Resurrection Sunday – Easter!

For Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 2026:

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Matthew 28:6 NLT, an Angel speaking: “Jesus isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

According to Jewish tradition of that time, women would prepare a body for its final resting place. So it’s logical that Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, would be the first to show up, along with the other Mary, mother of James and Joseph. They had been frightened by a sound like an earthquake, made by this gigantic angel descending to earth and rolling away the humongous stone from the tomb. The angel sat on the stone, as if to make a point!

By this time, most believers had given up. Jesus died three days ago. We saw the spear in his side. We watched as his limp body was placed in the tomb. No one person could move the stone sealing the burial place. Besides, it was being guarded by Pilate’s soldiers.

When the women arrived to tend to the body, they were confronted by the angel sitting on the stone that no one could move. “Don’t be afraid!” he said, always an angel’s first words. You should know that angels aren’t those cute little figurines that you see at Hallmark. ‘Angel Army of Heaven’ would be a better way to put it. Big, hairy audacious angels. (I don’t know if they’re hairy; it just sounded cool…) “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” Mark this down as one more time that prophecy turned out to be true, that Jesus’ words were synonymous truth!

The angel further instructs the women: “Now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.”

The women took off immediately, but suddenly encountered Jesus along the way. “Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Jesus conquered sin and death with the same event! Repentant believers are snatched from Satan’s hand and granted eternal life in God’s eternal heavenly Kingdom. And death is not the end. Believers are born again!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Nazareth!

For Tuesday, February 10, 2026:

Matthew 2:20 NLT: “Get up!” the angel said to Joseph. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that their persecutor Herod had died, so it now appeared safe for the Holy family to return to Israel. Then they received the bad news, that Herod’s son Archelaus would be the new ruler. Like father, like son. This was no improvement.

But there’s even more good news! Rather than Jerusalem, the family could settle in Nazareth, only a four to seven day hike away, far enough to remain safe, but close enough to attend religious festivals at the Temple. Jesus would be known as a Nazarene.

Jesus could safely start his ministry around Nazareth. And just to the Northeast is Tiberias on Lake Gennesaret, also known as the Sea of Galilee. Jesus blessed many believers around that lake, including the twelve. Nazareth was his home base, his safe haven, while Jerusalem would ultimately be his demise.

We thank God for allowing Jesus to safely begin his ministry in Nazareth, and for allowing him to complete his mission in Jerusalem. That’s where he took the sins of the world to the place of the dead, allowing mankind to reunite with the Father! That’s where believers stand today, forgiven by the work of Jesus on the cross, and servants of the Lord Most High!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Off to Egypt!

February 9, 2026, Monday Message:

Matthew 2:13b NLT: “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said to Joseph. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Fortunately, Joseph and Mary had experience with angels. They had experienced heavenly sightings previously, and everything the angel had told them always came true. A trust relationship had been established.

So when this angel told them to flee to Egypt, they quickly packed and got going. Their child was said to be the “King of the Jews.” And the problem was that Herod believed he was king! And Herod doesn’t want any competition for first place!

This all happened right after the Magi’s visit, so the holy family had adequate resources to sustain a trip to a foreign land. The Wise Men outfoxed Herod and returned home via a different route without ever reporting back to him. This angered Herod, and when he couldn’t locate Jesus, he ordered ALL the male children under two years of age to be killed. There was much wailing and sorrow in that part of Israel, all because of one sanctimonious narcissist.

Believers should rejoice that Jesus and family could seek asylum in a nearby foreign country. Nonresident aliens aren’t welcomed everywhere, and Jesus needed to reach adulthood before his ministry could begin. His primary mission was to take away the sins of the world, allowing mankind to mend our relationship with God Almighty, and we’ve seen that!

Thank you, Father God, for ensuring the completion of your Son’s mission. Thank you, Father, for providing your Son for the rescue of all believers. Thank you for Assurance of Salvation!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Angels & Baby!

 For Thursday, January 8, 2026:

Luke 2:8 NLT: “The night of Jesus’ birth, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.”

These are the luckiest shepherds ever! God sent his messenger angel to them with the Good News of Jesus’ birth. It can get quite dark in the countryside away from the city, but – not to be missed – the angel shone with the radiance of God’s Glory! The shepherds were terrified!

But the Angel told them to not be afraid. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Swaddled, wrapped up tightly in a package improvised from a small blanket. Baby warm, safe and secure!

