had seen and had some conversation with Jesus. Do we feel our conversations with Jesus is valued? 

Do we speak to Jesus throughout our day? 

LET IT GROW 

The hour had come when the Son of man should be glorified. (verse 23)

What a picture of the necessary sacrifice Jesus was about to make for all people. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it will produce a great crop. Also, it yields many more seeds. 

Jesus used that event to show He must die for the penalty of our sins so we don't have to pay it. He has power over death and gives eternal life to believers in Him. Jesus is our substitutionary atonement for sinners like you and me. 

Have you trusted in Jesus for your eternal life?

LET IT GO

Oh what a Savior!

Isn't He wonderful!

Sing His praises today.

Thank You Jesus for enduring so much for us sinners.

The King is Coming!

N.T.#752 " The King is Coming!"

March 10, 2026

John 12-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

What extravagant gift have we given Jesus lately?

Mary poured extravagant perfumed oil upon Jesus' feet and wiped it with her hair. What ans expression of her complete love and devotion for the Savior. She anticipated His death. 

Lazarus had become a phenomenon since Christ raised him from the dead. He was on the religious leaders' hit list along with Jesus. It was because so many had believed in Christ after observing what He had done for Lazarus.

The next day folks heard Jesus was in town for the feast. What did they do? 

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. (verse 13)

Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, as predicted by Zechariah 9:9, He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Messiah and Savior, the Son of the Living God. do you know Him today, my friend? Do your family and friends know Jesus as their Savior? He is coming again to reign as King on the earth. Are you ready

LET IT GROW 

The disciples did not understand these things until after the ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit, who called these things to remembrance.  (verses 16; 14:26)

Are there things Jesus has done in your l life? Have you praised Him for it?

LET IT GO

                               ... and praise the Lord Jesus for all He has done for you.

                               ... of pride and share that He is your Savior.

An Extravagant Gift

N.T.#751 "An Extravagant Gift"

March 9, 2026 

John 12 

LET IT GLOW 

There are 4 parts to this chapter:

1. The anointing of Jesus (verses 1-11)
2. The Triumphal Entry (verses 12-19)
3. The Greeks seek Christ (verses 20-36)
4. The Jews reject Christ (verses 37-50)

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

The setting was 6 days before Passover, in Bethany, at the house of Simon the healed leper. Maybe it was a Saturday evening. Martha was serving a meal designed to thank the Lord for what He had done for Lazarus and Simon. (verses 1-2) Lazarus was dining with his friends and sister. 

What did sister Mary bring with her? 

She brought an expensive gift for Jesus-a pound of perfumed oil in an alabaster box. It was a very costly perfume imported from India. It was worth a year's wages for a worker then. Picture the Lord and disciples were reclining at a table, feet extended away from it, making it possible for Mary to easily anoint Jesus' feet. 

What did Mary do with her gift? 

She anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair.

Why would she do this? 

It was an act of love and devotion to the Lord. She had such a grateful heart to the Lord for giving her brother Lazarus a new live, raising his from the dead. Do you feel Mary's humble devotion and love for her Lord Jesus?

The first step in preparing a body for burial was to rinse with water and anoint with perfumed oil. Mary illustrated this for what was ahead for Jesus.

Matthew Henry describes Mary's love as generous, condescending, and believing love. Her faith in Jesus as Messiah, the Christ, and the Anointed One. It was her act of worship to her Lord.

What compassion and gratitude we feel in this room. 

Other Scriptures recording this event is found in Matthew 26 and Mark 14.

LET IT GROW 

Simon's house was filled with this expensive perfumed oil. Yet, some did not appreciate such an extravagant sacrifice for Jesus. Ole Mr. Money Bag, Judas suggested the oil could have been sold for money to give the poor. Really? He wasn't concerned about the poor. He had been sealing form the money-bag for some time. Adding 300 denarii into the piggy bank would have provided more cash in Judas' pocket. To Judas it was a waste, but to Mary it was worship. What a contrast of hearts.

Jesus stood up for Mary. Her act of love was done as an anointing for the death of Christ. They didn't always have Christ with them, for He was soon going to die for such people as Judas.

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  (Ephesians 5:2)

In the Greek, sweetsmelling refers to a fragrance; savour is a lawyer.

Do we pour on Jesus love overflowing, giving Him our heart and serving Him with our best?

LET IT GO 

Help us give what costs us as a sacrifice to You, Precious Jesus.

May Your love overflow through us to others today.

The Plot Thickens

N.T.# 750 "The Plot Thickens"

March 6, 2026 

John 11-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW

Jesus must die so Israel could live? The religious leaders were afraid of the Romans, who ruled their government. Better for one man to die as a traitor than everyone die. That was their thinking. Caiaphas determined Jesus must die so that the nation will live. Little did he realize that was so. The Sanhedrin formally decided to kill Christ. Knowing this plan, Christ removed Himself from the public view. (verses 53-54) The leaders made it clear that anyone who saw Christ should report it, that they might take him. (verse 57)

LET IT GROW 

Would Jesus show up for the Passover Feast around the city of Jerusalem.? There were informants throughout the city of Jerusalem. Boy, would He ever make an entrance! You just wait, Jews, the King of kings is coming to you.

Is Jesus coming to you, dear one? 

LET IT GO 

Let go of fear and trust our Heavenly Father.

Surrender to His will.

Listen to His Spirit and enjoy His presence.

God Uses Evil for Our Good

N.T.#749 "God Uses Evil for Our Good"

March 5, 2026 

John 11-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW 

Why should Jesus die? He was a great teacher and performed miracles. Apparently, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, that was enough for the Jewish leaders. They couldn't let him continue to stray Jews to His group. 

What were the results of this miracle?

1. Many believed on Jesus. 
2. Some went back to Jerusalem to report this incident to the leaders.
3. The Sanhedrin became angry and were afraid that if people continued to follow Christ, the Romans would think the Jews were planning a rebellion and would take their leaders into captivity. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

So the Jewish leaders did not rejoice with Lazarus' family or the community. They worried about how Jesus' rising prominence would affect their power. Personal status and ambition can often blind people to truth, to God's work, and to the need for gratitude. (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

LET IT GROW 

Shall we take a look at Tony Evan's perspective on this situation:

*Caiaphas the high priest had a solution. It was better for 1 man to die than a whole nation. (verse 5)

* Actually, Caiaphas prophesied. He was thinking on the physical realm, but foretold a spiritual reality. Jesus would die for Israel. (verse 51) 

*Not only for Israel, but for the Gentiles, you and me, did Jesus die. So they plotted to kill Him. (verse 53) 

*What they planned for evil, God planned for good. (Gen. 50:20)

As a result, Jesus left this area and no more walked openly among the Jews. (verse 34) He and His disciples went to Ephriam. We know Jesus was eventually killed, yet no one took His life, for He willingly layed it down for you and me.

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for providing salvation for us sinners; for taking our punishment for our sins.

Glory to God!

Coming Alive

N.T.#738 "Coming Alive"

March 4, 2926 

John 11-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

Take away the stone (from in front of Lazarus' burial tomb). But he stinks, (being dead 4 days). 

Jesus responded to Martha with this: Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God? (verse 40, NAS)

Jesus knew God sent Him to Lazarus' grave for this purpose-that they would believe God sent Him there. Jesus thanked God that He hears Jesus. 

What happened next?

• Lazarus come forth! (verse 43) Jesus cried with a loud voice. 
• The dead man came out of the tomb bound with hand and feet graveclothes, and his face wrapped with a cloth. (verse 44a He was all wrapped up.

The people saw the glory of God, believed Jesus was sent from God, and saw Lazarus raised from the dead. What a thing to witness!

When Jesus calls us to come, we come, right?

Lazarus became alive, through the power God gave Jesus.

Are we alive in Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Loose him and let him go. (verse 46b)

 Jesus gave those instructions. When we come to Jeus with our chains of sin on, He loosens them and they fall off. He sets the captives free!

Are you wrapped up in grave clothes? Does your life feeling like you are a walking dead person? Are you spiritually dead? Believe in Jesus turn to Him, repent of your sins, and He will raise you from the dead person you are. 

Jesus can let go of our old sinful self and give us a new one.

LET IT GO 

Help us let go of our unloving self and fill us with Your loving Spirit.

Jesus Loves Us

N.T.#747 "Jesus Loves Us"

March 3, 2026

John 11-Part 4 

LET IT GO 

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Martha had a bone to pick with Him. Her brother, Lazarus was dead after 4 days. She lost all hope. Jesus reassured her that her brother would rise again. Martha though Jesus was referring to the resurrection. 

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (verse 25)

Jesus raises those who are dead in sin and gives them eternal life. Those who believe in Christ shall live. Did Martha believe this? Yes. In verse 27 Martha believes Thou art the Christ, the Son of God. 

Friend, who do you believe Jesus is?

LET IT GROW 

Martha went to Mary and told her Jesus was there. What happened at their encounter? Mary fell down at His feet, saying, Lord, it thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (verse 32)

Keep in mind that a group from Jerusalem was with M & M during this time, mourning with them, comforting them. Jesus groaned (angry) in His Spirit and was troubled. Probably the root cause of all this sorrow and grief-sin. 

He didn't give any explanation nor excuses. Jesus simply wanted to know where Lazarus was buried and He went there. Jesus groaned again and wad troubled (to shake with emotion). Jews were debating whether or not Jesus could have prevented Lazarus' death. They took Jesus there to the cave. When He saw the tears of Mary and her friends, what did Jesus do?

Jesus wept. (verse 35) 

We believe Jesus is fully God, but He is also fully human. Even though He knew He was about to perform the miracle, Jesus grieved with the pain and sorrow as well as the death-dealing effects of sin on those He loves. Our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses, for He had been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

The sisters could see how much Jesus loved Lazarus. (verse 36)

Dear ones, Jesus loves us so much. He sees our troubles and sorrows. He wants to comfort us. 

LET IT GO 

Seek Jesus, run to Him, fall on our knees at His feet.

Drop our problems at the feet of Jesus like Mary did.

Is It Too Late?

N.T.# 746 "Is It Too Late?"

March 2, 2026 

John 11-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW

If only Jesus had answered my prayers, my brother would be alive today. Yes I can relate to Martha. Last year my brother Larry passed away. He had a change of heart and our relationship was on a good note. Why did it take him so long? I wanted more years with him, but God had another plan. If only...

It's too late, for Lazarus is dead now. Jesus waited 2 days before going on His way to Bethany. The disciples decided to go with Him, for the Jews wanted to kill Jesus. By the time the guys arrived, this friend Lazarus had been in the tomb 4 days. Jesus knew all along what was going on and how He was going to handle this situation. It was so the disciples' faith would increase and they would witness this great miracle, as well as the power the Son of God has. 

What did Thomas tell the group of Jesus followers? "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

How far are we willing to go with Jesus?

Will we deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow Jesus? (Matthew 16:24)

Are we putting others and Jesus before ourself, allowing Jesus to be Lord of all our life, and obeying Him and His Word?

 LET IT GROW 

Martha went out to meet Jesus. She and Mary went through a funeral, sorrowing greatly because they loved their brother. You can understand the situation. If only Jesus had arrived earlier, Lazarus would not have died. We can understand, can't we? Who hasn't lost a loved one? The grief can overwhelm us.

In verse 22, we hear Martha's faith in Jesus-But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee. 

Martha expressed her disappointment when she told Jesus to listen to her, come right away and healed her brother, then we would all be sitting down to supper together today. 

Belief through disappointment can be a spiritual struggle becoming unbelief.

Have you been there?

LET IT GO 

Turn to Jesus when doubts arrives, when disappointment lingers, when the burdens become too heavy.

Trust Him, for He is Truth.

No Rush

N.T.#745 "No Rush"

Feb. 27, 2026 

John 11 

LET IT GLOW

Are you waiting for an answer to a prayer, a changed behavior of a loved one, a healing touch?

Are you familiar with the event of the resurrection of Lazarus? Let's see what we can learn from it.

What happened?

• Mary and Martha and Lazarus were siblings with whom Jesus would stay and visit in their home in Bethany. The four became close friends and loved each other. 
• The girls sent word to their friend Jesus that their brother was sick. They believed Jesus could heal Lazarus.
• Mary had previously anointed Jesus with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair-it was her brother that was sick.
• Jesus said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. (verse 4)
• Jesus did not rush to Bethany, but stayed where He was for 2 days.

Sometimes we have to trust Jesus for the timing and outcome. (There are times that sickness is not a result of sin or rebellion, but for God's glory. Believers should interpret circumstances by the love of Christ rather than trying to interpret Christ's love for the circumstances. (David Jeremiah)

LET IT GROW

The disciples reminded Jesus that the Jews had earlier wanted to stone Him. Going through Judea was risky. His limited time on earth could not be changed. A person who walks in the light of God's will cannot be harmed, but the person who does not stumbles.  (verses 9-10)

By the time the Lord got there, Lazarus had been in the tomb 4 days. Jesus was glad He was not there when Lazarus died. It is so the disciples would believe in Jesus as the Son of God, all-powerful. Seeing the miracle would increase the guy's faith. 

LET IT GO

Thank you Lord that life and death are in Your hands. 

We are going to pause there. LET IT GO

A Sheep in the Flock

N.T.#744 "A Sheep in the Flock"

Feb. 26,2026 

John 11 

LET IT GLOW 

If we are in the sheepfold of God, we should have His love, kindness, and goodness to show to others. Jesus described four qualities which we, as God's sheep should have:

1. Sensitivity to His leading. (10:27a) When we hear Jesus' voice, we know it is Him and we follow Him. 
2. We are eager to obey His commands. (10:27b)
3. We can be confident. (10:28) Eternal life in heaven is ours, as well as remaining in God's hands while here.
4. We are secure. (10:29) No matter how insensitive, disobedient, or fearful, our place in the flock is secure. It is Jesus who provided our salvation, not us, so He never turns us away. We may displease Him and fall into sin, but we are still His. Repentance makes our relationship with Him right.

Remain sensitive to His leading, obey the Lord, and rest in the confidence of Jesus' power to protect us from all evil.

[Resource: Swindoll's New Testament Insights on John]

LET IT GROW 

Are you a part of the Good Shepherd's flock? If not, admit to God you are a sinner, believe Jesus is God's Son and Savior. confess your sins. Ask Jesus to forgive you and be your Savior.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of our sinful lifestyle.

Jesus make a way for us in this wilderness.

You are so faithful. 

Will You Believe?

N.T.#734 "Will You Believe?"

Feb. 25, 2026

John 10-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

How long will you keep us in suspense? Are you the Christ/Messiah? Jesus had already told the previously that He is-6:35; 7:37-39; 8:23-25. The Jewish leaders rejected Jesus for what He said about Himself, His works, and unbelief. They were not His sheep, so we should expect nothing else. (verse 26)

As believers in Jesus, we hear our Savior's voice and we follow Him. 

What is the good news for us?

• We will never perish.
• We have eternal life. 
• No one can pluck us out of Jesus' hand. (verses 28,29)

What promises our Lord made to us! We are forever His! No doubt in the security of the believer. Jesus said it and I believe it. How about you?

LET IT GROW

I and my Father are one. (verse 30)

I am the Son of God. (verse 36)

The Jewish leaders had hard hearts, for they said Jesus blasphemed. However, many others believed in Jesus. And so it is today. Cults consider Jesus a good teacher or prophet, but not the Son of God. Therefore, they are not saved from the penalty of their sins. Their destiny is not heaven because of the lack of belief. Sad that so many are deceived.

Will you believe?

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.

A Good Shepherd

 N.T.#742 "A Good Shepherd"

Feb. 24, 2026 

John 10-Part 4

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (verse 11) 

LET IT GLOW

Did you notice that Jesus is not merely a shepherd, but a Good Shepherd? What does a good shepherd do?

• He lays down his life for the sheep. (verse 11)
• He has the power and right to do so. (verse 18)
• He knows his sheep and they know Him. (verse 14)
• His fold will be both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 10:28)

Besides being the only door into the sheepfold, Christ is also the Good Shepherd. He is good because He giveth His life for (in behalf of) the sheep. Laying down His life for the sheep was a voluntary act of sacrifice. (Falwell)

Friend, who is your Good Shepherd?

LET IT GROW 

The hireling (hired people) is not the same as shepherd because they flee when the wolf comes to steal and devour the sheep. They don't give a hoot for the sheep. No way would they put their life in danger. Nope, they are out of here. 

There is similarity with the hireling and a pastor just in it for the money. When troubles arise, they leave. No love for the people.

LET IT GO

Teach us to love the sheep.

Help us forgive, overcome criticism, conflict. and love.

Abundant Life

N.T.#741 "Abundant Life"

Feb. 23, 2026

John 10-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Who is the Door? Jesus said twice that He is the Door. (verses 7 and 9) What does that mean? Jesus is the only way into God's kingdom, heaven. It is His salvation that gives us abundant, rich, and full life. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. 

Abundant life includes peace, purpose, destiny, a genuine purpose for living, the joy of facing any adversity-including the grave-without fear, and the ability to endure hardship with confident assurance. The abundance Jesus offers is a spiritual abundance that transcends circumstances like income, health, living conditions, and even death. (Swindoll)

Do you have this life which Christ offers to all who will have faith in Him and walk through the Door

LET IT GROW 

The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. (verse 10a, NAS)

Satan and his followers have no concern for the well-being of the sheep. They enter the sheep pen for their own gain. The enemy attempts to block the blessings, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment God has for your life. (Tony Evans)

Following the Good Shepherd leads to blessing, joy, and growing experience of eternal and abundant life. Which do you want?

LET IT GO 

Close the door on the devil, his ways of evil, the fleshly desires, and turn to Jesus.

His love never fails, never gives up, never runs out. 

Scoop the Poop

N.T.#740 "Scoop the Poop"

Feb. 20, 2026 

John 10-Part 2 

I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW 

Where are you looking to find satisfaction? 

Jesus Christ is the door. Enter Him, and you can be saved and have eternal life. This believer will find pasture (abundant life) or constant nourishment necessary to maintain life.

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (verse 10)

 Christ gives life abundantly [something thrown off (by the spade)], as a clod. 

Sometimes the cows would get out of the field and into our yard back at the farm. Where there are cows, there are cow piles (poop for city folks). I would get the shovel and scoop it up, then throw it over the fence. If we throw off those sinful habits or ways not pleasing Jesus, then we can have life abundantly. Just scoop the poop.

Anything needing thrown off in your life? Scoop it up and get rid of it, confessing the sin, and leave it alone.

LET IT GROW

Are you finding love, joy, peace in worldly things or in Jesus? It isn't the world's broad way that leads to those things, but the narrow way to Jesus. The world tries to convince us that it provides fulfillment in marriage, raising children, advancing a career, or pursuing pleasure. Sin leads to death. (Roman. 6:23) Living God's way gives us abundant and joyful life.

