Are You Being Pruned?

 N.T.#781 "Are You Being Pruned?"

April 22, 2026 

John 15 

I am the true vine and My Father is the husbandman. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW 

Once we lived at a house which had grapes along the back fence. Vines were all over it, for they had not been trimmed. Yet, they produced luscious, big grapes. 

Have you noticed that Jesus often used agricultural imagery in His teachings? Previously, Prophet Isaiah spoke of Israel as the Lord's vineyard. God expected His vineyard to bear fruit. God expected His vineyard to bear fruit, but worthless grapes was all it produced. (Tony Evans)

Israel was meant to bear fruit of justice and righteousness. Yet they did not do so.

Jesus identifies two types of branches: fruit-bearing and barren. Appearances are deceiving. The ones not bearing fruit may look like the other branches for a while, but their failure to yield any harvest shows that they are not. 

We can't bear fruit independent of the vine. A Christian must be connected to Jesus. Believers enjoy a relationship with God. Through us, God produces the fruit of the Spirit, but we must be yielded to Him. His Words abide in us and our branches abide in Him. Prayer is the outgrowth. Love and joy results in our life. 

Resource: The Jeremiah  Study Bible

LET IT GROW

In verse 2, we read what the guy who takes care of the vineyard does to produce more grapes. He purgeth it so it will make more grapes.

Purgeth means to cleanse; to prune.

God the Father cleanses Christians who are bearing fruit to bring them to bear more fruit. We find the results in Galatians 5:22-23. Cleansing is produced through the Word of God. (verse 3)

LET IT GO

Prune us, Lord, produce love, joy, peace, patience, forgiveness, kindness, goodness in us today.

Through it All

N.T.#780 "Through it All"

 April 21, 2026 

John 14-Part 12 

LET IT GLOW 

Why was Jesus telling His disciples all of this before His departure? It was so they believed in Him as their Savior/Messiah. (verse 29) Jesus wanted to leave them His peace. (verse 27) Jesus promised peace in the midst of a storm, tribulation. That is when we shouldn't have any peace. His is the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4;7) 

Jesus knew when He died on the cross, the guys would be afraid and troubled in their hearts. Jesus did not resist those who came to kill Him. Jesus would come to them through the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus was willing and ready to die in obedience to the Father's commandment. He was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior? 

Jesus' mission was almost complete. He wanted the disciples to be filled with joy since Jesus was going to heaven to be with the Father. Believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. (verse 29)

LET IT GROW 

What troubles did Jesus address in this chapter? Death, problems, disobedience are what Jesus dealt with here. 

Are we allowing Truth to guide our decisions? Are we meditating on Truth? Do we choose to love Christ and serve His church?

Allow the Spirit to give us courage. He has been faithful. Victory is in Jesus.

Through it all, to whom do we turn?

LET IT GO 

May we devote ourself to obeying God's Word and Spirit. 

Depend upon the power and presence of Almighty God.

Give Him glory.

Sing His praises trough it all. Trust in Him.

Peace

N.T.#779 "Peace"

April 20, 2026 

John 14-Part 11

LET IT GLOW

Those willing to come to Jesus in love and obedience will find the Father and Son coming to make their home or abode with them. (verse 23) 

Abode means a staying; residence (the act or the place).

Through the Spirit, both the Father and the Son will make their home in the believer. (Falwell)

It's the one who doesn't love Jesus or His Words who will lose out on a relationship with Him. (verse 24) Disobedience to the Word of Christ is also rejection of the Father's Word.

LET IT GROW

The Holy Ghost will teach us all things and remind us what Christ said. That is why we need to be in God's Word. 

In the time when the disciples are in sorrow as Jesus died, He would give them peace. (verse 27) 

Don't be troubled nor afraid-believe. The peace of Jesus calms troubled hearts and fearful hearts. 

LET IT GO

Need Some Hope?

 N.T.#778 "Need Some Hope?"

April 17, 2026 

John 14-Part 10 

LET IT GLOW

Need some hope? Jesus is speaking to His disciples and to us believers:

• the Holy Spirit comforting us and abiding with us forever (verse 16), 
• the Spirit of Truth dwells in us (verse 17), 
• Jesus does not leave us comfortless (verse 18),
• because Jesus lives, we shall live also (verse 19)
• our relationship is Jesus in us, we in Him, Jesus in Father God (verse 20).

We don't have to know the future in order to have faith in God. Faith in God makes us secure about the future.

LET IT GROW 

What is evidence that we love Jesus and the Father? It is through obedience. We surrender to Jesus, obey His Word and Spirit, then the  Spirit pours into our heart. 

Love for Christ is demonstrated by keeping His commandments. Obedience flowing from love is very different from obedience performed out of obligation. Jesus promises His presence as people join Him in His work. (David Jeremiah)

Are we growing more in love with Jesus each day?

Are we striving to please Him?

I Jesus illuminating our minds and hearts so we learn more of the Word?

LET IT GO

The truth is I am my Father's child. He loves me and you.

Take Comfort

N. T. #777 "Take Comfort"

April 16, 2026 

John 14-Part 9 

LET IT GLOW 

Are you weary and need of comfort? Is there no one to give you comfort? Turn to Jesus, my friend. 

Jesus promised the Father would give believers a comforter and He will give us the Comforter, too. 

Comforter means intercessor; consoler; advocate.

Another refers to another of the same kind. 

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, who has the same quality and character as Christ. The Comforter would be God. Christ left the disciples, yet the Helper/Comforter would remain for ever. 

In other words, Jesus promised to not leave His disciples as orphans. So it applies to us followers of Jesus. Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us. Let Him care for you and guide you.

LET IT GROW 

The second thing Jesus said He gives is the Spirit of Truth. 

God operates according to divine, holy standards. He is the Spirit of Truth because He only deals with truth. When you trust in Christ to take away your sins and give you eternal life, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you, ministering the presence of God to you. (Tony Evans)

Is our relationship with Jesus one of love? Then we should be doing what He says without hesitation. If we hesitate, then we love someone else in competition with Him. (Chambers)

LET IT GO 

Jesus, You are the Spirit of Truth and our Comforter. 

Thank You.

Love Results in Obedience

 N.T.#776 "Love Results in Obedience"

April 15, 2026 

John 14-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW 

As we finish up the list of God's commands found at Makjesusfilm.org". You can find #1-19 on previous posts.

30.  Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul. (Matthew 22:37-38)

31. Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:39)

32. Stay alert and keep watch (Matt. 24:42-44)

33. Make disciples of all the nations (Matt. 28:18-20)

34. Deny yourself (Luke 9:23-24)

35. Watch out for greed (Luke 12:15)

36. Give to those who can't reciprocate (Lue 14:12-14)

37. You must be born again (John3:7)

38. If you love Me, keep My commands (John 14:15)

LET IT GROW 

Love for Christ in inseparable from obedience. (MacArthur)

Our Lord isn't insistent on our obedience, for He doesn't make us do it. He wants us to love Him so much that our heart desires to please Him. So, if we want to be Jesus' disciple, we have to deny ourself, die to self, and follow Jesus' teachings and leading. (Matt. 16:24)

Are we here to serve ourself or Christ? Are we giving up our right to governor our own life and surrendering it to Jesus for Him to reign? Who sits on the throne of our heart-self or Jesus?

When my relationship to Christ is that of love, I will do what He says without any hesitation. If I hesitate, then something or someone is in competition with Jesus on the throne of my heart. (Oswald Chambers)

We show God that we love Him when we love others. 

Thousands will be blessed whenever we obey God, His Word, and His Spirit. 

LET IT GO

May our obedience be motivated by love.

Praise be to Jesus, who loves us!

How to Live

 N.T, #775  "How to Live"

April 14, 2026 

John 14-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

Continuing the commands of God found in Matthew from "jesus film.org" :

15, Do not worry about tomorrow (Matt. 6:34)

16. Use right judgment and not judge others. (7:1-5)

17. Practice discretion (7:6)

18. Ask, seek, and knock (7:7-8)

19. Treat others as you would like to be treated (7:12)

20. Choose the narrow path to life (7:13-14)

21. Look out for false prophets (7:15-20)

22. Pray for kingdom laborers (9:37-38)

23. Be on guard (10:16-17)

24. Do not fear persecutors (10:26-31)

25. Take My yoke upon you (10:28-30)

26. Do not despise the little ones (18:10)

27. How to deal with offenders (18:15-17)

28. Practice forgiveness (18:21-22)

29. Lead through service (20:25-28)

Jesus tells us what we are to be aware of around us and how to treat others.

LET IT GROW 

Which ones do you and I need to work on today?

LET IT GO

Help us forgive others, Lord Jesus, as You forgive us.

Living Like Jesus

N.T. #774 "Living Like Jesus"

April 13, 2026 

John 14-Part 6 

If ye love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15)

LET IT GLOW 

Love is not sentimental emotionalism; it is obedience to the commandments of God. (Falwell)

Jesus summed up how we as Christian believers are live our life.

