Larry's Going Home Soon

 Dear Friends,

I wanted to take this time to share what the Lord Jesus is doing in my family. Do not quit praying for your loved ones to come to know Jesus as their Savior. It may take years before they get to that point of need in their life and admit they need forgiveness.. 

My brother is on his death bed now as I type this. Cancer is trying to take his life, and probably will.  It has been working for years now. First, he had a kidney removed due its conquer. Then spots kept coming into his bladder. The doctor would scrape it out. Now cancer has spread and is in 90% of his liver. Beside all of that, he had a stroke years ago and lost his wife on top of that. Needless to say, Larry has had a rough road. but pride stood in the way to the narrow way-Jesus.

Despite all of that, he has had many regrets in his life. Except for his three kids, all the other family has deserted him. I would pray for him, but he led a different lifestyle from mine and I quit visiting him, regretfully. Although, every time he had surgery, I would visit him in the hospital, in rehab, take him food, etc. I was civil, just not very forgiving and loving. Doing my sister duty, you know.

Sunday afternoon, my husband and son went to visit Larry in the hospital. I knew his time was short and I was very blunt. I asked him if he was ready to see Jesus and if he had asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins. He answered yes. Then he did something shocking-he asked me to forgive him. Tears flowed down my face and his as we forgave each other and shared the love of Jesus in our hearts. What is past is in the past now. I just wish he had not waited so long to make amends-wasted years. 

Yet, God works things out for our good and His glory. Cancer may have the last control of his body, but not his soul. Larry went on to apologize to my husband and son, too. Also, he dictated apologetic letters to other family members. What an evidence of Jesus changing a sin-stricken heart. So, I will probably not be posting on our Bible study the rest of the week. I want to spend what time we have together with my brother.

Do not give up on praying for your loved ones. God is in control. It may take cancer intruding in a life that brings them to repentance. I am on a mission now. Serving my family with Jesus' love. So please pray for my family during this tough time. 

Seven of the eight cousins got together for som walks down memory lane, childhood excursions on my parents' farm. What fond memories they had together. It was soothing to my aching soul at the loss of my brother.

The grave isn't going to have the victory. There is grace and mercy ready to be poured out on the lost soul. Forgiveness and love abounds in our Savior, Jesus.

In His Name,

Linda

Resurrection

N.T.#413 "Resurrection"

Oct. 22, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The second group to question Jesus was the Sadducees. The were the most wealthy, influential, and aristocratic of all the Jewis sects. All the high priests, chief priests, and the majority of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees. They ignored the oral law, traditions, and scribal laws of the Pharisees, viewing only thew pentateuch as authoritative. Their most distinctive theology is they believed Moses did not teach a literal resurrection from the dead. so they lived for the moment and whatever profit they could make. Since they controlled the Temple businesses, they were extremely upset when Jesus cleansed the Temple of the money changers, cutting into their profits. This is why they wanted to discredit Jesus in front of the people.  (MacArthur)

Do you believe in afterlife following death? Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.  (John 11:25)

Resurrection means raised to life again; a resurrection from death. 

Jesus was speaking to Martha at that time. He is the One who has the power of resurrection and life for He can give life at any time. Martha had accepted the I AM as the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. 

How about you, dear one? Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior, the giver of life?

He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err. (verse 27) 

Jesus told the Sadducees their doctrine was wrong. There is life after death. 

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)

LET IT GO 

Thank You Jesus for Your dying for me a sinner.

What a wonderful Savior, who rose from the dead. 

We are trusting our eternal life to You. 

To Whom is Our Allegiance?

N.T.#412 "To Whom is Our Allegiance?"

Oct. 21, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Many people have been put in prison because of their allegiance to God. How strong is our faith?

How do we find out about something if we don't ask questions? However, the 3 questions put to Jesus was not for learning or instruction. The three groups of people questioning Jesus were not for information, but to test or trap Him. Maybe they could get Jesus to say something for which He could be arrested. 

The first group was the Pharisees and Herodians to ask buttered Jesus up first, saying, Teacher, we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar of not? Should we pay them, or shouldn't we? (verses 14-15a, NLT)

they began with flattery and sweet talk, Jesus knew they were trying to trap Him, so He asked for a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it? (verse 16)

How did Jesus answer? Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.  (verse 17)

His reply completely amazed them. Until Christ returns, we need money, but we must not serve it. We obey governing authorities, but we do not serve them when their law conflicts with God's. (Swindoll)

The Pharisees and Herodians failed to trap Jesus with their tax question.

LET IT GROW

As a Christian, when is it right to resist, defy, a government?

1. When a law commands us to violate a command of God. An example is found in Acts 4:19-20:
2. When an authority commits immoral or unethical acts. 
3. When an authority compels us to compromise our Christian convictions, which violates our Spirit-guided conscience. (Swindoll)

God is sovereign and His authority we yield to, therefore, we render to God the things that are God's. He ordained government authority to keep humanity from tearing itself apart. We don't advocate overthrowing the government just because it is not God's kingdom.

Are we giving to our government the taxes required in order for us to be a good citizen? Are we giving our tithes and offerings to God as we should? Is our commitment to God greater? Are we giving to God what is rightfully His?

LET IT GO

Gjive us strength to remain faithful to You, Father God.

May our life honor You as we show we are a good citizen.

A Vineyard and a Cornerstone

N.T.#411 "A Vineyard and a Cornerstone"

Oct. 18, 2024 

Mark 12

LET IT GLOW 

Here is another parable by Jesus. It has a spiritual meaning. We will discuss its meaning later. 

A man planted a vineyard. He built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. The he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.

What happened then?

•  At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers beat him up and sent him back empty handed.
• He owner sent another servant, but they insulted him and beat him over the head. 
• The next servant they killed. 
• Others he sent were either beaten or killed, until there was only one left-his son whom he loved dearly.
• The owner finally sent him, thinking, surely they will respect my son.
• But it didn't happen. Desiring the estate for themselves, they murdered the son, and threw his body out of the vineyard,  (New Living Translation)

Jesus asked what the owner of the vineyard would do. He came and killed those farmers and leased the vineyard to others. 

Had the Pharisees not read Psalm 118:22-23:

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the LORD; it is wonderful in our eyes.

What violent and bloody parable. It is Truth for us to learn by, though. Have you rejected or accepted Jesus to be your Cornerstone for your life? Is He your Rock on which you build your life?Or is He just a person in a book to you?

LET IT GROW 

Swindoll teaches us that the word harvest is inserted in the NASB, because the Greek phrase is simply at the time, using kairos, which means a point of time, a defined moment for an event, or a special time. 

The owner had to wait 3 full years as required by the Mosaic Law before dealing with fruit of trees or vines. It was forbidden for them to eat during that time. On the 4th year, all the fruit is holy, an offering of praise to the LORD. Then in the 5th year they owner could eat its fruit. (Lev. 10:23-25)

What does this parable mean? 

In the story, Jesus was referring to Israel the vineyard, God its owner, and the religious leaders were the tenant farmers. 

God sent His prophets to Israel and they rejected the prophets, torturing and murdering them. Then He sent His only Son, Jesus, with the truth, but the Jews rejected Him. Jesus is now the cornerstone, the most important part of the church. (Acts 4:11) The cornerstone is the foundation stone holding the structure together and straight.

Once we die, we reach the courtroom of heaven, where we must give an account of our life. That time will be too late for forgiveness and grace and repentance. We must do it now. 

LET IT GO 

Authority

N.T.#410 "Authority"

Oct. 17, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Confrontation. Jesus didn't mind answering the questions, which were asked to trap Him by the scribes,  priests. and elders of the Temple. This time they questioned by what authority Jesus did things and who gave Him that authority. Jesus knew they did not accept Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. the religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus with a question that would show Him to be either a blasphemer or a weird fanatic. 

So Jesus said He would answer their questions after they answered His question first: The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? (verse 30)

The religious leaders reasoned among themselves. (verse 31) It waws a catch 22. If they acknowledged John's ministry as genuinely God-ordained, they would have to explain why they opposed him, and why they assented to his execution by Herod Antipas. Also, they would have to agree with John the Baptist that Jesus is the Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)(Swindoll)

those guys di not stand up for John the Baptist or tried to get him released. John had irritated them just as Jesus was doing. They were not looking for the truth. Thes religious leaders were only concerned about position and reputation. They were in darkness, as John said in John 3:19.

On the other hand, if they denounced John's baptism as human origin, they would stand in opposition to popular opinion, which affirmed John as a genuine prophet. So their answer was that they cannot tell. What a copout! Startling the fence. They were in a no-win scenario.

So many people who are Christians will not take a stand against abortion and homosexuality because it might make enemies mad. They don't say anything about those opposing the biblical truths and they are sinful actions.

Where do you stand?

LET IT GROW 

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by l by what authority I do these things. (verse 33)

Those priests and scribes refused to admit that Jesus is God and would not honor Him, nor admit Jesus has authority to clean up the Temple, His Temple from the sinful practices.

Who do you believe Jesus is? Is He your Savior, King, Lamb of God, Son of God?

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil.2:10-11)

Jesus is the way, the truty, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Him. (John 14:6)

LET IT GO

Help us stand for Your Word and Truth, Jesus. 

Forgive First, Then Believe and Receive

N.T.#409 "Forgive First, Then Believe and Receive"

Oct. 16, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Peter called Jesus' attention to the withered fig tree which He had cursed earlier. What did the Savior say in response? 

Have fiath in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (verses 22-23)

Since Peter thought the withered fig tree was impressive, this concept must've really blown his mind! Faith's authority allows the believer to speak directly to the obstacles of life (mountains) and get them to move. When you have true, vibrant faith in the God of the Bible, you have spiritual authority to access divine power. (Tony Evans)

I think the stipulation is "if it is according to God's will." It is a faith principle for us. Believe and receive. Throughout the 17 days our grandson was in the hospital with double pneumonia, I prayed for his healing all day and night. I know God wants to use him for kingdom work, so He heard my prayers and healed him. He saved the boy's life for a purpose. Now I pray he will come to know it and will surrender to do it.

Exercising your spiritual authority comes by taking responsibility to do what God has told you to do. (Evans)

Has your faith moved mountains lately? Will you share it with us?

LET IT GROW

What are some requirements on our moving mountains? Verse 25 says for us to forgive those which we have anything against, so our Faither in heaven will forgive our sins, too.

Trespasses means error; fault; sin; offense; fall.

What does "anything" include? 

• If one as told something about you that is in error and did not happen.
• If someone was at fault doing something hurtful toward you.
• If a person sinned against you.
• If they offended you in some way.
• If they quit being your friend and turned to sin, falling short of your expectations.  

Couldn't the list go on and on?

What are we as a Christian responsible for in the relationship? Forgiving them. Then God will forgive us.

If we don't forgive them, then our Father in heaven will not forgive us. (verse 26) That is plain. but it may not be simple to do. 

LET IT GO 

Help us forgive others. It is hard.

Grow our faith and obedience for Your glory.

Hide us behind the cross today. 

How is Your Prayer Life?

N.T.#408 "How is Your Prayer Life?"

Oct. 15, 2024 

Mark 11-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

Moved any mountains lately? How is your prayer life? 

What did Jesus say His house was to be called? A house of prayer, but the religious leaders had made it a den of thieves. Jeus had overturned the tables of the moneychangers and those who sold animals for sacrifices. 

What was the reaction of the scribes and corrupt chief priests when they heard about it? Jealousy overcame them because Jesus was a popular teacher. Therefore, they sought how to destroy Jesus. They feared Him because all the people were astonished at His doctrine. (verse 18)

Destroy means to destroy fully (to perish or lose); die.

Those priests understood who Jesus claimed to be-Messiah. They recognized His message from the Old Testament Scripture. (Isaiah 56:7) 

What did those religious leaders fear?

• They feared His influence because of the adoring multitudes.
• They feared the penetrating truth of His message. 
• They feared His ability to expose their sins. (Swindoll)

What a week it was! Matthew 21 tells us Jesus healed and taught the people throughout the day. When evening came He and and the apostles left the Temple and went to Bethany. (verse 19)

Do we fear the message of the preachers of truth? Are we fearful of the future?

LET IT GROW

On Tuesday morning, the guys passed by the withered fig tree which Jesus had cursed. It wasn't just the leaves wilted, but the tree died to the roots. It was only good for firewood. Peter was stunned that it happened so quickly. (verse 21) He called Jesus' attention to that dead tree. 

According to Jesus, the answer boiled down to faith in God. (verse 22) 

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea: and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (verse 23)

Are we praying without doubting? Pray with acceptance that God's power and goodness has accomplished what you ask. Pray for grudges against others is removed through forgiveness.

 Does our prayer life move mountains? 

LET IT GO