Help When Needed!

For Sunday, July 12, 2026:

Luke 6:10-11 NLT: “Jesus looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, ‘Hold out your hand.’ So the man held out his hand, and it was instantly restored! At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.”

In this scenario, Jesus is teaching the religious elite a lesson in kindness. According to Jesus, every day – even the Sabbath – is the right day to be nice!

Jesus had the power of healing, and as it turns out, this man needed his hand fixed. It could have been next Tuesday or Thursday, but as it was, this was the Sabbath. Jesus wasn’t concerned with what day it was. The important principle is that this man needed help, and Jesus was available. The hand was restored!

Kindness and helpfulness don’t just happen on specific days. The command to love our neighbors doesn’t have any particular day attached to it. Nor should the day of the week preclude being nice!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Sabbath Explained!

For Friday, March 31, 2023:

Matthew 12:10 NLT: “The Pharisees asked Jesus, ‘Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?’ (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)”

Jesus was clearly heaven-sent, easily performing miracles never-before witnessed. So why would the Pharisees plot against him? I believe their motives were money and power. If people were worshiping Jesus, they weren’t at the Temple and their tithes would be missing too!

On the Sabbath, we are to set aside our normal work. This is the Lord’s day! Don’t go to the office or your store that day. This day is dedicated to God, who wisely took a day of rest following creation.

But Jesus is bringing clarity to that Law. Remember we are also to love our neighbors, which includes being helpful. The Sabbath day should not preclude our being kind and helpful to our fellows. He stated, “Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”

Jesus healed the man, repaired his deformed hand, right there in the Synagogue in front of everyone! That may have sealed his fate, but it was the right thing to do!

Jesus always did the right thing!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship