Name of Jesus!

For Sunday, September 13, 2026:

Acts 4:8-9a NLT: “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, then spoke: “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man?”

Upon entering the Temple, Peter and John spotted a man, lame from birth, begging near the Beautiful Gate. They had no money to share with him, but willingly gave what they had, which was healing in the name of Jesus. The man then took Peter’s hand and stood, walked, and I always say (jokingly) that he danced a jig! Probably not. The point is that everyone knew this man because he frequented the Temple, and they all knew he was crippled from birth. His standing and walking around was certain to pique everyone’s curiosity.

Q: How was the man healed? A: Through the power of the Son. Peter prayed that the man would be healed “in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” (Make a mental note that it worked!)

Peter and John were doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do. They loved the Lord. Now it was time to love their neighbor. They saw a need and fulfilled it, asking nothing in return. They did the right thing for the right reason. They made the world a little bit better, especially for that one man!

We are called to love the Lord and love our neighbors. Jesus gave all believers the power to improve life here on earth. Have you called upon that power lately? Now is the best time to get started!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

In Jesus' Name!

For Saturday, September 12, 2026:

John 16:26-27 NLT, Jesus speaking: “You will then ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.”

In the Hebrew tradition, an intermediary was needed between the people and their God. A priest would fill this requirement. Also, God was thought to be harsh and judgmental. While that wasn’t accurate, the people were nonetheless fearful of approaching him on their own. As it turns out, God actually loves believers, because we love his Son Jesus and we believe Jesus was heaven-sent.

Jesus now permanently occupies that position between God and believers, and Jesus told us to use his name. In the New Covenant, we are told to ask God directly using Jesus’ name. We pray to the Lord using Jesus’ name. That’s why so many prayers begin with words like “Dear God” or “Our Father,” and conclude by saying, “In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Knowing I’m a Christian, people often ask me to pray for them, for healing or for help in a sticky situation. I’m happy to do so and honored to be asked, but I’m tempted to tell them to do it themselves! Jesus said that any believer can pray directly to God using his name. But I don’t mind being the middleman if that gives someone comfort.

As Jesus was crucified, the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple was torn in half. Access to the Lord was no longer restricted. So reach out to him today. We have Jesus’ permission to do so. Start with adoration and thanksgiving!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Holy War!

For Friday, September 11, 2026:

1 Samuel 17:45 NIV: “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’”

Today marks the 25^th anniversary of our 911 tragedy. Nearly 3K people lost their lives and thousands more were injured. Ongoing health problems continue to plague first responders.

At that time, I was helping a Jewish organization distribute biblical teaching. I told them that this incident was about religion, an attack on the God of Israel. This attack was one more battle in an ongoing Holy war. The Koran says that everyone must worship Allah or die by the sword, so consider this an attack on Judeo-Christian believers.

We’re not the aggressor, but we strongly defend our nation in the name of the Lord Almighty. In this Holy war, we’re on God’s side. As we draw closer to the end times, Satan will do his best to lead us astray. Don’t fall for it! Sometimes violence is necessary to defend ourselves against evil. Little David actually killed Goliath and cut off his head. That sent the Philistines running for a time, but they have regrouped.

So en garde! The war is not finished. When Jesus returns, he’ll finish things for good! Believers are on the same side as God’s Son!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church