Our Father, Our Teacher!

For Friday, December 19, 2025:

Hebrews 12:9 NLT: “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?”

In spite of what they think, children don’t know everything. They need to be taught right from wrong, good from bad, and Godly from evil. As we raise children, they will test us. “Can I get away with this?” No!,

As believers, we have voluntarily joined a new family. We have become Children of God. Jesus said to refer to God as “Our Father,” and a Father’s job description includes teaching His children the rights and wrongs in life. We wind up being better people because of His efforts!

So don’t become discouraged if life isn’t always a bed of roses. Our Father may need to discipline us from time to time. His promise of a loyalty reward comes in the next life. Remember, the first will be last. The last get to move to the front of the line! Thank you, Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Choose Sides!

For Thursday, November 21, 2024:

Psalm 12:5 NIV: “’Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’”

Psalms are like the hymnal or prayer book of the bible. At one point, this psalm was probably sung in corporate worship, a church service. Everyone knew the words and the melody, and agreed with the message.

In Psalm 12, our Creator has chosen sides. Those who are under-resourced, in great need and beaten up in this world require and deserve God’s favor. God tends to even things out. If someone is given much in this life and thinks too highly of themselves, they’ll be taken down a notch in the next life. Likewise, someone who loves the Lord but struggles in this life will be lifted up in the next.

If God has chosen sides, so should we. This falls under the heading of, “Love your neighbor.” It’s easy to love the popular neighbor, the one everybody loves. But we must be intentional about loving those who are down and out, those needing extra love and care. Jesus always mentioned the poor and the widows and orphans. Apparently, God is on their side, and we should be too!

The first will be last, and the last will be first!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Repent!

For Friday, May 5, 2023:

Luke 18:14 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The recurring theme here is that the last will be first, and the first will be last. This is serious, because we’re talking about our permanent destination in the hereafter. Jesus is comparing a confident Pharisee with a repentant tax collector.

In Jesus’ parable, the Pharisee doesn’t acknowledge that he is a sinner, so he’s not the least bit repentant. (He’s wrong – the Bible says that ALL have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory!) Whereas the tax collector confesses his wrongs and begs for forgiveness. Jesus tells us that the repentant tax collector will come out on top!

Think about it: The Pharisee was exalting himself, telling God how good he was, while the tax collector was confessing before God just how bad he was. God, through his Son Jesus, can forgive any sin if we confess!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship