For Friday, March 27, 2026:

Luke 3:19-20 NLT: “John (the baptist) also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs Herod had done. So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.”

Notice the focus of John’s criticism. Not the governmental system, not the Roman army, not the prisons. In John’s eyes, what Herod had done wrong was marrying his brother’s wife. John is critical of Herod’s moral failure.

God’s plan is for one man and one woman to come together, and they become a family. This law is written on our hearts, so everybody already knows. Even hardened criminals whose personal mission is to live outside the law know not to take someone else’s wife.

John’s boldness landed him in prison and ultimately led to his demise. Interestingly, Herod liked John and sometimes listened to him proclaim the Good News. “The Kingdom of God is at hand!” The Messiah has arrived; turns out to be God’s Son! Herod was almost a Christian, but not quite. In the end, it was Herodias, the adulteress, who objected to John’s criticism and ordered his death.

Jesus says, “Don’t begin until you consider the cost.” There may be a cost for joining the Jesus team. John chose to stand up for God’s principles, and it eventually cost him his life. On the other hand, Peter lied, denying Jesus three times to save his own skin. He was destined to be the point person for the new Christian church, the Way. God wouldn’t accept “no” for an answer.

Count on God to guide you on your spiritual journey and give you the right answers!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Prisoners!

For Tuesday, January 20, 2026:

Hebrews 13:3a NLT: “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself.”

Some people belong in prison to ensure the safety of the rest of our population. Many seem to be inherently evil, filled with demons. Along with incarceration, an exorcism might be in order!

Or not! Some people are imprisoned unjustly, because of lies, false testimony or revenge agenda. They never belonged in prison in the first place. Others have repented of their wrongdoing and deserve forgiveness and a fresh start. That’s what Jesus would have us do.

What is the purpose of a prison? If it’s only to incarcerate people, it’s just a hole into which we pour money. There’s no ROI – return on our investment. But rehabilitated people can excel at their jobs, help grow our economy and become good neighbors. Our vision shouldn’t be to keep people in prisons; it should be to expedite the offender’s release! Our society needs to be more inclusive of the reformed.

If you were imprisoned, what would you expect life to be like? A former prisoner described it to me as “three hots and a cot!” – three meals a day and a place to sleep. Sounds boring to me. A day’s agenda should include helpful work at the institution, job training with specific skills added to the inmates’ repertoires, educational opportunities to get candidates at least a GED and perhaps some college credits, and of course Bible teaching, so their lives could progress in the Lord’s direction. Insist that prisoners set goals, and then celebrate their milestones!

Let us remember those in prison. We pray that they experience kindness, the way we would want life to be if we were there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Compassion!

For Wednesday, February 19, 2025:

Exodus 22:21 NLT: God’s words, telling Moses what he must teach the Israelites: “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”

We should all remember where we came from. If you were mistreated in Egypt, resolve to do better than the Egyptians did when foreigners enter your land.

Aliens walk a tightrope. They want to follow the traditions and rules from their homeland, but also honor the laws of the country where they now live. If someone does not follow the rules of their new country, they will not be welcomed.

What is your background? If you were ever in jail or prison, you should show compassion toward those who are incarcerated. If you were delivered from addiction, counsel and assist those still fighting the devil. If your life is pretty good, then freely share the Gospel with your fellows. They deserve to know Jesus just like you do!

You do know Jesus, don’t you?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Living or Dying?

April 22, 2024 Monday Message:

Philippians 1:23-24 NLT, Paul writing to the Philippian church: “I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.”

Paul lived during a time when death was a daily possibility. Disputes were settled with violence, executions were a daily occurrence, and Paul was sending this message from prison – not a positive scenario!

Ironically he was imprisoned for preaching salvation through Jesus the Christ. Romans claimed divinity for their current emperor; they considered preaching for Jesus to be preaching against Caesar, a crime worthy of arrest, imprisonment, and who knows what else!

I believe Paul was intelligent and well-educated, a seeker of truth. As a result of his beliefs, he could live or he could die. Paul considered both.

Most people are apprehensive about dying, but Paul’s faith gave him a deep-rooted belief in a heavenly destination in the next life. So to him, death wasn’t to be feared; it was something that we should anticipate joyfully! After all, believers get to spend eternity alongside Jesus in the presence of God! Suddenly dying looks like an attractive option! It doesn’t get any better than that for Paul personally!

But what’s better for evangelism, spreading the Good News about Jesus, and for the church? Paul writes, “To me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. If I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.” Wisely, Paul is leaving the choice in God’s hands. But clearly he’s looking forward to spending more time with Jesus!

Q: Do you fear death, or regard it as an opportunity? Paul advises that we trust the Lord to make that decision. God always knows what’s best!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship