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

Jericho!

For Sunday, November 16, 2025:

Hebrews 11:30 NLT: “It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.”

God called Canaan “The Promised Land” and “the land of milk and honey.” He had rescued his people, the Hebrew people, from Egyptian slavery and brought them across the Jordan. The first obstacle to be conquered was the city of Jericho, where they had locked the gates of the city’s protective wall.

God gave Joshua the formula for victory, but it sounds ridiculous nowadays. They needed a big bunch of faith to trust in God’s absurd plan: “March around that wall for six days, and on the seventh, play your trumpets. Sound your shofars! Make a mighty sound that praises the Lord, and the walls will crumble.” It all happened just the way God said, and the Hebrews emerged victorious in the battle of Jericho. With God, anything is possible.

Believers attend churches. We join communities where God is honored, trusted and praised. The Creator is the object of our praise. Decide now what time you need to leave to get to church on time. See you there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom

More Faith!

For Saturday, February 10, 2024:

Mark 10:48b NLT, Blind Bartimaeus shouting to Jesus: “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

People were learning who Jesus was and what he could do. So large crowds followed him from place to place, this time on the road to Jericho, just to see what might happen.

Blind Bartimaeus had his begging spot along this road, and when the people told him Jesus was on the way, he shouted, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Some thought he should be quiet and not bother Jesus, but Jesus, who often does the unexpected, called the man to him.

In his enthusiasm to meet Jesus, Bartimaeus ran, throwing his coat aside. That’s significant, because the coat was probably his most prized possession. Since he was a beggar, he probably didn’t have a home, probably slept on the street, and that coat kept him alive on cold nights.

Jesus inquired. “What do you want me to do for you?” Duh! As if it wasn’t obvious. But Jesus wanted everyone present to hear the request.

"I want to see!”

Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he joined the throng following Jesus down the road!

Once again, a better life happens because of faith!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship