Slave vs Friend!

May 11, 2026, Monday Message:

John 15:14-15 NLT, Jesus speaking: “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

Life was different 2K years ago. Nowadays, if we use the word ‘slave,’ our minds go primarily to African people, taken against their will and forced to serve their captors. But in Jesus’ day, being a slave could be voluntary, kind of like having a job or mutually beneficial employment.

If I pitch my tent near Abram’s, I can help him with the herds. He in turn will see that I have food for my family, and protection from raiders. He can command me because I’m there to help. I do what he asks because living within Abram’s group is a better, safer life for my family.

Jesus cleans up the language a bit, calling the relationship ‘friends.’ He confides in his friends, sharing prophecies given to him by God Almighty. As Jesus traveled with his itinerant ministry, there were first the 12 apostles, and then many other disciples in the group. Perhaps hundreds! They were like slaves in that they would do Jesus’ bidding. They were also friends in whom Jesus could confide. They would protect each other. You could say they were all playing for the same team.

So do like Jesus did. Identify your friends, and let them know that they are friends, not slaves. A group of friends with religious beliefs in common is called a church. If you are not part of one, today is the accepted day to sign up. It could be a relationship that lasts a lifetime!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Mothers' Day!

For Sunday, May 10, 2026, Mother’s Day:

Luke 1:31 NLT: “You, Mary, will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

Jesus’ Father is in his heavenly Kingdom, but he needed a mother on earth. Everyone born here needs someone to love them, care for them, feed them, and change out their nappy! Jesus' mother had been told by the angel Gabriel that baby Jesus would actually be the Son of the Most High, so she wasn’t surprised when miracles happened. She 100% supported her Son, God’s Son.

Mom had faith in Jesus’ abilities even before his ministry began. At the wedding in Cana when the wine supply was exhausted, Mary told the servers, “Do whatever Jesus tells you.”

Jesus protested. “It’s not my time yet,” but Mary persisted. Giant jars of water were available for Jewish ceremonial washing, and were now brought to the sommelier who determined the jars contained the finest wine. In fact, he questioned why it had not been served first! Thank you, Jesus!

Mary knew her Son was special, and Jesus had honored his mother’s request even though it was not yet his time. And on the cross, he arranged for his mother’s perpetual care. Jesus used every day to honor women, even those who aren’t mothers. For our Messiah, every day was Mother’s Day! May God bless the women!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Children of God!

For Saturday, May 9, 2026:

Romans 8:19 NLT: “All creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”

John writes about believers being adopted into the Holy Family, becoming “Children of God.” We’ll get to meet our true Father in the life after this life. And what a glorious day that will be!

Jesus has prepared a place for us in the hereafter, so he’ll be glad to see us. His Father will be pleased. But joy goes deeper than that. This scripture says that “All Creation” is eagerly awaiting our arrival, when the holy family all comes together!

That day is in the future, but it’s closer than you think, so prepare yourself. Be prepared for the life after this life. Be prepared to meet the Father and his Son in person! Blessings!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church