Turns out that one angel wasn’t enough to herald this colossal event. A host of others showed up, all praising the Lord and declaring Peace on Earth! The angel armies had gathered to share the Good News! And having seen and heard this show of heaven’s strength, the shepherds had to check it out for themselves. “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

In the city, they found Mary, Joseph and the baby in a manger, just as they had been told. Before returning to their flocks, the shepherds told everyone about the angels and that everything was just as the angel said it would be. The angel told them that this was the promised Messiah, and there he is, lying in a manger! Praise God!

This baby was the Redeemer for all time, for those present and for believers 2,000 years later. This baby is our friend, the author of forgiveness. Jesus made it possible for forgiven believers to see heaven from the inside!

Thank you, Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Messenger!

For Tuesday, January 6, 2026:

Matthew 1:20b-21 NLT, Angel speaking to Joseph: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus [the Lord Saves], for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Angel Gabriel had been busy. He had already visited Zechariah, who would father John the Baptist. He also visited Mary, who was to birth the Messiah’s next entrance to planet earth. Mary loves the Lord and is obedient. “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

Just one problem remains. Mary was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. He doesn’t understand how she could turn up pregnant. To him, she was still a virgin! It was time for Gabriel to finish their education! See above scripture!

Gabriel also explains the purpose of the Messiah coming to our world. “Jesus will save his people from their sins.” No mention of miraculous healings. No expanded teaching of Torah. No casting out of demons. Those are all good things, but not on the tip of Gabriel’s tongue! That’s why I teach that Jesus’ primary purpose is rescuing mankind from our sin problem. God’s messenger angel said so!

Christian believers are the beneficiaries of God’s gift. Jesus’ forgiveness has lifted us from the fires of hell to eternal life with Father God, a much better place. Thank goodness Jesus came to rescue us!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Our Father!

For Tuesday, December 30, 2025:

Luke 2:41 NLT: “Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.”

Jesus’ earthly parents had experienced something that most people never see. They were both visited by angels, and I suspect that those encounters left quite an impression on them. An experience like that might cause them to take God and religious things more seriously. So every Passover, they pilgrimaged to Jerusalem. It’s not too far, a smidge under 50 miles, depending on the chosen route. About a week, walking.

When Jesus was 12 years old, they embarked on this annual journey, arrived safely, celebrated, and now it was time to head home. As it turns out, Jesus wasn’t with the entourage, although no one was aware he was missing. It was assumed he was traveling with close friends or relatives.

When Jesus couldn’t be found after a day’s journey, Mary and Joseph reversed course and began searching high and low for the youth. Finding him was no easy task. After three days, he was spotted in the Temple amongst the religious teachers, asking them questions and answering their questions. Amazing! Everyone was impressed with the depth of both Jesus’ questions and the answers he could provide.

Mary and Joseph were bewildered. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

 "But why did you need to search?” Jesus asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Friends, he’s not talking about Joseph’s house. He’s identifying himself as the Son of the Most High! He was in the Temple of the Lord!

Jesus taught us to pray to, “Our Father in heaven…”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Be a Shepherd!

For Friday, December 26, 2025:

Luke 2:8 NLT: “The night that Jesus was born, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.”

Let’s all pretend to be shepherds. The sheep are peaceful, quiet, down for the night. Everyone is relaxed, enjoying the serenity of nature. When all of a sudden this angel showed up! Big, audacious and scary! His first words are, “Be not afraid!” This messenger angel is friendly, bearing good news. “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem.”

Suddenly, he is joined by a chorus of other angels, all praising the Lord for sending a Savior to the Hebrew people. The shepherd’s curiosity got the best of them, and soon they were off to Bethlehem to see the baby for themselves. They were told to look for an infant, swaddled, lying in a manger, and that’s exactly what they found!

We’ve all seen Christmas pageants with the manger and Jesus in the center, Mary and Joseph right behind them, three shepherds on one side and three wise men on the other. It stages well, but it’s not too accurate, so let’s dispel some myths. The group of shepherds was probably 8-20 men. They could have been pungent as they’d been living with sheep. They never met the wise men, who arrived as much as two years later. They were following a star, and stars don’t move very fast. We don’t know the number of wise men, only that there were three gifts.

But wouldn‘t it have been fun to join the Holy Family in welcoming their Son, our Redeemer? Wouldn’t it have been exciting to celebrate the first Christmas with the shepherds? It’s such a big deal, we reenact it each year! Merry Christmas!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

For the Lord!

For Tuesday, December 23, 2025:

Luke 2:23 NLT: “The law of the Lord says, ‘If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.’”

Here’s what the Lord said back in Exodus 13:2: “Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.” Notice that when something is really important and God wants you to “get it,” he says it twice. So the example in Luke is actually the third time God emphasized this principle.

Mary and Joseph were obedient. They had seen and heard angels and had first-hand experience with a mysterious pregnancy. There was no doubt that this baby is special, and that God is “in” these events. Of course, they would dedicate the youth to the Lord. That’s what God said to do! Little did they know that their baby was the great I Am! So … dedicating God to God? Seems kind of silly, kind of redundant. It makes sense, though, to dedicate the God on earth to the purposes of the God in Heaven. They worshiped the Lord, and the baby was named Jesus (by the angel) – God is salvation. They had not yet been told of a Holy Spirit.

Notice that God doesn’t get any one of the kids somewhere down the line. He gets the first. God gets the first-fruits of the harvest. Your tithe should be the first 10%, not the last. And who gets trained to execute the Lord’s work here on earth? The firstborn son. God should always be #1 on our distribution lists.

Also realize that loyal, obedient believers are #1 on God’s list. Believers have their sins forgiven and have been handed a ticket to the hereafter. You see, loyalty and obedience are rewarded, but not always in the way we might expect. The Hebrew people are chanting, “Rescue us from Roman domination.”

Jesus is promising, “Your sins are forgiven.” Romans are a short blip on the screen of Hebrew history. Jesus’ offer puts us in a better place for eternity.

Pick one!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Love vs Hate!

December 22, 2025, Monday Message:

John 15:24 NLT, Jesus speaking: “If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father.”

People are fickle. Their attitudes toward others swing back and forth like a pendulum. We excitedly welcome a new baby, but may grow to hate them later in life. Sometimes that behavior is justified; sometimes, not.

On the church calendar, we draw close to Christmas, celebrating the birth of our savior. Believers had waited over 700 years for the prophesied Messiah. Angels told us that Jesus was the one! God doesn’t send His Messenger Angels on a fool’s errand. If the message is heaven-sent, it’s true!

Here’s what’s odd. Fishermen, laborers and even a tax collector became believers. Priests, religious teachers and Temple leaders never got on the Jesus bandwagon. They weren’t prepared to worship a triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That concept was new, a deviation from their present theology. They thought they had it all figured out. They did not!

I believe power and money stood in the way of a sound decision. Yes, Jesus taught at the Temple, but only in the outer courtyards. He was never accepted into the inner circle of Temple leadership. Furthermore, if Jesus taught and people brought tithes, they were supporting Jesus and his disciples, not the Temple treasury.

Jesus is declaring unbelievers guilty, guilty of not using their eyes, ears and the brain God gave them. If you consider all the miracles and healings performed by Jesus, there is only one logical conclusion: That Jesus is indeed the heaven-sent Messiah. We later discern that he is the Son of God, and his mission is the rescue of mankind.

Today is the accepted day to commit or re-commit yourself to following and believing in God’s Son Jesus. If you consider all the well-documented evidence, you can only reach one conclusion: That Jesus is the key to life after this life. He was sent by the Father to bring us home!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Angels & Shepherds!

 Daily message of hope...For Tuesday, December 9, 2025:

Luke 2:8 NLT: “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.”

Being a shepherd was a challenging job. The sheep had to be guarded 24/7. Their enemies were wolves and bears, also foe to the human shepherds! On their own, sheep would stay in one place, eating the grass into the ground until there was nothing left. So each day required herding the sheep to new pasture. At night, shepherds could catch some zzzs by bedding down with the sheep, and they soon smelled just like sheep. A couple shepherds always had to stay awake, keeping the night watch for dangerous critters. If there was an incident, they would wake the others, and everyone would be up all night!

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, the night silence was broken when an angel appeared to the shepherds. Heaven’s glory radiated from the angel, who spoke the standard greeting: “Be not afraid!” He explained, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” That angel was joined by a host of others, the angel armies of heaven, praising God! My Bible doesn’t say they sang, but they could have!

The shepherds jumped up immediately and headed into town. They wanted to see for themselves this miracle delivered by Father God!

What an incredible time to have been alive!

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

His Name is John!

For Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Luke 1:63 NLT: “Zechariah motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, ‘His name is John.’”

Zechariah had been rendered mute after questioning the angel’s ability to bring God’s miracle of a son to fruition. And now they find themselves at the eight-day circumcision, and we need a name for that baby boy. Elizabeth, the mom, said to call him “John.” There was no relative in their family named John, and children were traditionally named in honor of an ancestor. So the mohel demanded verification from the dad. Zechariah wrote, “His name is John.” Immediately, Zechariah’s ability to speak returned.

Their friends and neighbors were in awe! First, the miracle of childbirth. Elizabeth had been barren throughout her life, and Zechariah was well past the age of fathering children. Then an encounter with an angel, a promise from God that came true, and Zechariah losing his voice and regaining it immediately after following the angel’s instructions for naming! With his newly found speaking voice, he began praising God!

Nowadays we have newspapers, radio, TV and the internet. But back then, word-of-mouth was the only way to spread the news. All throughout the Judean hills, word moved quickly. The names Zechariah, Elizabeth and John were on the tips of everyone’s tongues. It was obvious that God’s hand was on this special family. Everyone asked, “What will this child turn out to be?”

We know this child as John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus, God’s only Son! And Jesus is God’s gift to mankind!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Obedient and Thankful!

For Sunday, November 30, 2025:

Luke 1:46-47 NLT: Mary responded: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”

Mary was both obedient and thankful. This young woman finds herself with child, never having been with a man. Strange situation! She is about to marry Joseph. How’s that going to look to all the neighborhood gossips? God would have to send his messenger angel again to explain the situation to Joseph!

Gabriel had told her that the child would be known as the Son of God. That convinces Mary that this is a good thing. She’s awestruck at being chosen by the Lord. This simple woman has been given a huge honor! May those gossiping shut their mouths! Mary could get away, perhaps visit her cousin Elizabeth for a while. Elizabeth had been visited by an angel too, and was pregnant with John the Baptist.

Thankfulness flowed out of Mary as she prayed the Magnificat, her song of praise for being honored by God. (Luke 1:46-55) The Lord has a unique task for each of us, and we should all get ready to serve. We should be obedient, and – just like Mary – we should be filled with gratitude for what we have been given.

God is good!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Angel

For Friday, November 21, 2025:

Luke 1:11 NLT: “While Zechariah was in the Temple sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar.”

Luke is setting us up for Advent, preparing us for the arrival of the Messiah Jesus. Z-man was burning incense in tribute to God, when an angel appeared. Friends, angels aren’t like those little statuettes you see at Hallmark. In reality, angels are called Heaven’s Angel-Armies, big, strong and ferocious. Scary.

When someone sees an angel, the first thing they do is tremble with fear. The first thing the angel says is, “Be not afraid!”

The angel brings a message from the Lord: “God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. He will bring you great joy and gladness!” John? No one in our family is named ‘John!’

Notice that God’s gift to Z & E will also meet the Lord’s needs. “John will be great in the eyes of the Lord, never touching alcohol. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. He will turn many Israelites to the Lord. John will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” We could use a dose of that nowadays!

Zechariah, like many of us, is quite confused and a little short on faith. “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”

The angel seems a little put out with all the queries. I think he’s unaccustomed to his word being questioned. “I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.” Gabriel’s faith is flawless. He fully expects God to deliver what he promised!

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them! Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.

When Zechariah’s week of service in the Temple was over, he returned home. And soon afterward his wife became pregnant, just like God said. She went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” Back then, women were (unfairly) expected to bring children into the family, and Elizabeth’s burden had been lifted by God.

So we pray, God, please give us more patience than Zechariah. Give us faith like Gabriel. And let us show the gratitude of Elizabeth for all God does for us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Merry Christmas!

For Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:32 NLT, Simeon praising baby Jesus at the Temple: “He (Jesus) is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Who is this stable-born baby? Let’s have a look.

An angel had appeared to both Mary and Joseph explaining the pregnancy even though Mary had never been with a man. Maybe IVF, I dunno... Then an angel and later a chorus of angels spoke to shepherds, telling them to go into town, Bethlehem, and find a baby in a manger. A bright star later led Magi to visit this newborn. Then Jesus was brought to the Temple, circumcised, and as a first-born male, was dedicated to the Lord.

If there was ever any doubt, Simeon pins down the answer. He was a devout believer who had been told that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah, the one to rescue Israel. Sure enough, this all came together at the Temple. Simeon took the baby in his arms, saying he could now die in peace as he had seen the heaven-sent Messiah, the Savior of mankind. The Bible says that the Messiah would come through the Israelites, but that he was the Savior for the whole world, including you and me. We should all rejoice that God, in his wisdom, provided forgiveness for our sins and made a way for believers to return to him in the eternal kingdom.

In spite of their previous spirit-filled encounters, Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship