Overcome the World!

For Wednesday, September 30, 2026:

John 16:33b AMPC, Jesus speaking: “In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

"All’s well that ends well.” That’s what Jesus was saying that day. Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean that your road won’t have any bumps. But despite what may appear to go wrong, none of it will matter in the end. Jesus already has forgiveness on his agenda. The rescue of believers is his mission statement. Jesus states it plainly: “I have overcome the world!”

We are told to not worry or be distressed when confronted by worldly problems. Remember, worry isn’t biblical; trusting in the Lord is! That faith, that confidence in and loyalty to the Son assures us of salvation. The Bible says so!

So when things appear to go wrong in your life, laugh it off! We can let go of the problem and let God handle the issue. Jesus has overcome the world, and believers are with Jesus. We have been born again into a new life that doesn’t include worldly problems. Tell your friends, “I’m with Jesus! Forever!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Peace To You!

For Tuesday, September 29, 2026:

John 16:33a NLT, Jesus speaking: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.”

In Jesus’ day, many people settled disputes by fighting. But the religious leaders taught “shalom,” the peace that comes from knowing the Lord. Jesus was on board with that. He had just told believers some of the bad things about to happen, in a way, prophesying future events. Things might look dark for a while, but rest assured that God is still on the throne of the universe, and that there is purpose for all that’s about to happen.

Things aren’t all that different nowadays. People still fight, but the plots are more diabolical. People steal, cheat and lie, characteristically unchristian. There are court battles where lawyers fight for us. And people get gunned down daily. This is all satanic in origin. The devil wants to sow anger and discontent.

To counter the evil one, we must be intentional about shalom. If we want to live in peace as Jesus commanded, shalom needs to be on our daily agenda. Let’s all strive to live in the peace that is so great that it is beyond our understanding.

Shalom to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Eyewitness!

Daily message of hope...
September 28, 2026, Monday Message:

Acts 4:14 NLT: “Since everyone could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the (religious) council could say.”

In a court, there’s nothing better than eyewitness testimony. Everyone knew that the subject had been lame from birth. He had been unable to walk. He had been a beggar at an entrance to the Temple, so everyone recognized this guy. And here he is now, walking around like he’d been doing that all his life. He probably could have danced a jig, but that’s just my opinion!

Unfortunately, the religious council held to their preconceived beliefs. Prejudice. Their minds were already made up. They wouldn’t admit Jesus was the heaven-sent Son of God in whose name healing was fulfilled. Illogically, they were denying what they were seeing with their own two eyes!

The desire for power and money can bring deplorable behavior to the surface. The council liked being the authority with the final word on religious matters, and they loved having all the tithes delivered to the Temple. Despite the healing miracle in Jesus’ name, their previous beliefs prevailed. Jesus, after all, was dead (or so they thought!)

Peter and John were issued a “Cease and Desist” order, forbidden to speak of Jesus again. They disobeyed almost immediately!

The Great Commission authorized (commanded) us all to share the Good News. Jesus said that if the Gospel wasn’t shouted out by mankind, even stones would proclaim the truth. Trust what you see with your own two eyes! Be your own eyewitness!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
The Father’s House
Jesus In the City Fellowship
Truth & Freedom Church