Country Road Faith

Suffering for Christ

2026-06-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#826 "Suffering for Christ"

June 30, 2026

Acts 4

LET IT GLOW

Are you helping to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ? This last week at Vacation Bible School, we had 4 teenagers get saved. Praise the Lord! It took a lot of time and effort in planning, decorating, and teaching from others and me, but it was worth it. Peter and John suffered because they shared the Gospel, as they spent the night in prison.

There were three groups of people angered with Peter and John because they were preaching Jeesus resurrected from the dead. They included priests, captain of the Temple, and Sadducees. The Sadducees were violently opposed to this doctrine. They threw Peter and John into prison until the next day. However, from Peter's second sermon 5,000 men belied. What a great victory for the faith. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

LET IT GROW

Beginning in the life of one lame man, God brought 5,000 men to Christ-in spite of the opposition of powerful unbelievers. (3:1-10; 4:4) There is no stopping the kingdom of God manifested through the power of the Holy Spirit when Jesus is being glorified. (Tony Evans)

The Jewish leaders got ticked off because they were proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. (verses 1-2) Since the Sadducees didn't believe in the resurrection of the dead, they were so annoyed. They tried to shut up Peter and John from preaching. But that didn't happen.

Are we willing to face a night in jail if it would bring 5,000 people to Christ? Shouldn't we be willing to suffer for the sake of even one?

When we witness, we risk rejection and persecution. Whatever the risks, realize that nothing done for God is ever wasted.

*People are trying to tie up the internet so my blog is not seen throughout the world. Evil people in many countries are doing this. I'm talking about thousands. I pray for them and others will read the Truth and find Jesus as their Savior through my little efforts. Please pray I will be protected from them and the Word will continue to reach others. God's Word will not be destroyed.

LET IT GO

Pray others will come to Jesus.

Are You in The Family?

2026-06-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#825 "Are You in The Family?"

June 29, 2026

Acts 3-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

It doesn't matter what family we are born into, but if we are reborn spiritually into God's family.

When Peter was preaching, he made references:

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
The God of our fathers
Jesus is the Holy One
and the Just
Prince of Life.

The lame man was not healed magically or naturally but supernaturally through the power invested in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. (Falwell)

LET IT GROW

Peter put the blame on the Jews for killing Jesus. He called the people to repentance. Turn from your iniquities. (verse 26) Receive Jesus as your Savior and Messiah. You will be blessed.

Friend have you done so? What about your family?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for including us Gentiles in Your kingdom.

A Healed Man Led Others to Jesus

2026-06-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

N.T.#824 "A Healed Man Led Others to Jesus"

June 26, 2026

Acts 3

LET IT GLOW

Peter and John encountered a lame man (over 40 years of age) outside the Temple gate. This beggar obviously expected a monetary contribution from them. However, the two had none to give, but parted on the man the ability to walk.

The man asked for what he wanted, but received what he needed. The man went from limping to leaping. When God meets your needs, he may not give you what you asked for, but what he provides will always be greater than what you wanted. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

The people saw what had happened to the beggar, for he had always been lame. They were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened. (verse 10)

When God does something amazing in one's life, he usually has a greater purpose i mind than that individual's benefit. Truth was proclaimed to the crowd and Jewish leaders. His transformation ultimately led to the salvation of many souls. There were 5,000 men, whose lives were changed when they repented of sins and believed in Jesus. God healed, the beggar praised God, the people responded. (Tony Evans)

We don't know what influence our lives can have on others.

LET IT GO

May we yield to You today Lord Jesus.

Church is Important

2026-06-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#823 "Church is Important"

June 25, 2026

Acts 2-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Salvation is not dependent on baptism. (1 Cor. 1:17) We repent of our sins, ask Jesus to forgive us first.

We read of Peter's sermon and 3,000 were added to the church that were saved.

What happened next as the church age began?

The people continued stedfastly in the apostle's doctrine/teachings.
They continued in fellowship with believers.
They shared meals in homes with gladness and singleness of heart.
They prayed together.
Som sold their possessions and gave to those believers in need.
They continued daily with one accord in the Temple. (verses 42-47)

LET IT GROW

Friend, are you a member of a Bible teaching church? Believers need fellowship with other believers. We grow spiritually and impact the kingdom work.

