Miracle Source!

For Thursday, April 16, 2026:

John 12:17-18 NLT: “Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were testifying about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign.”

Jesus could perform miracles, and miracles impress people. Many were in Jerusalem for Passover, hence the large crowds. They had traveled to experience religious things, and all the buzz was about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Everyone was impressed, but it was kind of like they all had attended a magic show. They worshiped the miracle itself, but not where it came from, who did it, why they did it and who that person is.

Jesus intentionally took his time traveling to Martha and Mary’s house, arriving after Lazarus had died. “O Lord, if only you had been here,” cried the women. They’re thinking in earthly terms. Knowing what we now know about Jesus, he could have healed Lazarus from far away. But to Jesus, this needed to be an event. This was about showcasing the glory of the Lord. He wanted Lazarus clearly dead before calling him out of the tomb – a BIG miracle! Perhaps then people would recognize that this was heaven-sent, and that Jesus was God’s only Son!

Friends, don’t just appreciate the miracle, the event itself. Worship the supernatural entity that brought the miracle to fruition. Worship God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – as they bestow miracle after miracle on believers!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Faith: Give and Receive!

For Wednesday, November 19, 2025:

Hebrews 11:33a NLT: “By faith these believers overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them.”

True believers know that with God, anything is possible – and oftentimes illogical! How could the Red Sea part, leaving a dry path for believers, and then come back together just in time to drown those pursuing them? Only God! And if God is changing Canaan into Israel, wouldn’t you expect some push-back from those already residing there? Nope! The Israelites simply marched around Jericho’s city-wall for a week, and then blew their shofars. Afraid, Jericho’s residents abandoned everything and ran for the hills! Only God!

Every hero in the Bible is an example of their faith in the Lord being a good decision, including those who trusted God’s promise of a Messiah. God doesn’t lie, and sure enough, Jesus arrived to walk among us. Mankind’s impatience almost got the best of us, but God’s timing is always the best. Jesus could teach, preach and heal when necessary. Those who watched him were amazed! They knew Jesus was heaven-sent, and they were awed even more by believers performing those same miracles: healing the sick, raising the dead, curing those with leprosy and casting out demons.

Remember, God loves us and Jesus loves us. God was a step ahead of today’s motivational speakers, counseling us to delegate to others rather than trying to do everything ourselves. Believers aren’t operating alone; they’ve signed on to the “Jesus Team!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Heaven-Sent!

For Friday, April 11, 2025:

John 16:7 NIV, Jesus speaking: “It is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate [Counselor, Comforter, Encourager] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”

I’m always amazed at the quantity of teaching that took place between Palm Sunday and Good Friday. There’s a boat load of knowledge believers must have so that they can remain locked in after Jesus returns to the Father. He said, “I am returning to the one who sent me,” so we have no doubt as to Jesus’ origin.

"The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.” If we critically examine Jesus’ time on earth, it’s quite obvious that he’s heaven-sent. We should absolutely believe a truth-telling miracle worker. It must have been frustrating for Jesus when eyewitnesses refused to commit, refused to buck the status quo. They were afraid of what others might think, including Synagogue leaders and Pharisees. Confessed sin can be blotted out by Jesus’ work on the cross, but an additional sin is not entrusting Jesus with this task.

There will be judgment when we die and enter the next reality. The judge will find believers not guilty, their penalty having already been paid by the Son. Unbelievers, those of the world, will fall in with the prince of this world, Satan, who has already been judged.

Thank you, Jesus, for thoroughly teaching us prior to your departure. We’ll be eternally grateful!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Heaven-sent!

For Saturday, February 25, 2023:

Matthew 8:28 NLT: “Jesus responded, ‘Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!’ Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.”

Jesus had put in a full day’s work. Tomorrow he wanted to continue his ministry on the other side of the lake. So as the boat got going, Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly a fierce storm struck the lake with big waves, threatening to wrack the ship. The disciples feared for their lives and awakened their leader.

With a few simple words Jesus calmed the storm, but this was a teaching moment about faith. I can almost hear him saying, “Do you really think the Lord would let his Son drown in a little storm on a lake? Really?”

I believe the disciples’ faith increased because of this incident. They asked, “Who is this man? Even the winds and waves obey him!” The evidence keeps pointing to the fact that Jesus was heaven-sent.

We all need to answer the question, “Who is this man?” As we read about his life, Jesus exposes more and more evidence, and we are to know who he is through faith. All evidence points to the fact that he’s God’s Son, the promised Messiah.

We are saved by grace through faith – faith in who Jesus is and believing that he can do what he said he would do – forgive our sins, thereby making us acceptable to spend eternity in God’s presence!

Who do you say he is?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Hope for the World!

For Sunday, September 19, 2021

Luke 1:31 NLT: “Mary, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.”

An angel of the Lord was delivering this message to Mary. In fact he was delivering hope to the world!

Omniscient God knows his plans for the future. This Jesus, yet to be born, will heal some people and teach God’s ways. But the most important part of his mission will be his bodily sacrifice, thereby paying the penalty for all the sin in the world. Jesus is being heaven-sent to offer forgiveness and redemption to all who call his name!

You can go to church today and personally thank him!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406