LET IT GO 

Settle for nothing less than God's best for your life. (Blackaby)

Help us throw off those sins that so easily beset us, Lord Jesus.

Baaa

 N.T.#739 "Baaa"

Feb. 19, 2026

John 10 

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. (verse 9)

LET IT GLOW 

When our granddaughter was in 4H, she trained and showed her sheep at the county fair and another contest. The more she worked with the sheep, the more they trusted her, walked with her, knew her voice, obeyed her. By the time the contest came, she didn't need a halter to lead them. She had been the one to feed them, clean their stall, walk them, sheer them (with parents help). Last year, she won second place, which should have been grand champion, but the owners hired a guy to train the sheep and the boy could not even control his sheep. Our girl did a great job controlling hers. (That's politics-who you are. Sorry, this grandma had to vent.)

At night, sheep were gathered into a sheep pen to protect them from thieves, weather, or wild animals. Sheep pens were often caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd often slept at the doorway to protect the sheep. 

How do the sheep respond to their own shepherd?

• They hear their shepherd's voice and follow him. (verses 3-4)
• He calls the sheep by name and leads them out of the pen. (verse 3)
• The shepherd leads his sheep and they follow him because they know his voice. (verse 4)
• The sheep will not follow a stranger, but flee from him because they don't know his voice. (verse 5)

The more the sheep were with the shepherd, the more they trusted him and loved him. 

LET IT GROW 

You know where this analogy is going, don't you?

Who does Jesus say He is?

• Jesus is the door to God's salvation for us. He is the only way to God. 
• No man can shut the door that Jesus opens. (Rev. 3:8)
• Jesus will guide His sheep/followers to experience Him and no one can stop Him-we just need to obey and follow our Good Shepherd.
• The saved will go in and out and find pasture. Peace is ours through Jesus.

He offers access to safety and security. He is our protector. Jesus is the only way to access God and to heaven. (John 14:6) Entrance into the fold is by Him and Him alone. 

LET IT GO

Listen to the voice of Jesus and Holy Spirit.

Deny ourself and follow Him.

Love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Are Your Prayers Being Answered?

 N.T.# 738 "Are Your Prayers Being Answered?"

Feb. 18, 2026 

John 9-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW 

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth. (verse 31)

What can we learn from this verse?

1. God doesn't hear sinners and unbelievers including not answering their prayers. Repentance for salvation is the only prayer God hears from sinners.
2. God hears the prayers of the worshiper of God who does His will. This is the believer in Jesus Christ as their Savior and The Son of God. They glorify their Creator and adore His name.
3. The worshiper of God obeys the Father's will and strives to keep His Laws.
4. God hears the believer's prayers and answers them; hears his praises and accepts them; hears his appeals and complaints. 

[Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary]

In Psalm 34, New American Standard Bible, we read about:

• the eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous,
• His ears are open to their cry,
• the righteous cry and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
• the LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,
• the LORD redeems the soul of His servants,
• and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned. 

Friend, are you broken hearted and crushed in spirit? Come to Jesus. He loves you very much. Take refuge in Him. Pray like never before.

LET IT GROW

The healed blind man had never seen Jesus nor met Him since he went to wash in the pool, he did not recognize Jesus at first as the One who healed Him. (John MacArthur) The once-was blind man had more insight as to whom Jesus is-not a sinner, but from God than the Pharisees did.

The religious leaders knew the Scriptures better than anyone, and they had been trained in Hebrew history and theology. It was their sin of unbelief and rejection of Jesus as Messiah and Son of God that kept them in spiritual darkness. They cast out the healed man from the synagogue because he believed in Jesus. (verse 34) They just wouldn't let u on the new believer. 

We can't leave the guy wandering around outside the Temple. 

What happened next?

• Jesus found him. (verse 35) God knows where His children are.
• There is a conversation between the newly seeing man and Jesus. (He had yet to see and know who his Healer was.) Jesus asked him if he believed in the Son of Man. 
• This guy asked who He is that I may believe in Him.
• Jesus reveals Himself as the Healer and the Son of Man.
• Lord, I believe. And he worshiped Him. (Reference to Jesus) (verse 38)

Jesus came to help the spiritually blind to see, to believe, and to worship the One True God. Are we bringing the spiritually blin, those who walk in the darkness of sin, to Jesus? Is our life lining up with what we say we believe? Or is it a stumbling block to unbelievers?

LET IT GO

Precious Lord Jesus, be near the brokenhearted, the crushed in spirit, the discouraged believer.

We worship You as God, Savior, Redeemer, our very life You sustain.

May we let go of the burdens we carry and let You take care of them.

Heal us, Lord Jesus.

When Doubt Needs to Leave

 N.T.# 737 "When Doubt Needs to Leave"

Feb. 17, 2026 

John 9-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Has doubt attacked you lately? Do you struggle in believing Jesus is control? Is evil trying to knock you down and remove your faith? Hold on to the Faithful One, Jesus. Keep praying and reading God's Word. Send doubt walking, for it is of the devil.

Four times John quoted Jesus saying He is the Light of the world. After the Pharisees discussed the healing with the former blind man,

There were various opinions about Jesus:

• The Pharisees concluded Jesus was not of God because He does not keep the Sabbath rules as a Jew should. (verse 16) 
• Others argued that it was impossible for a sinner to perform miracles. Since Christ did perform a miracle, maybe He was not a sinner. 
• The former blind man considered Jesus a prophet. (verse 17)
• The guy's parents feared the Jews would put them out of the synagogue if they confessed Jesus was Christ. So they passed the buck on to their son who could now see. (verse 22)

It is an individual thing for one to believe Jesus is God's Son, the Savior and Messiah. Have you?

LET IT GROW 

The Pharisees wanted the healed man to give God the praise, for they knew Jesus was a sinner. They kept on trying to persuade the seeing man, over and over again, but he would not submit. He knew the Truth-Jesus.  

One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. (verse 25)

Friend, can you say that once you were spiritually blind, but now you see? 

We may not have much knowledge of the Bible, but we know beyond the shadow of a doubt when we are saved. When we know Truth, Jesus, our life is changed. We must not doubt or give in to the doubters. 

LET IT GO

We know Your Word is Truth, for You are Truth, King Jesus.

Help us not back down when confronted with doubt.

Glory to God in the Highest. 

Jesus Did It!

N.T. #736 "Jesus Did It!"

Feb. 16, 2026 

John 9-Part 2

I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cmeth, when no man can work. (verse 4) 

LET IT GLOW

As we get older, we tend to realize how short of time we have left on earth. Are we witnessing for Jesus? Now is the time to study, pray, give our testimony, investing our finances in kingdom work? We better be busy about our Father's work now while we can. We may not have tomorrow. Who do we need to show love to today?

It was Jesus' purpose to compete the Word of God through specific deeds in complete obedience. He calls us to do the same. The time of grace is limited before the world suffers the ultimate judgment of God. Jesus' time on earth was limited and came to an end. (Swindoll)

His next time coming, He will reign as King.

LET IT GROW 

Suddenly, one day, this same man bounds into the temple without his stick and beggar's basket, marveling at the splendor of God's house. Where is the joy and excitement of this man's miraculous healing? Instead, the Pharisees drag him to an inquisition. (Swindoll)

Jesus did it! This miraculous healing threw the Pharisees' theology into doubt about God, sin, and justice. They fired questions about his experience. The blind beggar was no more. Maybe the man considered Jesus to be a prophet sent from God. They had not had one for 400 years.

Then the Pharisees called in the parents of the healed man. They didn't know anything about the situation, only their son could now see. Ask him. His parents knew that any one confessing Jesus was the Christ (Anointed One), they would be put out of the synagogue. (verse 22)

So they called the healed man back into the synagogue and attributed the miracle to God alone, not to Jesus Christ. If they were to give Jesus credit, they would have to admit who Jesus is and that they were sinners. They called Jesus a sinner. 

Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. (verse 25)

What a statement. Once we were blind to the things of God, but He showed mercy to us and saved us sinners. He redeemed us from the pit of hell and sin. Delivered us and set our feet upon the Rock-Jesus.

Hallelujah!

LET IT GO

 Help us keep our focus and eyes on You, Sweet Jesus.

Open the spiritual eyes of sinners so they see their sins and come to You for forgiveness and spiritual sight.

What Do You See?

N.T. #735 "What Do You See?"

Feb. 13, 2026 

John 9

LET IT GLOW 

Why was this man born blind? Was it because his parents sinned or he sinned? That is the situation in a nutshell. At that time, folks believed birth defects were a result of personal sin. Jesus' disciples wondered if it was so. 

How did Jesus answer those questions? 

This came about that God's works might be displayed in him. (verse 3, Christian Standard Bible)

What did Jesus do to show God's power? He spit into the dirt, made clay, put it on the man's eyes; then He told the blind man to go wash in the Pool of Siloam. When the man did, the man could see. No special display of power for onlookers to see. Neighbors, others, and the Pharisees asked the former blind man how he gained his sight.

I would like to have follow this guy around when he noticed everything for the first time. Seeing trees, flowers, buildings, people, animals, things we take for granted being able to see.

Look at how Tony Evans spoke about this situation: 

By using his saliva, Jesus was imparting divine DNA to the human defect in order to bring about a supernatural transformation of his humanity. This was to serve as a physical illustration of the supernatural spiritual transformation Jesus came to bring. 

Can you imagine the excitement!

Is Jesus transforming our hearts today?

 

LET IT GROW 

There are no explanations as to why Jesus chose the method of healing the blind man. Probably it was a testing of the blind man's faith and obedience. He was sent to Siloam and told to wash there. Anyway, the man was able to see for the first time in his life. What an exciting day for him!

Had any exciting days lately? I always enjoy whenever my granddaughter calls me. She is the only one out of 7 who does. Those times are special to me. 

This recount is similar to that of Naaman. Although, this blind man responded immediately and was healed. 

LET IT GO

Do we respond immediately when Jesus speaks to us and gives us an assignment.?

Is there something you need to let go of and let Jesus handle? 

Can we see the needs of others?

Is It True About Jesus?

 N.T.# 734 "Is It True About Jesus?"

Feb. 12, 2026 

John 8-Part 8 

Before Abraham was, I am. (verse 58)

LET IT GLOW 

The Pharisees put so much importance on being related to Abraham, that they were obsessed with it. When Jesus said the above verse, they wondered how Abraham could have encountered Jesus. 

Since Jesus wasn't even 50 years old yet, how could He have seen Abraham? Then His statement above really sent them over the edge. Not only was Jesus claiming to have existed in Abraham's day, but He was also claiming divine identity. 

God told Moses His name to tell the Israelites in Egypt His name: I AM WHO I AM. (Exodus 3:14) Jesus identified Himself as the God who had spoken to Moses. They thought He was speaking blasphemy. 

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

These people must have been so angry when they were confronted with the Truth. They picked up stones to throw at Jesus, but He hid Himself, walked through the temple, and went through the crowd, passing by them. (verse 59)

LET IT GROW 

I agree with Swindoll: I find it ironic that these masters of the manuscript, dedicated guardians of the Scriptures, witnessed the life and deeds of Jesus and yet failed to recognize the Living Word when He stared them in the face. Jesus harvested more believers whose hearts the Father had prepared. But instead of a sickle, the Son of God used a sword. 

Jesus is the Great I AM. Jesus had applied God's holy name to Himself. He claimed equality with God. Jesus is God. Friend, do you believe this is true? How do you respond to Jesus, the Son of God?

LET IT GO

Holy is the Lord God Almighty.

Who is, and was, and is to come.

Are you settled on who Jesus is?

Your eternal life depends upon it.

Truth Vs. Lies

N.T.#733 "Truth Vs. Lies"

Feb. 11, 2026 

John 8-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

People can say the cruelest of words, can't they. Jesus had verbal attacks, too. He offered the Pharisees true freedom through Him, but they rejected Jesus as God's Son, the Living Word, the Written Word, and the Messiah. In fact, they were scheming to kill Jesus

LET IT GROW 

God was not the father of those Pharisees, but the devil was. If God was their Father, then they would have loved Jesus.(verse 42) The devil is a liar and a murderer. (verse 44) Jesus told them the truth. (verse 40, 45, 46)

More insults and accusations against Jesus by the Pharisees were:

• claiming Jesus' birth was immoral, but it was supernatural;
• saying Christ was a demon-possessed Samaritan and not a true Jew; (verse 48)

If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste/see death. (verses 51, 52)

When a Christian dies, they are immediately ushered into the presence of the Lord. Will you? (I ask this often because many people come to read this post which are from the orient.)

LET IT GO 

Seek the Truth, friend.

Jesus is the Truth and spoke the truth.

Are You Set Free?

 N.T.#732 "Are You Set Free?"

Feb. 10, 2026 

John 8-Part 6 

LET IT GLOW 

Are you in bondage? What do you think about most during the day? Has a sinful habit got you wrapped around its finger?

Truth is not based on our feelings, experiences, or desires. Truth is the absolute standard by which reality is measured. It is God's viewpoint on every matter, and it is not subject to redefinition. Knowledge of the truth liberates us. Deliverance comes when we know the truth and hang out in what God says. Then we experience the truth setting us free from bondage. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

I think freedom comes whenever we start applying truth in our life.

LET IT GROW 

These Pharisaical Jews claimed they were never in bondage to sin, for they were of Abraham' s seed. How did Jesus answer that claim? 

Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (verse 34)

Is there a sin we are continually committing? Then we are a slave to it. Only Jesus can set us free from an enslaving sin. (and others) Keep praying for your loved ones.

If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed. (verse 31)

Thank you, folks, for being so faithful to study the Word with me. I know I am not alone.

LET IT GO

How gracious and merciful You are, our God and Father!

Finding Truth

 N.T.#731 "Finding Truth"

Feb. 9, 2026 

John 8-Part 5

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (verse 32) 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus made some profound statements in this chapter:

• I am the Light of the world. (verse 12)   
• Follow Me and have the Light of Life. (verse 12)
• My record is true; My judgment is true; He that sent Me is true. (verses 14, 16, 26)
• Father God taught Jesus what to do, say, and how to please Him while on earth. (verses 28-29)
• I tell you the truth. (verses 45-46)

In the Greek language, true refers to no concealing.

Webster Dictionary defines truth as sincerity in action, character, and utterance.

Our life should be doing what is true, being what is true, and saying what is true. We don't have to cover up our actions or words whenever we are living and saying the truth. When folks can't believe what we say, do, are, then we have no witness. If people lie all the time, we don't believe a word they say-it's hogwash and we stop listening to them, being around them. Don't believe them, leave them.  

Truth is not just how we speak, but what we do and who we are. Do you know someone who has a reputation of always lying? 

As a follower of Jesus, we must be careful of the words we speak, the things we do, and who we are. What do others say about us?

LET IT GROW 

Abiding in His Word gives greater knowledge of the truth and sets one free from sin. (verse 32)

As believers, we are free from the penalty of sin .Placing our personal faith in Jesus results in freedom from other personal sin that had a hold on us.  Previously, we were a slave to sin, but now we are free from it. We are not to return to our old sinful ways and lifestyle. 

God's Truth sets us free, not restricting us. Are you free from the bondage of a particular sin? Has addiction to something got you tied up? 

Look at 1 John 1:9, Phil. 4:13, Rom. 8:28.

LET IT GO

Father, help us experience Your Truth. 

Jesus, You are THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE. 

Thank you for providing the way to God.

It isn't by works, but belief that we can come to You and be changed.

Who is Your Light?

 N.T.#730 “Who is Your Light?”

Feb. 6, 2026 

John 8-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

They turned a deaf ear to what Jesus had said, yet He spoke to the Pharisees again. (Verse 12) 

Matthew Henry had this to say about verse 12:

• Light is the name of the Messiah, as in Daniel 2:22. 
• God is light, and Christ is the image of the invisible God. 
• He was expected to be a light to the Gentiles and Israel. (Luke 2:32)
• As a traveler follows the light in a dark night. Christ is the light we believers follow. We submit ourselves to Hus guidance, take directions from Him, in the way that leads to happiness. 
• False light (teachers) leads to destruction. 
• It’s not enough to look at this light, and to gaze upon it.  We must follow it, believe in it, and walk in it, for it (His Word) is a light to our feet. 
• When we have the Light of Life(Jesus), then we have knowledge and enjoyment of God, the Light of spiritual life here and everlasting life in heaven. 

Do you have this Light-Jesus?

LET IT GROW 

The Pharisees argued with Jesus about Him saying truth. Jesus is the one and only source of truth since He and God are One. 

Evidently the Pharisees who did not believe Jesus is the Messiah and Savior are it in heaven withHim today. (Verse 21) The Pharisees died in their sun of unbelief. 

Jesus told them He was not of this world. Those Jews were spiritually blind and deaf. Jesus made it clear who He is. (John5:36-37). Yet the religious leaders would not believe in Him. 

LET IT GO

Do you believe Jesus is God’s Son, the Light of the World, the Truth, and the Light of Life?

Are You a Shining Light?

N.T.#729 "Are You a Shining Light?"

Feb. 5, 2026 

John 8-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Who is your source of truth and light for your life? Is your sin blocking the light? Jesus said that He is the Light of the world. Yesterday we studied John 8:12. Jesus says He is the Light of the world. Jesus shines as Light in a world of darkness of sin. (If you missed it, check out #728.)

Here are some examples of Jesus being Light (to shine; luminous):

• In Exodus13:21-22, Jesus is the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night to lead His people. 
• In Exodus 14, Jesus stood behind the children of Israel so the Egyptians would not harm them.
• The LORD is my light and salvation, Whom shall I fear? (Ps. 27:1)
• Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Ps. 119:105)
• For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light. (Prov. 6:23)
• God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth: but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:5-8) 

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

Friend, have you confessed your sins to Jesus? Is He the Light for your life? 

LET IT GROW

What does Jesus say about those who followeth (be in the same way with) Him?

• A follower is one who gives himself completely to the person followed. There are no half-hearted followers of Jesus. (MacArthur) Either we are trusting and obeying Jesus or we are pretending, acting, have not surrendered in all aspects of our life to Him.
• They will not walk in darkness. They live in Truth and obey Him. Their life shines as the fruit of the Spirit shine in them.
• They shall have the Light of Life-Jesus. 

Followers of Jesus love His Word, love Him, and love others. Nothing is more important than Jesus, His Word, pleasing Him.

That is our challenge for today. Do others see Jesus in us?

LET IT GO

Is there anything blocking Jesus' light shining in you and me?

Is there a sinful habit?

Are we standing in the way of someone seeing the Light of Jesus?