Baptized!

For Tuesday, April 14, 2026:

Luke 3:21-22 NLT: One day, when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

This happened over 2k years ago. I’m amazed that with no telephones or texts, no radio or TV, no internet or Twitter, that somehow a crowd of people would hear that John the Baptist was once again in the Jordan River, advising people to repent and return. The crowd assembled, and John shouted, “The kingdom of God is at hand!” Oh, to have been in the crowd that day!

Jesus was present, and he stepped forward to be baptized. In a semi-private conversation, John said that Jesus should be baptizing him! After all, God’s Son didn’t need his sins washed away! He was sinless! But this was a lesson in obedience, honoring God the Father as Lord of your life. Jesus is said to be fully God and fully human, and the human side of him submitted to the Father as he walked on this Earth.

I wish I could have seen the dove descending upon Jesus and heard the voice of the Father. I imagine God’s voice to be big, booming and bold, but that’s just conjecture, not in the Bible.

Christians are to be baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. It matters little who leads the ceremony. This is a case where Jesus said, “Use my name!” That’s what’s important. Baptism is part of making disciples of all nations, Jesus’ final instructions before ascending into heaven.

He went on ahead to prepare a place for believers! Is your name on his “Things to do” list?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

For the Lord!

For Tuesday, December 23, 2025:

Luke 2:23 NLT: “The law of the Lord says, ‘If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.’”

Here’s what the Lord said back in Exodus 13:2: “Dedicate to me every firstborn among the Israelites. The first offspring to be born, of both humans and animals, belongs to me.” Notice that when something is really important and God wants you to “get it,” he says it twice. So the example in Luke is actually the third time God emphasized this principle.

Mary and Joseph were obedient. They had seen and heard angels and had first-hand experience with a mysterious pregnancy. There was no doubt that this baby is special, and that God is “in” these events. Of course, they would dedicate the youth to the Lord. That’s what God said to do! Little did they know that their baby was the great I Am! So … dedicating God to God? Seems kind of silly, kind of redundant. It makes sense, though, to dedicate the God on earth to the purposes of the God in Heaven. They worshiped the Lord, and the baby was named Jesus (by the angel) – God is salvation. They had not yet been told of a Holy Spirit.

Notice that God doesn’t get any one of the kids somewhere down the line. He gets the first. God gets the first-fruits of the harvest. Your tithe should be the first 10%, not the last. And who gets trained to execute the Lord’s work here on earth? The firstborn son. God should always be #1 on our distribution lists.

Also realize that loyal, obedient believers are #1 on God’s list. Believers have their sins forgiven and have been handed a ticket to the hereafter. You see, loyalty and obedience are rewarded, but not always in the way we might expect. The Hebrew people are chanting, “Rescue us from Roman domination.”

Jesus is promising, “Your sins are forgiven.” Romans are a short blip on the screen of Hebrew history. Jesus’ offer puts us in a better place for eternity.

Pick one!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Rewards for Obedience!

December 15, 2025, Monday Message:

John 15:16 NLT, Jesus speaking: “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.”

Obedience is rewarded. Jesus chose you to join his group of believers. He assigns task to each of us, according to our gifts and talents. He will not ask you to take on a job for which you lack the necessary skills. In other words, God’s asks are most certainly possible. He needs the job done, and we want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” See, this is gonna work out!

The last thing Jesus asked us to do is to make disciples of all nations. There are many pieces in that puzzle. Some of us are better at small, 1-on-1 encounters. Others are gifted at speaking to large groups. Some are gifted at teaching adults; others, children. Some have the gift of hospitality. They can make everyone feel welcome. Others plan and lead evangelical events.

No matter your skill set, the reward is the same. God will give us whatever we ask in Jesus’ name. Ask to spend eternity in God’s presence in His Heavenly Kingdom. That’s called Assurance of Salvation. Believers are adopted as children of God, so we can simply come home!

Lessons for your church: The lead soprano in the choir may not be able to cook. (Better left to the hospitality department!) Your talented maintenance man may have a gruff personality. (I know his first name!) Teenagers may not know how to clean the youth room; they need to be taught. (You made the mess – you clean it up! I’m not your mother!) A pastor who loves the Lord and loves people may not be gifted in public speaking. (I’ve seen that more times than you might think!) If the children need to put on a program, singing may not be the best option. They don’t all have that skill! Utilizing our God-given gifts honors the Lord who created us!

Don’t shirk your responsibility, and we’re all responsible for something. Remember, obedience is rewarded!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Friend of Jesus!

For Wednesday, December 10, 2025:

John 15:14 NLT, Jesus speaking: “You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Have you ever wanted to be one of the Apostles? Or at least a disciple who attended Jesus’ events and heard him speak? How do you become known as a friend of God?

As you might expect, nowadays it comes down to faith. Since Jesus returned to the Father, we can’t follow him around listening to his teaching. It’s our obedience to his commands that shows our commitment to friendship. Jesus (and his Father) gave us a model of how to live our lives. Our conformity to those instructions shows our level of friendship.

In this scripture, Jesus goes on to explain our friendship. He has confided in believers, teaching us what Father God taught him. We don’t confide in one another if we’re not friends. Therefore, each believer can proudly proclaim, “I am a friend of Jesus; I am a friend of God!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Faith = Obedience!

For Wednesday, October 29, 2025:

Hebrews 11:7 NLT: “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Noah was the laughingstock of his neighborhood. At that time, if people lived near a lake, they might have a raft or something the size of a rowboat. If you fished for a living, your boat might be three times that size, but still quite small by today’s standards. God had commanded Noah to construct a monstrosity! It would be as long as five football fields, 85 feet wide and 51 feet tall! A comedian joked that Noah’s wife kept shouting, “You get that thing out of the driveway!”

We call “that thing” Noah’s Ark. Suffice it to say that this was the largest boat ever, built to survive the most rain ever! They would need space for 2 of every animal, and provisions for them. Noah’s family would care for the animals, so we need housing and food for them, too. There were multiple decks on the ark, separating animals that didn’t play well with others.

When God asks you to build a boat, you should start gathering lumber. It didn’t rain much, if at all, where Noah lived, so no one believed a global deluge was on the way. But Noah believed! Noah had faith, which is our lesson here. We shouldn’t ever question God’s need for a boat, and we shouldn’t second-guess the dimensions. God knows what he wants; God knows what he needs. Our job is to be obedient. Our job is to have faith!

When everything was ready, just as God had ordered, Noah gathered his family and then closed and sealed the opening that would soon be underwater! Are you on board?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Presence!

For Tuesday, October 7, 2025:

John 14:15-17a NLT, Jesus speaking: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”

Jesus wants us to obey his (and his Father’s) commandments. Sounds reasonable, but how does that work for mankind? Wasn’t it the Apostle Paul who said, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Paul was human. Paul experienced what we all experience: “shortcomings.”

The Bibles we read were translated from centuries-old writings that were hand-copied and therefore subject to minor differences. I discovered originals that said, “obey my commands,” “you will obey my commands,” and “you should obey my commands.” All of this tells us that following Jesus’ direction is a good idea, but we may not always get it right. After all, we’re flawed humans, subject to shortcomings. As pagans, we used to not care. But now that we know Jesus, we do the best that we can. We’re not perfect, but we have a goal in place of living our lives in a God-pleasing manner.

Jesus said he’d ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to us. (Aha – so there are three of them – Triune God!) He is sending someone to advocate for us, to comfort, encourage and counsel us, someone to walk alongside us through this lifetime. The Greek writers call him “Paraclete.”

Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” The “I” refers to the 3-in-1 God. Jesus was on earth with us and died so our sins could be forgiven. He ascended to Heaven, so the Holy Spirit will be our helper for the rest of our time here. And when we transition to God’s Kingdom, Heaven, the Father himself will be our master.

Pray that the Holy Spirit would keep all believers pointed in the right direction!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Good Intent!

For Wednesday, September 24, 2025:

Mark 14:38 NLT, Jesus speaking to Simon: “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

That the body (or the flesh) is weak is an understatement. Romans 7 says it best. “18. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.”

Another way of explaining it: “14. The trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.”

Just because we acknowledge the truth doesn’t mean that we can live our lives perfectly. We need to combine knowledge of God’s Laws with obedience to make it so. It may be time to send a couple of demons packing! At least then we would level the playing field! If sin is cast out, if we’ve been delivered, we have a shot at keeping sin at bay. But if sin still dominates our lives, obedience doesn’t stand a chance.

We can choose to live God’s way, and that’s a good choice!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Thy Will!

For Saturday, September 20, 2025:

Mark 14:36 NLT: “’Abba, Father,’ Jesus cried out, ‘everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’”

On his journey to the cross, Jesus knew full well the pain and suffering that would be involved. It would not be pretty. The Roman soldiers were good at what they did. So Jesus asked, “Father, is this really necessary? I’d rather skip the ‘whipped and beaten’ part, if it’s all the same to you! But you know me! We’re cut from the same cloth! I’ll be obedient unto death!”

We can learn about prayer by following Jesus’ example. As humans, we don’t always know or understand why something is happening. And we don’t know what is to follow. For example, if Satan is causing an illness, we certainly want to pray for healing. But if someone has lived a good life and God is rewarding them by calling them home, that’s a whole different thing. I would ask Jesus to take charge of the situation.

Two of my children needed a better High School situation. My wife located a suitable private school, but we’d be paying for what had previously been free. I prayed about what to do. About that time, the Billy Graham organization approached me about helping them with a large project. There was no specific deadline, and I could fill all my downtime with their project. It took about five years! By then, my kids were no longer in private school! God is good!

I once lost a church job. The denomination was on shaky theological ground, so while it didn’t break my heart, it never feels good to be out of work. I prayed, “Really, God – is that all there is?” A short time later, another church called me as a pastor and Bible teacher. I was told to teach the truth! Best job ever, but I didn’t know it was coming when I lost the first job. God knew it would all work out.

Obedience and trust in the Lord should be our modus operandi. Pray, “Thy will, not my will!”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Plan!

For Tuesday, September 16, 2025:

Mark 14:28 NLT: Jesus told the disciples, “After I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

At that point, the disciples weren’t convinced that Jesus was going to die. After all, he could heal the sick and cure any disease. He could walk on water and calm a storm. He would cast out demons and declare them to be the root of mankind’s problems. Surely he would save himself!

They hadn’t reckoned with Jesus’ obedience and commitment to God’s plan to redeem mankind. And, being one of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it’s actually his own plan! As Jesus died on the cross, he took the sins of the world to the place of the dead. Loyal followers of Jesus, the believers, would then appear spotless on the day of judgment. Remember, God’s desire is that none would perish!

Jesus knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would be raised from the dead. He’s so certain of this that he’s setting appointments. “I’ll catch up with you guys in Galilee!”

Our lesson here is that obedience to is God always best. Even when things look grim, stick with God. Jesus would be beaten and nailed to a cross until he died. He was still doing God’s tasks as he delivered the world’s sins to the place of the dead. God faithfully brought him back to life, and 40 days later Jesus ascended right up into God’s Kingdom, heaven! Most people never saw that coming, but Jesus had been faithful!

If we trust in God, everything works out for the best!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Perfection!

For Wednesday, September 10, 2025:

Hebrews 10:7 NLT: “Jesus said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God—as is written about me in the Scriptures.’”

Obedience is what’s required. King Saul offered sacrifices to God, but failed to obey. His successor, David, also had shortcomings, but he prophesied the perfectly obedient one: Jesus! One way we can identify Jesus as the Messiah is in how he fulfills prophesies.

Some people didn’t do too well on the “Obedience-to-God” test, but Jesus scored 100%! When it’s time for us to enter the life after this life, loyal believers can count Jesus’ score as their own. Although we could never be perfect, Jesus has wiped away the sin-record of the faithful. He’s doing FOR us what we could never do on our own. So when it’s time to enter heaven, thank God we signed up for the Jesus team! He has already prepared a place for us!

Jesus cancelled the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. God’s will is for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time! No need for us to do anything further. The work has been done FOR us! Thank you, Jesus!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Obedience and Faith!

For Saturday, August 23, 2025:

John 13:2: “Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.”

The Jesus we worship is both fully God and fully human. He was heaven-sent to redeem mankind, and this mission remained front-of-mind throughout his ministry. At the same time, he knew that mission would incur brutal treatment, suffering and eventually death (in the human sense.) Being fully God, he had control over everything. He could have pulled the plug on this mission at any time to save his skin. But that would have sabotaged the greater mission. He was willing to endure personal misery to bring heaven’s mission to fruition. We call this obedience.

God wants to see obedience in each one of us. Jesus’ mother Mary replied to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Total obedience! The concept is to 100% agree with the Lord. “Whatever God wants, I’m in!”

How did this scenario end? Jesus was raised from the tomb three days later, eventually returning to heaven and reuniting with the Father. Mankind’s sins had been forgiven according to God’s plan. You see, God’s plan always works out for the best! Pray that you and I could better learn obedience. And give us faith to persevere until it’s our turn to live in the Kingdom.

Obedience and faith – a good combination! Trust God – everything will be all right in the end!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Channel!

For Thursday, May 22, 2025:

Luke 11:28 CJB: “Jesus said, ‘Far more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’”

As Jesus was teaching the crowd, a woman shouted out blessings to his birth-mother. Yes, Mary was obedient and highly favored by God. But the Father is even more pleased when one of us hears him and follows his instructions. Mary is history, but we are right now! Believers represent the future of the church for our generation. That’s what Jesus was saying.

God’s instructions will be heard by those with whom he has a relationship. If someone chooses to hear nothing from God, he won’t force his message on that person. Listening for God is like adjusting a radio receiver. If someone is not tuned in to the right frequency, they’ll never hear his message! So put God on one of your mind’s “preset” buttons! Let your Bible gather no dust!

Even more important than simply hearing God’s message is giving life to those instructions – obedience. Don’t think of serving God as an obligation. Consider it an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with your Creator.

Believers have been drafted to play for God’s team. He wants us to win souls for the “good” team, those who, at the end of life’s game, are the winners.

Batter up!

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

New Earth!

For Friday, April 4, 2025:

John 14:23 NLT, Jesus speaking: “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”

If we please Jesus, the Father will also be pleased. Remember, they are of one mind, really just one God. The acknowledgment of our relationship with God is our obedience. When the angel told Mary she’d be delivering a savior into the world, she replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” That’s obedience! When Abraham set out to offer little Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord, that was absolute obedience. (Thankfully, God stopped the sacrifice – the scenario was only a test of Abraham’s devotion and obedience.)

We often speak of going to heaven when we die. We teach only two choices, heaven or hell. Christians choose heaven, but that’s not our final destination. The Bible promises the “New Earth,” fully restored and perfect in every way. I believe God will restore the Earth to “Garden-of-Eden” specs, and the Bible says that the New Earth will be our forever home. Jesus preparing a place for believers includes restoring mankind’s home, planet Earth.

Jesus says that he and the Father will walk among us, and that’s where I want to be. What an awesome community! We may not even have to fill out “change-of-address” forms!

If it’s good enough for Jesus and the Father, it’s good enough for me!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship