Dr. Luke!

For Thursday, November 20, 2025:

Luke 1:3-4 NLT: “Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.”

Thanksgiving is almost upon us, followed by Advent and then Christmas. So I thought is would be a good time to review Luke from the beginning. Luke was never a major disciple of Jesus, but rather a once-removed disciple of Paul, who the risen Jesus personally converted on the road to Damascus. There are records of Luke traveling with Paul and evangelizing alongside him.

Luke was also known as a healer, a physician, so we would expect him to have above-average intelligence. As Luke authored his Gospel, he quoted eyewitnesses who had seen and heard the Savior speak; eyewitnesses who had personally seen miracles play out! I look at Luke as an investigative reporter who interviewed countless people and condensed their stories into an accurate biography of Jesus’ life. He’s writing to “Theophilus,” which means, “Lover of God.” We don’t know if Theophilus is a person, a group of God lovers, or all those who love the Lord nowadays. Perhaps, “All of the above!” Luke stresses the accuracy and truthfulness of his Jesus biography. So listen up and take good notes!

So that we know our location on the timeline of history, Luke tells us that Herod was the king, and Zechariah was serving as a Temple priest. Z’s wife Elizabeth was barren, so they were without children. And Luke tells us, “They were both very old.” Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations, and yet, childless.

The odds were against anyone serving in the Temple sanctuary. It was the day for Z’s group to serve, but they chose by lot which individual would receive the honored call. Much happened while Z was serving, which we’ll cover next time. See how this plays out in God’s vast eternal plan! Hint: Elizabeth was a cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Faith: Give and Receive!

For Wednesday, November 19, 2025:

Hebrews 11:33a NLT: “By faith these believers overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them.”

True believers know that with God, anything is possible – and oftentimes illogical! How could the Red Sea part, leaving a dry path for believers, and then come back together just in time to drown those pursuing them? Only God! And if God is changing Canaan into Israel, wouldn’t you expect some push-back from those already residing there? Nope! The Israelites simply marched around Jericho’s city-wall for a week, and then blew their shofars. Afraid, Jericho’s residents abandoned everything and ran for the hills! Only God!

Every hero in the Bible is an example of their faith in the Lord being a good decision, including those who trusted God’s promise of a Messiah. God doesn’t lie, and sure enough, Jesus arrived to walk among us. Mankind’s impatience almost got the best of us, but God’s timing is always the best. Jesus could teach, preach and heal when necessary. Those who watched him were amazed! They knew Jesus was heaven-sent, and they were awed even more by believers performing those same miracles: healing the sick, raising the dead, curing those with leprosy and casting out demons.

Remember, God loves us and Jesus loves us. God was a step ahead of today’s motivational speakers, counseling us to delegate to others rather than trying to do everything ourselves. Believers aren’t operating alone; they’ve signed on to the “Jesus Team!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Love!

For Tuesday, November 18, 2025:

John 15:12 NLT, Jesus speaking: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”

Jesus didn’t issue a lot of commandments. He mainly did the right things for the right reasons, honoring God the Father and respecting his fellows. If we simply do what Jesus did – imitate his behavior – we’d all be on the right track.

Many Christians, especially those fluent in theological detail, can over-complicate things. Jesus told us to love God and love our neighbors, which was restating Old Testament principles. Nothing new there. Since Jesus took away our sins, making it possible for us to spend the hereafter in God’s presence, he told us to share this Good News with others. In fact, make them into disciples. Coach others until they’re all-in believers!

As a teenager, I told my pastor, “I think being a Christian is all about love.” He told me that it’s way more complicated than that. I still think I was right!

So be nice, be kind, be helpful, step up if you can lighten someone else’s burden. Look for the next right thing to do. I used to see little bracelets with the letters WWJD reminding us to ask, “What would Jesus do?” Still a good plan. If you do what Jesus did, you won’t be wrong!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church