We are told to:

love one another (John15:12)
carry one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2)
forgive one another (Eph. 4:32)
encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11).

A disconnected Christian is a disobedient and unfruitful Christian. Each of us is an integral part of the body of Christ. Such public love, devotion, joy, ministry, and testimony convinced unbelievers to trust in Jesus Christ. (Tony Evans)

I hope you see how important it is to have a church family.

LET IT GO

Let go of excuses.

Do You Believe?

2026-06-23T07:23:00.000-05:00

N.T. #822 "Do You Believe?"

June 24, 2026

Acts 2-Part 3-witnesses

LET IT GLOW

Peter continued his sermon centered around the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was God's purpose that the Messiah should suffer death for us. Since His suffering and death was ordained, so was His resurrection and glory. (verses 23-24) It was all in God's plan in order to save souls.

Peter's sermon includes:

the prophecy of David (verses 25-28)
Peter's testimony (verses 29-31)
the eye-witnesses (verse 32)
the exaltation and ascension of Jesus into heaven (verses 33-36).

LET IT GROW

David overheard God the Father telling the Messiah, Sit at My right hand until I make your enemies your footstool. (verses 34-35)

Peter's conclusion is God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (verse 36)

The hearts of the people in the crowd was pricked and asked what they should do.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (verse 38)

Salvation is independent of baptism. Baptism, emersion in water, illustrates what has happened in our heart to others. We die to self and are raised a new person in Christ.

Have you believed in Jesus? Have you admitted your sins to Him and asked His forgiveness? Have you been baptized in a Bible-teaching church?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for loving us sinners so much that You died for us.

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

2026-06-22T08:27:00.000-05:00

N.T.#821 "Where Will You Spend Eternity?"

June 23, 2026

Acts 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Peter began preaching in the church age of grace before the return of Christ. He quoted Joel 2:28-32. (verses 14-20) Keep in mind that it was less than 2 months since Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. People recalled the darkness that occurred when Jesus died. Our Christian faith rests on the basic fact of the empty tomb.

Is your faith alive, too?

LET IT GROW

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)

Friend, have you been saved from the penalty of your sin-death and eternal punishment in hell? Simply ask Jesus to forgive you your sins, believe He is the Son of God who died in your place.

LET IT GO

Pride can get into our way of coming to Jesus.

Or maybe you think you have done so many wrong things that you can't be saved.

Dear one, just believe, for Jesus' love covers a multitude of sins.

We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.

The Day He Came

2026-06-22T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#820 "The Day He came"

June 21, 2026

Acts 2

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (verse 1-4)

Pentecost means fiftieth.

What is Pentecost?

*It was the third Israelite feast mentioned in Leviticus 23.
*It was a harvest festival of thanksgiving for the crops some 50 days after the Passover week.
*The Old Testament Pentecost occurred 50 days after the Israelites left Egypt and the Passover
Lamb was slain.
*Jesus was crucified at Passover time, and He ascended 40 days after His resurrection.
*The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the resurrection, 10 days after the ascension.
*An offering of first-fruits was made. (Lev. 23:20) (Liberty Bible Commentary)
*This was the birth of the church.
*Individuals were filled with the Holy Spirit.
*There was witnessing, devout men heard the Word.
*There were different reactions. (verses 12-13)

What a unique and significant day!

LET IT GROW

What do we observe:

1. There was obedience. Believers and the apostles gathered together as Christ had told them. They went to Jerusalem and waited for the Holy Spirit in spite of the great danger.
2. There was unity among the believers, in one accord.
3. A mighty wind/sound came through the upper room from heaven. It was sudden, abruptly, unexpected, startling all present. (Like a tornado, hurricane, or gale.)
4. It filled all the house where they were sitting.
5. Cloven (divide) tongues of fire came upon each believer. Fire often denotes the divine presence.
6. This symbolized the Holy Spirit enabling them to speak and preach and share the Gospel.

God still commands us to be filled with the Spirit. (Eph. 5:18)

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

When the apostles were able to speak in tongues, it meant each heard the Gospel in their own language, for the Holy Spirit interpreted it for them. It was not gibberish. Speaking in tongues was for that time, not needed today. We have interpreters for us who knows both languages.

LET IT GO

We confess sins so we are right with God.

When we obey and submit to Jesus, His Spirit comes upon us so we can witness for Him.

Chosen by God

2026-06-19T10:03:00.000-05:00

N.T.#819 "Chosen by God"

June 19, 2026

LET IT GLOW

Here is the first church business meeting. The disciples, some women, Mary and Jesus' brothers all met together in the upper room. The group of believers grew from 11 to more than 120. They had been praying, seeking God's guidance and getting organized.

They were meeting to replace Judas, the betrayer of Jesus. Judas gave his heart to greed and sold out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas realized how serious his actions had been. He hung himself, fell down head first to the ground, and his body burst open. Judas' legacy is tragic. A field was bought by Judas but never used. It was known as the "field of blood," for that is where he committed suicide. Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 tell of this desolation place.

Not all stories have a good ending. Judas mad his choice of denying the Lord Jesus. Which choice have you made-follow Jesus or deny Him?

LET IT GROW

So Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias were believers nominated to replace Judas and to join the group of apostles. They had been with Jesus from His baptism and ascension. Also, they had witnessed the resurrection. Lots were cast and Mathias was chosen to join the 11. This meant he was chosen by God.

LET IT GO

Thank You Father that You choose us to be Your child.

Give us faith to carry on Your business/kingdom work.

Bless those who are Your faithful ones.

Stop Gazing and Go

2026-06-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

N.T.#818 "Stop Gazing and Go"

June 18, 2026

Acts 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Jesus had commissioned His disciples in verse 8 to be His witnesses. They would have the Holy spirit to empower them to do so. Then when Jesus was finished speaking, He was taken up into a cloud and disappeared to heaven.

What happened net?

They were gazing upward when 2 men appeared to them in white clothing.
They asked why the guys were gazing up into heaven.
They informed the guys that Jesus would come back in the same way He left-in clouds of glory. (verse 11)

Wow! What a thing to experience! How would you react to an extraordinary thing happening before your eyes?

LET IT GROW

What a dramatic departure! It was a confirmation for the disciples, and us, that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be:

He is Mediator between man and God.
He is the Son of God who came out of heaven to earth to save souls.
He is our High Priest who makes reconciliation for the sins of men.
He is the Christ Savior who intercedes for people before God.
He is the High Priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities and delivers us.

(The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible)

This same Jesus in the same way, would descend for believers as they had seen Him ascend from them. Before Jesus returns, His Holy Spirit empowers His church to carry on the ministry of worldwide evangelization. (Liberty bible Commentary)

Are we still standing, gazing up, looking for our Savior to return instead of serving and witnessing for Him?

LET IT GO

Stop gazing and go tell.

How Does the Church Act?

2026-06-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#817 "How Does the Church Act?"

June 17, 2026

Introduction to Acts

Background

This is the second book which is written by Luke, the physician and disciple of Jesus Christ. Luke was Paul's close friend and traveling companion, as well as personal physician. (Col. 4:14) some think Luke wrote Acts before the end of Paul's first Roman imprisonment instead of after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

Acts emphasizes that Jesus was Israel's long-awaited Messiah, shows the gospel is offered to all people, and the work of the Holy Spirit (mentioned over 50 times). (MacArthur)

We will be studying:

the birth of the church at Jerusalem
its persecution and espansion
Peter and the beginning of Gentil Christianity
Paul's three missionary journey
Paul's final journey to Rome. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Luke wrote to Theophilus, a former Roman official of high rank. He was possibly a new convert who need to be grounded in Christ. Maybe Luke led him to the Lord. He was an example of humility and love so needed by the world and among God's people.

Jesus had shown Himself for 40 days after the resurrection to people. He spoke of things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (verse 3) His followers were to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (verse 8)

What are we to be a witness sharing? Jesus died on the cross as our replacement for punishment of our sins and rose from the dead to give us eternal life through faith in Him.

What kind of witness are we? Are we loving toward others? Do we share our faith? How does the church act? Is it meeting people's needs?

Comfort, Peace, and Love

2026-06-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#816 "Comfort, Peace, and Love"

June 16, 2026

Summary of John-Part 4

Are you in need of some comfort and peace? Jesus has it to give.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have sad unto you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (14:26-27)

What are the new commandments Jesus gave us?

First, abide in Jesus. (15:7) Obedience to Christ Jesus means we are His friends.
Love one another as He has loved us. (15:12) Jesus gave sacrificially for others.

Jesus warns us that the world is going to hate us believers in Jesus. He warns us 8 times. They will put us out of the synagogue, kill us. We may even experience loss of employment and rejection by our own family because we stand up against sin, stand for the Word of God, live differently. However, be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world. (16:33)

John wrote these things so we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and as we believe, we have life through His name. (20:31)

Friend, are you a believer in Jesus today? Your eternity depends upon it.

The Way, Truth, Life

2026-06-15T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#815 "The Way, Truth, Life"

June 15, 2026

Summary of John -Part 3

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (8:32)

Abiding in His Word gives greater knowledge of the truth and sets one free from sin, the penalty of sin through forgiveness. God's truth will have no effect upon you unless you accept it and believe it. Are we applying it in our life?

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

Though we die physically, our soul will live on. Where will your soul live-heaven or hell?

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another. (13:34-35)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. (14:6)

The only way to heaven is belief in Jesus as Savior and son of God. There is no other entrance but through Jesus Christ.

As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, He is the reality of all God's promises. As the life, He joins His divine life to ours, both now and eternally. (Life Application Study Bible)

He Is

2026-06-12T10:04:00.000-05:00

N.T.#814 "He Is"

June 12, 2026

Summary of John-Part 2

What is the spiritual character of God? When the Samaritan woman encountered Jesus, she first saw a Jew, then a prophet, and finally the Messiah. (Falwell)

God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (4:24)

She knew the Messiah was coming and called Christ. Jesus proclaimed to her that He is the Messiah. Many Samaritans believed on Jesus because of the woman's testimony. (verse 39)

They said: We have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. (verse 42)

Jesus had several witnesses to His claim: John the Baptist (5:33-35), His works (verse 36), the Father (verses 37-38), the Scriptures (verses 39-47).

Peter had assurance: And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the son of the Living God. (verse 69)

John wrote the claims of Christ to be the "I AM:"

*bread of life (6:35)
*the light of the world (8:12; 9:5)
*the door (10:7)
*the good shepherd (10:11. 14)
*the resurrection and the life (11:25)
*the way, the truth, and the life (14:6)
*the true vine (15:1).

Friend, it is not enough to know this about Jesus, but you must believe it in your heart. Have you confessed your sins and asked Jesus to forgive you and be your Savior?

Everlasting Life is Available to YOu

2026-06-11T11:06:00.000-05:00

N.T.#813 "Everlasting Life is Available to You"

June 11, 2026

Summary of John

Those of you who have been following along as I study the Bible know I like to review my highlighted verses in the book and important activities.

John dubbed himself as the "disciple whom Jeseus loved." He mentions it 15Three key words times throughout his writings. He focused on the deity of Christ Jesus. His signs through miracles Jesus performed was evidence. John mentions 8 of those. Three key words which John uses are signs, believe, and life(54 times). John wrote this book so we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Also, there are 7 statements that Christ claimed as the "I AM."

John begins with an opening statement in verse 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Jesus existed with God as the Son and Creator of all things. He has communion and fellowship with God. This Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (1:14)

John the Baptist was Jesus' cousin and proclaimed repentant of sin the people must do and believe in Jesus as Savior as Savior. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (verse 29)

Jesus chose His disciples away from Jerusalem, away from the religious hypocrisy. Among them were fishermen, a tax collector, a doctor,

Early in His ministry Jesus proclaimed: Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (2:19) The religious ones killed Jesus, but He arose from the dead three days later, just as He said.

The most proclaimed verse which John said is found in 3:16, 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.

We see the source of love is God, He extended this love to us, sacrificed for those He loves, and the result is our everlasting life. Friend, have you trusted in this loving God as your Savior?

Do You Believe in Jesus Christ?

2026-06-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#812 "Do You Believe in Jesus Christ?"

June 9, 2026

John 21-Part 4

I believe God's Word is Truth. Jesus is Truth and The Word. What do you believe?

In verse 24, this disciple is John the author of this book. He testifies of those things which he wrote about Jesus are true. The elders in the church of Ephesus know it to be so.

Early church history reports that after John spent several years as an exile on the island of Patmos, he returned to Ephesus where he died as an old man, near the end of the first century.(Life Application Study Bible)

John's writings are authentic because he was an eyewitness, one of the 12 and one of Jesus' closest friends. John wrote all of the words in this scroll, so it was written by one person, the same eyewitness. Every word contained in this scroll is truth. John was recalling events accurately under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (Swindoll's New Testament Insights on John)

It is important that our words are truth. That is one of my reasons for having this blog, to share the Truth with others. Do you speak truth to others?

LET IT GROW

John is saying in the last vers that this Gospel contains only a small sample of what Jesus did and taught. There are many other things that could have been written. If all were written down, then the whole world could not contain the books written. (Tony Evans)

John was selective rather than exhaustive in his testimony. (McArthur)

The gospel of Jesus Christ rests upon three pillars: His virgin birth, atoning death, and bodily resurrection. When faith falters, Jesus reveals Himself in love and through it to a triumphant faith. Though our love for Christ may fall short of His love for us, we should strive to equal his love. (Herschel Hobbs)

How do you believe Jesus is? Is He the Son of God, Messiah and Savior to you? Your eternity depends upon your answer.

LET IT GO

Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus, and be saved.

Faithful to the End

2026-06-08T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T. #811 "Faithful to the End"

June 8, 2026

John 21-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Jesus told Peter he would have a long, useful life of service. (verses 18-19) Yet he would be crucified. Church tradition concurs that this is how Peter died. He requested being hung upside down, not being worthy to die like Jesus did. Peter was faithful to the end and brought glory to God through his death. Then the Lord calls Peter to a life of total commitment to Him. (Falwell)

What shall this man do? (verse 21)

What are we doing for Jesus? Are we showing people in our little world the love of Christ?

LET IT GROW

Jesus' answer to Peter was, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? (verse 22)

Peter inquired about John's future. Jesus rebuked Peter for asking. Peter had plenty of kingdom work to do without being concerned about John's future. It was none of Peter's business if John lived longer that he did. Just focus on your job for Jesus, Peter. That is good advice for us. We are to do what we are supposed to be doing for Jesus. Let Him manage others.

Then Jesus told Peter to follow Him. It was the same as Peter's original calling. Peter was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero for his faith in Jesus Christ.

All believers have been called to bring glory to God in whatever they do.

We must come to terms with our limitations, our priorities, our imperfection. Peter blew it, but the Lord used him. He was catching me, tending the sheep, sharing the Gospel where ever he went.

LET IT GO

Lord, You are in control. We follow You with confidence that you will us for Your glory.

Prepare us to follow You in good times and bad times, at whatever the cost.

How Much do We Love Jesus?

2026-06-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T. #810 "How Much do We Love Jesus?"

June 5, 2026

John 21-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

While the disciples were eating bread and fish with Jesus around the campfire, Jesus had a personal conversation with Peter, a heart-to-heart:

*Previously, Peter had denied Jesus 3 times.
*Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.
*When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed His sheep.

In the first two questions, Jesus asked Peter if He agapao (to love in a social or moral sense) Jesus. It was a self-sacrificial love. Of course, Peter loved Jesus, though He didn't show it when tested. The last time, Jesus used the word phileo (to be a friend to; fond of an individual.) It was a brotherly love.

How much do we love Jesus? Is it a self-sacrificing love or just a brotherly love? Do we give our all to Jesus or only our Sundays?

LET IT GROW

The first and last instructions to feed Jesus' sheep meant to pasture; to graze.

The second feed meant to tend as a shepherd.

It is one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is willingness to serve him. Peter's life changed when forgiveness came to him. Finally, Peter understood the importance of Jesus' words about His death and resurrection. Peter's three denials of knowing Jesus and being His follower needed three recommitments and declarations of His love for Jesus.

Is Jesus only our friend or is He our Savior and King of our life?

LET IT GO

Help us declare our love for You, Jesus.

Use us in kingdom work.

May our love for you be shown as we serve others and share what You have done in our life.

When Disappointment Comes

2026-06-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#809 "When Disappointment Come"

June 4, 2026

John 21

LET IT GLOW

What do we do when disappointment comes? Call a friend, pray?

Peter, Nathanael, James, John, and 2 unnamed ones which were together at the Sea of Galilee. Peter decided he was going fishing. The rest of the guys joined Peter in a ship, yet they caught nothing. Evidently, they were fishing during the night. This was probably a month later than chapter 20. What a disappointment.

What happened next?

*When it was morning, Jesus stood on the shore. The disciples didn't know it was Jesus.
*Jesus asked it they had an meat, and they answered no.
* He told them to cast the net on the right side of the ship and find fish.
*There were so many fish that they couldn't pull in the net.
*John recognized the stranger as Jesus.
*Peter put on his outer robe and jumped into the water. (verses 1-8)

Peter wanted to see Jesus. How important is it for us to be with Jesus?

Even in times of disappointment, Jesus can cheer us. He cheered up the disciples and fed them, too.

Do we seek Jesus when are disappointed?

LET IT GROW

What did Jesus do next to the disciples?

*He told the guys to bring their fish ashore. They caught 153 fish and the net didn't break.
*Come and dine, which was an invite to breakfast with Him.
*Jesus gave the guys bread and fish to eat.
*They added fish to the fire to cook and for them to eat.
*Peter contributed the fruit of his efforts, which the Lord provided.

The disciples were in the presence of Jesus a third time. Jesus doesn't need us to help, but He wants us to do our part.

It was a time of fellowship with the Master. Do we enjoy it, too?

LET IT GO

Grow our faith, Lord.

Help us to obey You.

Do You Believe?"

2026-06-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T. #809 "Do You Believe?"

June 3, 2026

John 20-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Jesus entered the room where the disciples, minus Thomas and Judas, were meeting after the resurrection. He showed His nail-holed hands and spear-pierced side. This was proof it was Jesus. The guys were glad to see their friend and Savior. Then Jesus commissioned them to go and tell the Good News-Jesus is alive. Before that took place, Jesus gave the disciples the Holy Ghost to share the gospel. (verses 20-22)

Now the disciples were on a Spirit-guided mission and Spirit-powered. They were sent to preach the Good News about Jesus so people's sins might be forgiven. No one has the ability to forgive sins but Jesus Christ.) We have the same privilege when we have been repented and been forgiven.

LET IT GROW

Do you need a sign or miracle before you believe in Jesus as your Savior/ Our proof is in the words of the Bible and testimony of believers.

The guys told Thomas they had seen the LORD. However, Thomas said he had to see and touch those nail print hands and side of Jesus before he believed. (verse 25) Belief was Thomas' issue.

Eight days later, they disciples were together when Jesus appeared in the room. Then Jesus told Thomas to reach, touch, and behold Jesus' hands and side.

Be not faithless, but believe. (verse 27)

Thomas didn't need to touch after all.

My LORD and my God. (verse 28) That was Thomas' answer of confession of the resurrection and deity of Christ.

Here is a promise for us:

Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (verse 29)

God wants you to believe in Him before you see Him work in your life. (Tony Evans)

Do you believe Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus we come to you by faith, not by works, status, education, skills, employment.

Thank YOu for salvation YOu provided for those who believe in YOu.

When Jesus Shows Up

2026-06-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#808 "When Jesus Shows Up"

June 2, 2026

John 20-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

It was Sunday evening. The doors were shut and locked. The terrified disciples were sitting around talking about current events. They were fearful of the Jews since Jesus was crucified. Suddenly, Jesus appears to them, apparently by coming through the wall. Can you see the stunned look on the faces of the 10 guys frozen and silent us the disciples thought Jesus to be a ghost.

Peace be unto you. (verse 19)

What can be concluded here?

Jesus brought a message of peace to the ten disciples.
Jesus had a real body.
His body had been resurrected, not just His Spirit.
The nail prints proved that He was Jesus and not someone else. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Jesus proved it was He by showing the disciples His hands and side. Can you see the relief on their faces? Can you hear the chatter in the once silent room?

Jesus can speak peace into trouble. Is your heart full of unrest?

Though your circumstances are unstable, He can provide the internal stability your heart needs. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

How would you have reacted to all of this? The disciples were glad when they saw Lord Jesus. (verse 20)

*Please pray for us as we fly to Hawaii today with our son's family. We are celebrating our granddaughter's high school graduation with them. We return on the 9th. So blessed to be able to go see the beauty of God's creation. I am writing posts ahead of time so continue to study with me.

God had sent Jesus to earth on a kingdom mission to atone for the sins of the world so that all who believe would receive eternal life. Now the Son was sending His disciples on a kingdom mission to proclaim that message and make other disciples throughout the world. (Matt. 28:16-20)

Our purpose is to go and teach the truth, Word of God, and the salvation provided by Jesus Christ. Although meeting needs and showing love is included as we go.

LET IT GO

Use us today, Lord, for your purpose and glory.

He's Alive!

2026-06-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#807 "He's Alive!"

June 1, 2026

John 20-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Mary returned to the tomb after Peter and John returned home. She didn't know about the resurrection of Jesus. When Mary looked into the tomb while weeping. She saw 2 angels sitting there.

Look at their conversation:

One angel asked Mary why she was crying.
Mary told the angel she was looking for Jesus' body that was taken away. She didn't know where it was. (She came to finish the embalming.)
Then Jesus appeared and asked Mary why she was crying. She thought He was the gardener. Mary asked where Jesus' body was and she would take it away.

Mary wanted to finish her task, but she couldn't. She was so overcome with grief and sorrow that she didn't recognize Jesus. Do we seek Jesus when our world is falling apart?

LET IT GROW

Jesus spoke Mary's name and she recognized Him. She called Jesus Rabboni, Master. Apparently Mary moved toward Jesus to hug Him because Jesus told her not to do so.

Touch refers toto cling to, or to take hold of.

Jesus had not yet ascended to God so He wanted to be uncontaminated when He went to the Father. Jesus gave Mary a job of going and telling the disciples that Jesus is risen. (verse 17) She obeyed.

Are we going and telling others that Jesus is alive and risen from the dead?

LET IT GO

He's alive!

The Tomb Was Empty

2026-05-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#806 "The Tomb Was Empty"

May 29, 2026

John 20

LET IT GLOW

John tells about the resurrection of Christ in a little different way from Matthew, Mark, and Luke:

*It was the first day of the week when Mary Magdalene went early and in the dark to the sepulchre. She went with the purpose of anointing the dead body of Christ Jesus. (verse 1)
*The stone covering the tomb of Jesus was rolled away. It was an empty tomb.
*Mary ran to tell Peter and John, leaders of the disciples.
*She told the guys someone took Jesus' body away and she didn't know where. (verse 2)
*Peter and John ran to the tomb. (verses 3)
*John arrived first. (verse 4)
*When John looked inside, he found only linen clothes lying there. (verse 5)
*Peter went inside and found the headband folded and lying in a separate place from the rest of the grave clothes. (verse 5-6)

What an experience for just a few people as they discovered Jesus' body was gone. Friend, do you believe all of this actually happened. The Bible is truth.

LET IT GROW

Notice that Joh saw and believed, yet they did not know about the Scripture saying He must rise again from the dead. (verse 9)

Jesus taught about His resurrection. t began to dawn on these folks and their sight now turned to faith as they realized that Christ had risen. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

These close friends of Jesus had some thinking to do. A lot had happened in just 3 short days. Being overwhelmed, they returned to their homes.

What a shock it must have been.

LET IT GO

Will you accept the fact that Jesus rose from the dead, that He is God's Son, that He is alive?

Have you committed yourself to the Risen Lord Jesus?

Faithful to The End

2026-05-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#805 "Faithful to The End"

May 28, 2026

John 19-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Certainly, Jesus' work was finished as He died on the cross. (verse 30)

The Jews did not permit a body to remain on the cross until the next day, for it would have violated their Jewish law. (Deut. 21:22-23) Since the victim would press on his legs to lift his chest enough to breathe, if the legs were broken, this would hasten death. The victim would not be able to breathe and die. (Falwell)

However, when the soldiers came to break Jesus' legs, He was already dead and they did not break them. (Ps. 34:20) Also, it was against the law to work after sundown on Friday, their Sabbath. One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side and outflowed blood and water. This was proof that Jesus was dead.

God's plan of salvation was taking place before their eyes. Soon, in 3 days, the Savior would rise from the grave to complete it. Jesus has defeated death and sit in heaven on the throne reigning as King.

Do you believe this?

LET IT GROW

Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus were sect disciples of Jesus. The openly asked Pilate for Jesus' body so they could bury it. It was a new tomb so no one could claim bones were in it where they lay Jesus' body. They wrapped His body and used spices. (verses 38-42) The guys intended on finishing the body preparations after the Sabbath. (Luke 24:1)

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for enduring the cross to provide our salvation. What love!

Are we faithful to the end like Jesus?

Is It Finished?

2026-05-27T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#804 "Is It Finished?"

May 27, 2026

John 19-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Can we know when we have accomplished our purpose? When we have done all we could do? When is it time to step back a, give it to God, and watch the Father work on our behalf? Friend, I don't have the answers.

Yet, Jesus knew when all things were accomplished for His life. (verse 28) He thirst as evidence of His suffering. They gave Jesus vinegar (strong wine).

Then Jesus said, It is finished. (verse 30) He died and gave His Spirit to God.

Jesus' work of atonement for sin was done. The demands of the law had been met. The debt for sin had been paid in full. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, took our place in paying for our sins.

I hope we never get over that fact. How precious Jesus is!

Sin separates people from God, and only through the sacrifice of animal, a substitute, could people be forgiven and become clean before God. But people sin continually, so frequent sacrifices were required. Jesus became the final and ultimate sacrifice from sin. The word finished is the same as "paid in full." Jesus came to finish God's work of salvation, to pay the full penalty for our sins. (Life Application Study Bible)

Jesus took all sin upon Himself, so the sacrificial system ended. Now we can come to Holy God through Savior Jesus. Belief in Jesus allows us to spend eternity in heaven with them.

Do you know this Savior personally? If not, believe Jesus is God's son and ask His forgiveness of your sins; ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your Savior. Don;' put it off. Do it today.

LET IT GROW

No one takes (my life) from Me, but I lay it down on my own. (10:18)

Bowing His head, He gave up His Spirit. (verse 30)

No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. (15:13)

Jesus did it all and lived a perfect life. Willingly He offered Himself as a substitute for our sins.

LET IT GO

Such love, grace, mercy You give, Lord Jesus!

Do You Thirst Spiritually?

2026-05-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#803 "Do You Thirst Spiritually?"

May 26, 2026

John 19-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

One more prophecy is found in verse 30 where Jesus said that He thirst. They gave Him vinegar (strong wine) with hyssop. It was to fulfill Psalm 22:15. It was a little plant used for sprinkling. the sour wine reduced fever and gave refreshment to soldiers. Jesus' tongue would cleave to His jaw with dry mouth. They used hyssop to spread the lambs' blood over the doorposts during the Passover in Egypt.

LET IT GROW

Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. (1 Cor. 5:7)

His shed blood became the atonement for us sinners. Jesus was thirsty.

Do we thirst after righteousness, after the Holy Spirit, after the Word of God?

LET IT GO

Is Jesus your Living Water?