Family Biz!

For Thursday, June 11, 2026:

John 15:23 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Anyone who hates me also hates my Father.”

This spiritual battle with the world is family business. Jesus defends Father God just as God keeps a heavenly hand on his Son. They’re inseparable. They’re family!

Believers are included in that Holy Family. John wrote, “To all who believed Jesus and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” And Jesus taught us to pray to “our Father in heaven.”

We should not be passive in defending our Holy Family. Active participants get a lot more done! We can testify about the goodness of the Father and his Son. We can advocate for God’s Laws as a better way to live. We can (gently) identify false religions as such, explaining how they’re off track.

All the work required for our eternal salvation was done by Jesus on the cross. Salvation came to mankind as a free gift courtesy of the Most High. This Assurance of Salvation is a major plank in the Christian platform. No other religion has this! Proudly tell others!

Our extended family is incredibly large, and yet there’s always room for a few more. People often arrive at churches when they’re down and out. Our love, kindness and sharing are some of the factors that draw people in. There is therefore agreement that Christians are a good family, a good way to live. People like what they see, and want to become a part of it.

Earthly families can have multiple children, just as our heavenly family always has room for one more. Have you been instrumental in adding anyone to our family? I hope so!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Children of God!

For Saturday, May 9, 2026:

Romans 8:19 NLT: “All creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.”

John writes about believers being adopted into the Holy Family, becoming “Children of God.” We’ll get to meet our true Father in the life after this life. And what a glorious day that will be!

Jesus has prepared a place for us in the hereafter, so he’ll be glad to see us. His Father will be pleased. But joy goes deeper than that. This scripture says that “All Creation” is eagerly awaiting our arrival, when the holy family all comes together!

That day is in the future, but it’s closer than you think, so prepare yourself. Be prepared for the life after this life. Be prepared to meet the Father and his Son in person! Blessings!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Abba, Father!

For Friday, May 8, 2026:

Romans 8:15 NLT: “You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’”

A spirit occupying a human body is more common than you think. The bad ones are demons, sent by Satan to get us off track. Most people don’t talk about it nowadays, but Jesus would repeatedly cast out demons, so we need to take notice of this.

In a way, becoming a believer, a Christian, is trading a bad spirit for a good one. Evil thoughts and deeds depart, replaced by the Holy Spirit of God himself. When filled with the Holy Spirit, we become children of God, adopted into the holy family. Jesus taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven...”

Believers are no longer tied to the evil one. When tempted, we can tell that spirit, “Don’t waste your time. I’m a child of God!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Family Business!

For Friday, May1, 2026:

Romans 8:14 NLT: “All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”

In this life, we don’t get to choose our families. We stick with them not because they’re always desirable, but because they’re blood-relatives. You may have heard that blood is thicker than water, meaning that family ties are strong. But what if you could choose your family? In a way, we can!

Believers have been adopted into the holy family. John writes, “But to all who believed Jesus and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” Since we can choose to follow Jesus, we can choose to be members of his family. We are “born again” into the family of God!

We used to sing a song with the words, “Come join the family, the family of God.” That implies more than just joining a church or aligning with a denomination. There’s really only one church, the church of Jesus the Messiah. That’s the family to join. Jesus’ invitation is open!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Healing Messiah!

Daily message of hope...
For Wednesday, February 25, 2026:

Matthew 4:23 NLT: “Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.”

As he gathered his disciples, Jesus continued his ministry around Galilee. Tradition said that if a guest showed up to worship in a Synagogue, he would be invited to speak. Jesus had plenty to say!

He could tell the people to repent and return to the Lord. He could explain God’s willingness to forgive all who would call him Lord and Savior. He could explain that he was God’s Son, God’s representative on earth. He could share the knowledge that believers become Children of God, eligible for residence in the Heavenly Kingdom. He could explain assurance of salvation!

Jesus would take as much time as needed to heal all who needed healing. No disease or illness was higher than the prayers of God’s Son. Jesus would oftentimes begin by casting out the demons, which were the root of the problem. No demon is higher than God’s Son.

People were quick to notice the healings and would tell others. Although they had no television, no newspapers and no internet, somehow the word spread swiftly. Soon, all who needed healing were being brought to Jesus. He healed them all, even though that wasn’t his purpose in coming to earth.

Soon, large crowds were following Jesus around, people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem – people from all over Judea, even those east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew people had been expecting a Messiah, and here was Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship
The Father’s House
Truth and Freedom Church

Our Father, Our Teacher!

For Friday, December 19, 2025:

Hebrews 12:9 NLT: “Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?”

In spite of what they think, children don’t know everything. They need to be taught right from wrong, good from bad, and Godly from evil. As we raise children, they will test us. “Can I get away with this?” No!,

As believers, we have voluntarily joined a new family. We have become Children of God. Jesus said to refer to God as “Our Father,” and a Father’s job description includes teaching His children the rights and wrongs in life. We wind up being better people because of His efforts!

So don’t become discouraged if life isn’t always a bed of roses. Our Father may need to discipline us from time to time. His promise of a loyalty reward comes in the next life. Remember, the first will be last. The last get to move to the front of the line! Thank you, Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Children of God!

For Sunday, October 12, 2025:

John 14:21 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Have you ever seen an ancestry chart, a family tree? It looks like this. The subject person is in the middle. Two parents’ names go on the left, branching out into four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, etc. until all the known ancestors are listed. Children go on the right, followed by grandchildren and, God willing, great-grandchildren. It can get complicated!

Jesus simplified our spiritual family tree. We know him, love and obey him. And because we love Jesus, his Father will love us, and that’s the end of our spiritual family tree! Believers have been adopted into the Holy Family. And Jesus will reveal more and more to those who claim him as their Savior, to members of the Holy Family. Disobedient souls are disinterested souls, and Jesus won’t waste time on them.

Jesus said, “Since I live, you also will live.” Jesus always speaks the truth, and that’s our blessed assurance of a life after this life in the presence of God Almighty. That knowledge should fill us with eager anticipation! So open your eyes and look forward to it!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Sadducee Errors!

For Friday, October 10, 2025:

Luke 20:27 NLT: “Next, Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead.”

Apparently, the Sadducees were taking their queue from the Pharisees, trying to coerce Jesus into making a statement that would dethrone him. It’s safe to say that at that time, no one in religious authority had anything good to say about Jesus. They had religion all worked out in their minds. There was orderliness to their sacrificial system, and Jesus was rocking the boat with this New Covenant idea. But trying to trap him was futile. Jesus knew all the right answers!

The Sadducees (who didn’t believe in an afterlife) presented Jesus the following scenario: If a husband died, the custom was for his brother to marry the widow and father a son with her to carry on the deceased brother’s line. In their example, the men kept dying. There were seven brothers in all, so their question was, “In the afterlife, whose wife would she be?” After all, she was legitimately married to all seven, but at different times.

Jesus clarified what things would be like in the life after this life. “Marriage is for people here on earth. But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.” And one more thing: “They will never die again. In this respect, they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.”

Jesus wanted the Sadducees to realign their thinking. Believe not what you’ve decided – believe only the truth Jesus taught, truth from the Bible. Christians should already be aligned with their Savior! Christians are God’s children. Jesus said so!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Let There Be Light!

For Wednesday, August 6, 2025:

John 12:36a NLT, Jesus, warning about the end times: “Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

We don’t know what we don’t know. We don’t know how much time remains in our world, because we don’t know the total amount of time left on God’s countdown clock. Jesus said that only the Father knows! Therefore, we must be perpetually prepared to transition into the next reality.

God created mankind with a brain and the freedom to make our own choices.
The Bible frequently speaks of good as being in the light, whereas evil lives in darkness. Jesus is counseling those assembled to trust in the light. Hang out with the good guys. Stay far away from trouble. John’s Gospel tells us that the one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, came into our world. And to all who believe in him and accept him, he gave the right to become children of God.

Believers get to live in the light with assurance of salvation. Those living in darkness have no idea where they’re headed!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Gospels!

For Tuesday, April 22, 2025:

John 20:31 NLT: “This (the Gospel of John) is all written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have (eternal) life by the power of his name.”

John may have been the disciple closest to Jesus. He is referred to as “the disciple that Jesus loved.” Of course, Jesus loved them all, but John was special. While on the cross, Jesus entrusted John with caring for Mary, his earthly mother.

John’s is the last Gospel written, which would have allowed him more time to get his thoughts together, and in fact his writings include information not found in the other three Gospels. John’s Gospel is often suggested as a good place for new Christians to begin reading.

That we have any of the Gospels speaks to the obedience of their authors. Jesus didn’t want his journey to earth and his monumental sacrifice for the souls of mankind to not be remembered. He commanded us to share this Good News with all nations, all people, and these four narratives of Jesus’ life, events and spoken words are the cornerstones of our faith.

John tells us that Jesus came into the very world he created. And to all who believed Jesus and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God, adopted into the Holy Family, brothers and sisters of our Savior. Believers are reborn, and that’s a good thing!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Walk in the Light!

For Tuesday, April 15, 2025:

John 12:36 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

Jesus, God and heavenly things are light. Satan, demons and all evil are darkness. Addressing the crowd, Jesus shows that he still has a sense of humor, stating the obvious in a “duh” moment: “Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going!”

Ever the evangelist, Jesus is recruiting for his team until the end. For him, sharing the Good News is a 24/7 task. That job has been reassigned to today’s believers. We’re to make disciples of all nations. Jesus has delayed his return so we can add to our number. He wants to give everyone the chance to have an abundant life after this life!

The Apostle John, arguably Jesus’ best friend, said it best: “To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God,” daughters and sons of the Most High! We’ve been adopted into the Holy Family!

Walk in the light!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Designed to be Included!

For Friday, January 3, 2025:

Genesis 1:27 NLT: “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Things created alike tend to stick together. For example, most birds fly south for the winter, but we don’t find mallards in the same flying V with geese. A herd of sheep is just that – sheep! Don’t look for horses among the sheep. (Sheep chew grass right down to the roots! There’d be nothing left to sustain the horses!) Creepy-crawly things stay closer to the ground, and no one wants to live alongside bears and alligators! They keep to themselves. Fish live in schools and dolphins travel in pods, each sticking with their own kind.

God created mankind in His image, after His own kind. So friends, we were designed from the ground up to be members of God’s family, included in God’s community. I remember singing: “Come join the family, the family of God.” That’s a good idea, but we don’t have to JOIN – we’ve already been designed that way! Jesus taught us to pray to “our Father in heaven,” and he wasn’t wrong! Our heavenly Father loves us, cares for us and wants nothing but the best for us! He wants to include us in all that he is doing.

We are blessed to be included in the family of God. God, in His wisdom, intentionally designed us that way!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Open Hearts!

For Tuesday, October 22, 2024:

1 John 5:20 NLT: “We know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.”

Believers are blessed! Our eyes have been opened to truth about our Creator and our path to salvation. Unbelieving prophets and kings may desire to know the Lord, but seeking is as close as they get. Believers need to know that God is far more important than they are. Humble is required!

Christians do our best to make disciples of all nations, but we’d be powerless without the Holy Spirit first opening the hearts of prospective believers. First the Holy Spirit, then the Gospel. That’s the only way evangelism works!

Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” so knowing Jesus is like knowing God. Their instructions for how we are to live our lives are the same. Their values are the same. Jesus never contradicts our Father in Heaven. Jesus is God’s Son, and like him, believers become children of God. We’re brethren, all on the same team, all loving God almighty and obediently serving!

Our God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – love mankind, so much so that Jesus would sacrifice his human life to redeem our souls. Believers have been forgiven, prepared by Jesus himself for eternal life in the Heavenly realm.

Welcome to the family!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Family of God!

For Saturday, October 12, 2024:

1 John 5:1 NLT: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too.”

God commanded that we are to honor our parents, but what if that doesn’t work out? I frequently read about problems in families because of absentee fathers, where there is no male leader to set an example for the youth or to make them toe the line. I’ve read of drug-addicted moms who chose to pursue their sin and then left the kids behind. Sometimes there are no parents to honor. What then?

Did you ever consider choosing your own family? I know, it sounds ridiculous, but people in churches call each other “brother” and “sister” for a reason. We can choose people with whom to do life, and believers have indeed signed up for this new family. Believers are “children of God,” adopted into the Holy Family and given all the rights and privileges of natural-born sons or daughters.

We’ll fit right in, because the family we choose shares our values. We all believe Jesus is the Son of the Living God. We believe that Jesus is the only way, the truth and path to eternal life.

Jesus arranged to forgive our sins, and will prepare a place for us in the hereafter. It’s a great family!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Messiah!

For Friday, September 27, 2024:

1 John 4:2 MSG: “Here’s how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God.”

As the end times draw near, the Bibles says that the number of false preachers will increase. It seems that many want to stake out a piece of the action, especially Satan! It’s his last chance!

While we’re generally told that there is no reason to question or to test God and his inspired Word, we’re told quite the opposite here. “Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God.”

Fill your mind with truth and reject everything that doesn’t conform. Believers are adopted into the Holy Family as children of the Most High, so we need to intentionally integrate God’s family values into our lives. Remember, truth is our Father’s opinion on everything!

The truth for which we are looking is the story of Jesus’ life. He came to earth as a little baby in a human body. He died as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, giving believers access to the hereafter. Death could not hold him – he was resurrected, ascended back to the Father from whence he came and is eternal. Jesus is the prophesied Messiah.

Jesus is the key to truth. No Jesus – no truth!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Whose Children?

For Wednesday, September 18, 2024:

1 John 3:10 NLT: “So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.”

I’ve heard people caution others, “Don’t do that; it’s against the law!” The deed would be contrary to rules legislated by mankind. But are those the rules that really matter?

I almost never hear someone say, “Don’t do that; it’s a sin!” Friends, shouldn’t God’s laws be more important to us than mankind’s laws?

Sin in its simplest form is disrespect for God. God wants what’s best for us, but sinners think they know a better or different way. They don’t. Believers already know right from wrong because God’s laws are written on their hearts. They are children of God. Evildoers are children of the devil.

God allows us to choose sides, and we can easily tell who’s on one side and who’s on the other.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Holy Spirit Insight!

For Tuesday, September 17, 2024:

1 John 3:1 NLT: “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.”

The unceasing battle between good and evil is herein expressed as “Children of God” vs “Satan, prince of the world.” Because believers have the Holy Spirit, they perceive life differently than non-believers. Simply getting by in this world is the short-sighted goal of those who do not know the Lord. But this world as we know it will end, and those who do not know Jesus will end with it.

Believers know a much greater goal: Eternal life in the presence of our Father! The Holy Spirit points out the promises of Jesus to his loyal followers.

Because they lack the insight of the Holy Spirit, non-believers have no idea what they’re missing!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship