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?

From Darkness to Light

N.T.#728 "From Darkness to Light"

Feb. 4, 2026 

John 8-Part 2

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (verse 12) 

LET IT GROW 

Culture claims to know about Jesus, but many people are in the dark about who He really is. Some might see Jesus as just a person from history or a good man or a good teacher-but He is more than that! Light brightens, illuminates, reflects, and reveals. Jesus is the light who brings hope to a dark world! 

We live a sin-darkened world.  People live in darkness. Jesus came to show us salvation, the way to forgiveness of our sins, the way to live, truth to live by, and provide everlasting life.

Dera one, do you know this Savior as your Light?

LET IT GROW

Who is Jesus? He is God's:

• Promised Son; Scriptures tell us of the coming Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
• Perfect Son; Without sin, Jesus became our Perfect sacrifice for our sins.
• Powerful Son; Jesus fed people, delivered people, and healed people.
• Proven Son; Jesus died, was buried in a tomb, and arose from the dead, proving who He is-Almighty God.
• Plan for Forgiveness; Jesus offers salvation to those who admit their sins, confess their sins, and believe Jesus can forgive their sins. 

[Lifeway's Administration Guide for 2026 VBS, Illumination Station]

LET IT GO

Light of the world, you stepped out into darkness, open our eyes so we can see You, the Light of the World.

Hellp us shine for Jesus with hope, joy, Truth

 

Repent, for Grace and Mercy are Waiting

 N.T.#727 "Repent, for Grace and Mercy are Waiting"

Feb. 3, 2026 

John 8

LET IT GLOW

We all know about the woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees brought her to Jesus. They reminded Him that Moses' law said to stone her. 

What did He have to say about the situation? 

• He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her. (verse 6)
• He simply wrote something in the ground with His finger. Whatever it was resulted in her accusers  leaving. 
• Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned thee? (verse 10)
• Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (verse 11)

It was a catch 22. If Jesus opposed stoning the guilty one, He would be opposing the law of Moses. If He advocated her death, He would be in trouble with the Romans because the Jews were not permitted to execute anyone. (18:31)

In mercy and love Jesus forgave the undeserving adulterous. 

LET IT GROW

Where was the man? The law required both man and woman be judged. (Lev. 20:10)

Was this a set up? You bet. However, the Pharisees who knew the Word did not know the divine author of the law. Which of the Pharisees were qualified to judge the woman? Since everyone is a sinner, they were not qualified to be a judge. (Maybe they were guilty of the same sin.) Grace and mercy do not endorse or promote sin; it's designed to produce gratitude and holiness. 

There is forgiveness available to the sinner, but first we have to admit our sins. We admit our need for a Savior's forgiveness. Then we turn from our wicked ways and live for Him. Friend, have you done this?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy You show us.

Challenges

N.T.#726 "Challenges"

Feb. 2, 2026 

John 7-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

There was talk behind the scenes. The Pharisees were trying to get the officers to arrest Jesus, but there was no basis for that. Nicodemus brought to the attention of the Pharisees, being one of them, that they were violating the law in judging a man without hearing him. (verses 40-53)

The Pharisees claimed no prophet came out of Galilee. This revealed their ignorance of the Scriptures. Jonah, Nahum, Elijah, and Hosea came from Galilee. The Sanhedrin adjourned and everyone went home. (verse 53) We know the Pharisees would not quit until they killed the As a Pharisee, he Messiah. Jesus' hour was months away.

Nicodemus became a secret believer. As a Pharisee, he risked his reputation and high position, going to Jesus by night, as well as speaking up for Jesus indirectly. You will recall that after Jesus' death, Nic brought spices for His body. (19:39) That is the last time he is mentioned in Scriptures. 

While Jesus came to earth to die for the sins of the world, He had no suicide mission. He didn't seek the first available opportunity to be arrested. We must balance three primary issues: trust in god, danger from enemies, and dedication to mission. As the Lord walked among the lions in Jerusalem, He perfectly balanced all three. (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW

Are you having challenges because of your beliefs? Jesus faced challenges, too. Nothing occurs unless God permits it. Stay faithful at the task God has for you. Complete it. Endure whatever. Draw strength from the Lord. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares and loves for us.

Let us fervently pray, assess the danger, plan our approach, remain focused on the goal, seek to glorify God in all our actions, trust Him to accomplish His will, complete the task at hand without reluctance, and then retreat to safety at the right time. (Swindoll's Insights on John)

Sometimes staying is what the Lord wants us to do, endure. Sometimes it is time to leave. Seek God's will in your situation before either. Grace sustains, mercy endures.

LET IT GO 

Keep us near You, Precious Jesus.

Show us Your will, Your way.