Expectations!

For Wednesday, September 9, 2026:

Acts 4:5, 7 NLT: “The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. They brought in Peter and John and demanded, ‘By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?’”

Peter and John had been teaching the people the truth about Jesus. They had been preaching the Good News (Gospel) in the Temple. But the council didn’t see Jesus as an extension of their religion. They regarded him as head-on competition, and demanded that Peter and John stop what they had been doing or get out of the Temple or both!

Peter and John had started their visit to the Temple by healing a man, lame from birth, found begging by the beautiful gate. Everyone knew this man, many had given to help him in the past, and no one ever expected to see him walk! And here he was, dancing a jig around the Temple after being healed through the name of Jesus!

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, explained in no uncertain words exactly what had taken place: “Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that this man was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

Peter didn’t stutter; he didn’t hem and haw. He never used the words “like” and “ya know” (or the Hebrew equivalents.) All he had to do (and all he was called to do) was tell the truth. Peter had full confidence in Jesus. He h

One problem we may have nowadays is lack of faith. Scientists and doctors have conditioned us to not expect results when our prayers exceed earthly limitations. Don’t restrict what God can do by excluding supernatural expectations. God is full of surprises, oftentimes delivering more than we asked. So ask him today – in the name of Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Born Again!

For Tuesday, September 8, 2026:

Colossians 2:12 NLT, Paul writing to the church in Colossae: “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

Christians have their own language, their own verbiage, concepts and terms specific to believers. Those still living in “the world” may not get it.

When we accept Jesus, our old selves, our worldly selves figuratively die. Just as Jesus died and took the sins of the world to the place of the dead, our sinful selves die as we make our decisions for Jesus. And just as Jesus came alive again and walked away from the tomb, believers are said to be “born again.”

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again [or born from above], you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Those who don’t yet believe question the premise. “Can I enter my mother’s womb a second time?” Of course not, but that analogy perfectly describes the 180º turnaround of a worldly person becoming a faithful believer. Believers’ standards have been raised. God’s commands have become their value system.

Do you feel that your old ways have died now that you know Jesus? As a Christian, have you felt that a fresh start took place in your life? Did Jesus give you a do-over on your life? Have you truly been born again?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Kindness!

September 7, 2026, Monday Message:

Luke 6:38 AMP, Jesus speaking: “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”

When asked to name the most important commands, Jesus answered, “Love the Lord and love your neighbor.” Today’s scripture encourages us to care for our neighbors.

It’s the “Golden Rule” taken to the extreme. What we give to others will be more than repaid to us by our Heavenly Father. We will receive in excess of what we give. To ensure an accurate measure (not that anyone should question God), Jesus describes ‘shaking it down’ to remove spaces, ‘pressing down’ our reward to compress it, and then filling our lap to ‘overflowing!’ God is not only fair, but he’s more than fair.

Sometimes our reward will come in this life, sometimes in the next. It really doesn’t matter. Those realities seem separate to us, but God created us only once. The same soul (spirit) that lives on earth will also live in the Kingdom.

So continue to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and care for widows and orphans. If your neighbor needs help, lend a hand. Become known for kindness. We will be rewarded over and above for our kindness. That’s what the Bible says. That’s what Jesus said!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church