What are the commandments of God? I found 38 listed commands Jesus gave for all His followers. (It is found in the website: jesusfilm.org.) They are taken from the Gospel of Matthew:

1. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. (Matt. 4:17)
2. Come and follow Me (4:19)
3. Rejoice when you're persecuted in My name (5:11-12)
4. Let your light shine before all people (5:16)
5. Be reconciled to one another (5:23-24)
6. Take sin very seriously (5:29-30)
7. Keep your word (5:39)
8. Turn the other cheek (5:40-42)
9. Go above and beyond (5:40-42)
10. Love your enemies (5:48)
11. Be perfect as you heavenly Father is perfect. (5:48)
12. Focus on spiritual disciples for the right reasons (6:1-18)
13. Put your efforts in the right place (6:19-21)

LET IT GROW 

Shall we take a look at e action verbs found in the first 16 instructions:

Repent, follow, rejoice, shine. reconcile keep, turn, go, love, be perfect, focus, effort.

It would be good to take some time and let the Holy spirit speak to us concerning those teachings of our Savior. Which ones do you need to work on right now? We will continue with the rest for the next two days.

LET IT GO

Jesus, only You are perfect. Work on and in our hearts so we can be more like you. 

How Do We Show Jesus We Love Him?

 N.T.#773 "How do We Show Jesus We Love Him?"

April 10, 2026 

John 14-Part 5

If you love Me, keep My commandments. (verse 15)

LET IT GLOW 

What is proof that we love Jesus? It is our obedience. If we truly love Him, we will seek to obey Him. If we truly love Him, we will seek to obey Jesus. Love is first and foremost a decision, not an emotion. Our relationship with Him drives our desire to please Jesus. God wants our obedience, but He wants it to be motivated by love-not law. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

The Greek word for love used in verse 15 is agapao, which means to love (in a social or moral sense; be loved.

Love for Christ is inseparable from obedience. (MacArthur)

Jesus told us to love God and love others. How are we doing with that?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus told us He would send us a Comforter, a Helper of the same kind. It is the Holy Spirit. He has the same quality and character as Christ. He will remain forever. (verse 16)

What encouragement. 

LET IT GO

Anything we need to let go of so we can love God and others?

Answered Prayers

 N.T.#772 "Answered Prayers"

April 9, 2026 

John 14-Part 4

And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (verses 13-15)

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus was God in the flesh. His works speak for Him. (verse 11) We can believe what Jesus said, for His works show it. Raising the dead is about as amazing as you can get. Do you believe?

The disciples would greater works that what Jesus did. How? The power of the Holy Spirit would provide that power. They would carry the Gospel of God's kingdom out of Palestine and into the whole world.

How about you and me?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus wasn't saying in verses 13-15 that whatever a Christian asks for, they will get it. Prayer is the greater work for the believer. 

What are some stipulations?

• The result of prayer is the glorification of the Father, not self-glorification.  
• We ask in Jesus' name. 
• If it is the Father's will. 
• We must abide, act, think, and work according to what Jesus tells us to do. Are we doing our work and service and sacrifice for others according to God's will for our life?
• Obedience done in love for Jesus is what pleases Him.

Do our prayers and actions align with God's will? Whenever it does, He will answer. Christians must say, "If it is the Lord's will, we shall do this and that." (James 4:15)

LET IT GO

Your will, Your way, today, I pray.

Do You Know Jesus?

N.T.#771 "Do You Know Jesus?"

April 8, 2026 

John 14-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Are you walking on the path to the Father with Jesus? Is Jesus your truth which you depend upon; the way you live your life? He keeps His promises. Is Jesus giving you abundant life? Jesus is the only way to God and to heaven. 

In verse 7, we can know the Father when we know Christ. Do you know Jesus Christ personally?

LET IT GROW 

Scripture gives at least 5 reasons why Jesus became a man:

1. to satisfy the OT prophecies (Matt. 1:22,23)
2. to show us the Father (verses 8-9)
3. to save people from their sin (Luke 19:10)
4. to sympathize with human weakness (Heb.4:15-16)
5. to secure the hope of heaven for His own. (Col. 1:27)  (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

People can spend all their life having a head knowledge of Jesus, but never really know Him intimately. Friend, have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to be your Savior? 

We can have peace, love, never be alone, receive His blessings and grow strong through His Word. We can have a changed heart.

LET IT GO 

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. (Ephesians 3:20)

May God bless you today, dear one. 

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.