Do What Jesus Did!

For Thursday, April 9, 2026:

Mark 16:17-18 NLT, Jesus speaking: “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes safely, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

Once again, Jesus has separated the sheep from the goats. There are only two types of people in this world: believers and unbelievers. Jesus says that those who refuse to believe will be condemned. End of story. But those who believe will be blessed with the ability to continue doing what Jesus himself had been doing. He wants us to love our neighbors and bring joy into the world!

Notice that the first mention is the casting out of demons. As Jesus’ work is documented in our Gospels, this was often his first order of business. Satan’s demons are likely the root cause of many of the problems we witness. Since they live in the Spirit realm and can’t be seen, many of us fail to perceive the problem. Jesus never skipped this step. Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that Satan is on holiday. He’ll happily keep us miserable until the end of the age. Remember, Mary Magdalene became one of Jesus’ most enthusiastic supporters, but not until he sent away the seven demons holding her back!

I’ve decided not to personally test the snakes and poison thing. But I have laid hands on the sick. God once told me that healing would begin in two days, and like clockwork, 48 hours later, my phone rang saying the patient had a radical turnaround! I’ve concluded that the world would be a better place if there were more Christians in it doing what Jesus did!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Snakes and Scorpions?

For Friday, May 16, 2025:

Luke 11:11-12 NLT, Jesus speaking: “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not!”

In your mind’s eye, picture Jesus saying these words. I see him smiling. Jesus has already made his point about Yahweh being a God of supply and provision. He’d already taught ask, seek and knock. Now he’s giving over-the-top examples that should elicit at least a chuckle from those present! Nowadays, we might refer to his words as a “Dad joke!” The human side of Jesus was just a regular guy with a sense of humor! If you met him, you’d like him and want to hang out with him!

Snakes and scorpions? No one would really do such a thing. Other manuscripts include children asking for bread, and the dad giving them a stone. That’s a little more down-to-earth – no scary animals – but no parent would would actually do that either.

And speaking of parents, Jesus said that God should be thought of as “Our Father in heaven!” This isn’t meant to sideline our earthly parents. We’re still to honor our Mothers and Fathers. (Commandment #5)

Jesus came to earth to be a friend of mankind. He came to take the sins of the world to the place of the dead. He came to rescue us, to redeem our souls, to personally usher us into the hereafter. Jesus (God) wants to no longer be unreachable. After all, the curtain separating God from mankind was torn, top to bottom. We can now interact directly with God Almighty!

Worship should be fun, enjoyable. Spending time with God should be something we all anticipate with gladness. I want to be a friend of Jesus. If he talks about giving children a scorpion, I’m gonna laugh like crazy!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Spiritual Gifts!

For Thursday, May 1, 2025:

Mark 16:17-18 NLT: “These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

These verses have invited controversy for centuries. Let’s clear up a few things. #1–Not every believer will receive the gift of speaking in tongues or of understanding what is being said. That’s why any time someone speaks in tongues during a church service, we’re supposed to translate or interpret for those without that gift. I knew a very righteous man, friendly to a fault. He’d stand at the church door with his hand out, welcoming both newcomers and lifelong Christians. He saw others speaking in tongues and prayed for that gift, but it was not to be. I believe his gift was keeping things simple for the new Christian, and no one loved their neighbor more than this guy! I expect that he’s in heaven today. The work he did for the Lord did not require that skill!

#2–Don’t handle snakes and don’t drink poison! Duh! God can offer protection if something bad happens accidentally, but don’t do it on purpose. Jesus said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Never put on a religious “show,” challenging God to respond. And don’t refuse treatment. The anti-venom may be God’s way of saving your life!

#3–Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and preach the Good News. That’s what Jesus said to do, and those instructions aren’t just for Pastors. These are skills available to every Christian believer. It’s called: “The Priesthood of All Believers!”

Never underestimate what you can accomplish with Jesus on your side!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship