God's Wisdom!

For Saturday, July 25, 2026:

Colossians 2:3 NLT, Paul speaking: “In Christ lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Paul writes that wisdom and knowledge are to be treasured. Spiritual leaders of the day had rejected Jesus. But the supernatural resurrected Jesus interacted with Paul on his way to Damascus. Paul was temporarily blinded and shown truth, God’s plan, and given an assignment. Paul was to evangelize the Gentiles!

Paul’s sight was restored, and the first thing he did was to be baptized, burying the lies under the water while truth came up out of the water. You could say that Paul did a spiritual 180º.

Disciples in Israel had a simplified task. Since most of the population were Jews, they already believed in God, a higher power. Asia Minor was a tougher nut to crack. They had no track record with the real God, and Paul had to dismiss hundreds of pretend gods, fake gods if you will. The idea that one God created everything was radically different from having separate idols for sunshine, rain, bountiful crops, provision, love, safety and protection. Before Paul could convince anyone that Jesus was God’s Son, he had to first make a case for Father God.

Since Paul now had God’s truthful knowledge, he could teach it to others. Believers are a lot like Paul. In becoming Christians, we learn the truth, and Jesus told us to teach others. Actions are stronger than words, so our first efforts should be to live as Jesus lived, caring for our neighbors. Being kind and helpful should have a prominent place in our lives.

Safeguard the wisdom and knowledge given to us. Share it with others. Be unflinching in our devotion to Jesus, God’s Son. He’s gone ahead to prepare your special place in the life after this life. Say thank you, Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Paraclete!

For Friday, July 24, 2026:

John 16:7 NLT, Jesus speaking to believers: “In fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”

Jesus promised to send the Advocate after he leaves. “Go be with the faithful, tout suite!” Advocate can also be translated Counselor, Encourager or Comforter. The Greek reads Paraclete. The KJB calls this form of God the Holy Ghost. Nowadays we refer to him as the Holy Spirit.

With those traits, we’ll certain be better off knowing the Holy Spirit. Having a supernatural God who is pulling for us can only be good, making our lives more tolerable. Remember that Jesus said our lives will be a struggle, filled with tribulation. Other people won’t like us simply because we know the Son. But Jesus also said not to worry as he has overcome the world.

Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” It was necessary that he return to the Father, but he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us in his absence. We are never alone!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Ascension!

For Thursday, July 23, 2026:

John 16:5-6 NLT, Jesus speaking to believers: “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you.”

John documents the life of Jesus, and Jesus knows he is leaving, returning to the Father. He wants all believers to understand that what is happening is not bad news, but good news!

Surprisingly, those listening don’t even ask where he is going, even though he’s told them about the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead of wishing him Godspeed and cheering for the event, the observers retreated into themselves, grieving the loss of their spiritual mentor.

Jesus: “Good news! I’ll be returning to Father God!”

Disciples: “Terrible. I don’t know how we can get along without you. This whole movement will probably die. I might just as well quit and go home!”

Friends, who should be the focus of this story? Jesus! (It’s not about us!) Who should be in the driver’s seat? Jesus! Who should we trust? Jesus, who is always truthful. Jesus, who is God walking alongside us. He’s celebrating being victorious. Jesus is about to conquer sin and death with one unselfish act. Shout ‘Hallelujah’ for the good path God has created!

As we live out the remainder of our earthly lives, let’s remember to keep God in the driver’s seat. He should set our agenda for each day. Do the right things for the right reasons. Do something nice and don’t get caught!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church