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

Kingdom!

For Thursday, September 10, 2026:

Romans 9:31 NLT: “The people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.”

Seems unlikely, doesn’t it, that God’s chosen people weren’t prequalified for life after this life. But a lot of them didn’t even believe in a hereafter! Let’s check our Bibles!

The Bible is our owner’s manual for life. It teaches us that ALL have sinned and fallen short. By that benchmark, no one on earth should ever see the Kingdom.

But also don’t forget that when God finished creation by adding mankind, he declared it all to be VERY good! You see, God loves us, his Son Jesus loves us and God’s desire is that all will repent and return. ALL. Consider this an offer of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Knowing that none of us will ever be perfect, we should be quick to take God up on his offer. His gift of forgiveness is our only ticket to the hereafter! Since the Son negated our sin problem, we can claim Jesus as our Savior. He returned to the Father to prepare a special place for us!

If we put our faith, hope and trust in Jesus, we are assured a place in the Kingdom. It will be a lot better seeing heaven from the inside!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church