Immediately!

For Saturday, February 21, 2026:

Matthew 4:21-22 NLT: “A little farther up the shore, Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.”

Jesus was continuing his ministry around the Sea of Galilee. Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew were now walking with Jesus, his first two disciples. I’m sure all the fishermen on this body of water knew each other, so as Jesus said the names James and John, Simon called out, “We have found the Messiah!”

Most of the Hebrew nation had been waiting for the moment God would send a rescuer to his people, and if this was it, James and John didn’t want to be left out. An emissary from God could certainly counter the grief they experienced dealing with the Roman government and army. They immediately took a leave of absence from the family business and joined up with Simon, Andrew and Jesus on their trek around the lake.

The key word here is “immediately.” No hesitation, no hemming and hawing, just go with Jesus when he calls you. Pretend you’re the kicker on a football team, it’s fourth down, and the coach says, “Now! Get in the game. We need you to kick that field goal!” You don’t dawdle. You don’t waste any time. You go running onto the field, eager to serve!

Each of us has been given unique spiritual gifts, and the time will come when your gifts are exactly what the Lord needs. He’ll tap you on the shoulder and say, “Now! Get in the game. We need you!” The quicker you respond, the better!

We all need to be walking with the Lord, just like Simon, Andrew, James and John. If you’re closer to Jesus, it’s easier for him to tap you on the shoulder!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Fishing for Souls!

February 16, 2026, Monday Message:

Matthew 4:19 NLT: Jesus called out to Simon and his brother Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

I told you that Jesus did a lot of his ministry around the Sea of Galilee. It starts now as he begins to assemble his team. Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew were fishermen by trade. And like most people of Hebrew descent, they were keeping a watchful eye out for the Messiah. Imagine being told all your life to expect a Messiah, and suddenly along comes Jesus, THE Messiah!

Fishermen were judged by the quality and quantity of their catch. You can’t make a living by catching only a few fish, and some breeds of fish are more desirable than others. Jesus promises an even loftier goal. “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Now, instead of fishing, they were in the “Repent and Return” business. It’s the same business in which we find ourselves nowadays. Have you caught any big ones lately?

When the Messiah calls you to his ministry team, the right thing to do is to drop everything and immediately become a disciple. Secure your boat, your nets, and your other fishing paraphernalia and get in step with God’s Son. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Simon and Andrew. And it can be a lifetime opportunity for you and me!

Blessings on this Presidents’ Day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Fishers of Men!

For Friday, May 10, 2024:

Mark 1:17-18: “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Many of Jesus’ disciples earned their living by fishing, but ALL of them understood fishing. Simon and Andrew were using nets to multiply their fishing efforts. They could bring in a large number of fish by gathering the net once. That’s the principle.

In a way, Jesus said, “That’s nothing! Follow me and we’ll fish for human souls!” Jesus is preparing to speak the truth of salvation, the truth of being rescued from our sin problem. This analogy touched their hearts. They knew fishing.

Are we going to put out big nets and capture people? No! Our net is truth. Our net is heavenly truth straight from the mouth of Jesus. Our net is the promise of forgiveness. Our net is living in God’s presence in the life after this life.

This is Good News! It shouldn’t be too hard. Our net looks pretty good. People should be jumping into our boat! Encourage them!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship