Gifts & Talents!

For Wednesday, June 10, 2026:

Colossians 1:25 NLT, Paul speaking: “God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you.”

It’s easy for Paul to identify his spiritual calling. The incident on the road to Damascus leaves no doubt!

Each of us is also called to serve, but our calling might not be as straightforward as Paul’s. I knew a man, an architect, who was nationally known for his large building designs. He sat in a pew week after week, wondering how he should serve. Eventually he retired, and that’s when his church decided they needed a new, much larger sanctuary on their campus. He went to work immediately! His purpose became obvious! Also, there was a woman who only knew a few chords on the guitar. She didn’t have the skill for the main worship team in the big room, but she was perfect for leading kids’ songs at church camp.

Sometimes the challenge is identifying your inherent skill. Other times it’s finding the proper venue to fit the available skill. The local church is better when we all share our God-given talents with others in the fellowship.

Are you still trying to identify your gifts, or are you figuring out how to put them to use?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Maundy Thursday!

For Thursday, April 2, 2026, Maundy Thursday:

Matthew 26:21 NLT: “While they were eating (the Last Supper), Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”

This was an unpleasant day in the Christian diary. Jesus knew this was their last meal together. He knew the end was imminent. But the 12 remained optimistic despite opposition from Jewish leaders and the Roman government. God, in his wisdom, made this day of suffering go quickly.

Before the meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, a task usually executed by servants. Jesus emphasized that he had come to serve, not to be served. Simon Peter protested, but eventually relented. Following the meal, Jesus instituted what we call Holy Communion, telling those present to “Do this in remembrance of me.” They then adjourned to the Mount of Olives.

Judas Iscariot later betrayed Jesus, pointing him out so he could be arrested by representatives of the leading priests and elders. He was brought before the high priest, Caiaphas, and those involved in the conspiracy sought witnesses who would lie about Jesus to get him killed. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. This all happened overnight. The rooster crowed the next morning.

Found guilty in a kangaroo court, it was up to Mount Calvary. Jesus had been beaten and spat upon, then nailed to a cross stuck high in the air. The 12 had abandoned him, fearing for their own lives, I suspect.

The story ends tomorrow, on Good Friday. Or does it?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

Serve like Jesus!

For Sunday, March 15, 2026:

John 14:12 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

There’s only one Jesus. He wanted to multiply his efforts. So he sent disciples, believers, to spread the Good News. “God loves you, repentant sinners can be forgiven, there is life after this life and you can be included.” Think of this like McDonald’s franchising new locations. Sending teams of disciples to other towns would open up entirely new markets, convincing more people to repent and return! Good plan, Jesus!

In the same way, as Jesus returns to the Father, he wants to empower the faithful to continue his work. “Go and make disciples of all nations,” he tells them. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons and preach the Good News!” In 2K years, the job description for a believer hasn’t changed!

A non-serving Christian is a contradiction!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

 

Choose Wisely!

For Saturday, February 7, 2026:

Romans 6:18 NLT: “Now you (believers) are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.”

That great songwriter (and philosopher) Bob Dylan observed, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Realize that, and decide today who you will serve.

The easy way and oftentimes the most profitable way is to follow the corrupt. Accept bribes, perpetrate scams, and only look out for yourself.

The better way, God’s way, puts truth and honesty at the top of our things-to-do list. We’re to love our fellows, and see that they have enough to eat and clothes to wear. Jesus specifically tells us to care for widows and orphans, those beaten up by wars, violence and corrupt governments.

We understand that we become slaves of whatever we choose to obey. You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living on earth and eternal life in the hereafter. It’s a choice! As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

"Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you!” Romans 6:17

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Serve the Lord!

For Friday, January 23, 2026:

Romans 6:12 NLT: “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let sin reign in your body, which is subject to death.”

Bob Dylan sang that each of us winds up serving somebody. We get to carefully choose who we will serve. This is the same declaration that Joshua, Moses’ assistant, made 3300 years earlier. “Choose today who you will serve. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Your decision is an alliance and an allegiance. Which team do you want to play for, Jesus’ team or the other team? Jesus’ team aligns with our Creator God, while the other team is always battling their wrongdoings. Surprisingly, it’s easier to align with God, although at times we may be outnumbered!

Choosing Jesus’ team doesn’t instantly make us perfect. But deciding in favor of heaven’s ways gives us standards, goals for which we can strive. Believers wisely choose to adopt God’s value system, and the longer we bond with God, the better we get at serving him. We see progress, but our goal is perfection!

Satan’s sinners face death, while Jesus’ team is destined for eternal life in God’s heavenly Kingdom. Jesus made it possible for believers to view that Kingdom from the inside! Choose today who you will serve.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church

Came to Serve!

For Wednesday, August 27, 2025:

John 13:14, Jesus speaking: “Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.”

Two thousand years ago, the prevalent attitude was to look out for #1. Loving your neighbor was an afterthought at best. Jesus spent a lot of time trying to change that. We are to love the Lord and love our neighbors, which is imitating Jesus, doing what Jesus did.

If you walk around the Middle East in sandals, it’s a cinch that your feet will need washing. To have someone else take on this task for you is a blessing, and that’s exactly what Jesus did for the disciples.

When the washing was complete, Jesus made an announcement: “Not all of you are clean.” He knew who would betray him. Friends, not every favor is appreciated or rewarded, but we still do the right things for the right reasons. Believers should be obedient!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Love of Money

For Thursday, July 24, 2025:

Luke 16:13 NLT, Jesus speaking: “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”

In the audience listening to Jesus’ teaching that day were Pharisees, who dearly loved their money. Jesus is challenging them to love God more than their money, to always put God first. Let me summarize this for us: Money – you can’t take it with you. But the love of God can be an eternal part of your life, and even the life after this life! Jesus is counseling us to pick one!

When the subject of money comes up, I’m always reminded of one of my go-to sayings: “People get squirrelly about money!” That’s not good, but it’s my observation. Regular people, nice guys and gals, sometimes turn possessive and narcissistic when money is involved. It’s like something within them changed when the topic turned to money. Irrational statements are made, and irrational decisions come forth all because of money. Squirrelly.

We need money and we need God, but they’re two separate things. Money is never to be worshiped; God is! It’s that same God who gives us money so that we can help widows, orphans and the poor among us. So be generous and love your neighbor! If you run short, God can always give you more!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Call to Ministry!

For Wednesday, July 9, 2025:

Mark 12:33 NLT, religious teacher responding to Jesus: “I know it is important to love the One God with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.”

Last Sunday, I heard an incredible message. Our church has been praying for revival, both in our church and in our city. And statewide, and our entire country, for that matter! But we can best begin locally.

The pastor talked about Jesus’ call for all of us to serve, the priesthood of all believers. The Great Commission. About stepping up and becoming willing to serve. About gifts and talents, whereby each of us possesses a unique skill to bring to the revival effort. The congregation was clapping and shouting in agreement!

From the sidelines, I couldn’t help but wonder how many congregants would remember that ministry call on Monday. I wondered how many agreed, but thought it would be a good thing for someone else to do. I’m too busy, too young, too old, going on vacation, already working overtime at my job, busy with my wife, my kids, my extended family. But everything you said sounds like a good idea! Friends, I’ve led organizations for many years, and I know how hard is to get people off their keisters and into the game!

This experience isn’t unique. I’m sure the Son of God experienced these same wishy-washy attitudes. The Bible mostly records Jesus’ success stories, leaving those who walked away or dropped out undocumented. But this time it was different. The Pharisee who commented was 100% in agreement with Jesus! Love God and love your neighbor, and stop obsessing over the little stuff! That says it all!

Jesus was pleased! Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus responded, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Finally, somebody “gets” it! Do you “get” it? Is Jesus pleased with your response? We all need to work until Jesus is smiling!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Gifts and Talents!

For Tuesday, May 13, 2025:

Luke 10:42 NLT, Jesus, speaking to Martha: “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Some people get Mary and Martha mixed up. Which is which? I was taught to think of Martha Stewart, in the kitchen, doing cooking demonstrations on TV. That’s Martha. Mary (same name as Jesus’ mother) is the one listening at Jesus’ feet.

The question arose as to which woman was doing the right thing. Probably both! Martha was called to be the consummate hostess, providing for the disciples’ daily needs. Mary was enamored with Jesus’ knowledge and teaching skills. She didn’t want to miss a thing! To her, there was nothing better than hearing Jesus speak!

In the end, Jesus didn’t change a thing. He didn’t command Mary to help out in the kitchen; and he didn’t command Martha to abandon the kitchen and listen to his message. Even though we encounter Martha and Mary in the same scenario, we need to remember that they are each uniquely created with distinct skills and different interests. Jesus knew when to leave well enough alone!

Have you identified your gifts and talents? Like Martha and Mary, some of us have the gift of hospitality while others shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near a kitchen! There are a multitude of tasks that need doing in a Christian community. Surely there’s a need where you could best serve. Find something that’s a good fit for you.

Pastor Rick Warren says that a non-serving Christian is a contradiction!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Workers!

For Sunday, May 4, 2025:

Luke 10:2 NLT, Jesus speaking: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Of course Jesus is speaking metaphorically. He’s not talking about harvesting crops; he’s referring to sharing the Good News, letting everyone know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So wake up, open your eyes and witness the obvious. This “Jesus of Nazareth” is special, and you should sign up to play on his team!

There were only 12 Apostles, but this time Jesus was sending 72 of the “other” disciples into the field. So the job description for Evangelist isn’t limited to Pastors or church professionals. This task is for all believers, and serving isn’t optional! In his Great Commission, Jesus didn’t exclude anyone!

Jesus intended to visit all the cities first visited by the 72. They were kind of the advance team, piquing everyone’s interest before Jesus’ arrival. The Billy Graham organization always sends an advance team ahead of a Crusade, so they can partner with locals both before and after the big event. If Jesus did this, we should do it too!

I once worked for a church with about 3k members. On average, we’d worship 850 each week. But one day the Lead Pastor said to me, “The same 18 people do everything around here!” Jesus was right! We do need more workers! So if you’re a believer, pray to be shown your task, something you’d be good at. God endowed each of us with different gifts and talents. Where could you best serve the King of kings? And if you’re already serving, delegate something, take the new believer under your wing and make a point of including others as you do the Lord’s work. That’s what Jesus did!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Church Etiquette:

For Saturday, March 8, 2025:

Leviticus 10:8-9 NLT: Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle.”

The Tabernacle was a special place. It was where God’s chosen spiritual leaders could meet with him. They would then convey the Lord’s instructions to all the Israelites. When God calls a meeting, you don’t want to miss a thing. The Lord deserves your full attention. So don’t imbibe prior to going before the Lord.

It’s the same way with our churches nowadays. Worshiping God deserves our full attention. Put on your Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes, and put a smile on your face. Come with a sober mind, prepared for the day’s teaching. You may be asked to meet with a newcomer or give your testimony to God’s goodness. When we go to church, we should be prepared to serve.

If our churches are to grow, each of us must have the Good News on our lips 24/7. While church is a place we attend, it should also be a place to which we bring people. Forgiveness and redemption are gifts we shouldn’t keep to ourselves. Jesus is handing out tickets to the hereafter, where forgiven souls can spend eternity with their creator. God’s desire is for everyone to meet there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Sabbath!

For Thursday, December 12, 2024:

Deuteronomy 5:12 NLT, God’s words: “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.”

God knows that we all need a break from our regular work. We need time to recharge our batteries, so to speak. So instead of just goofing off, let’s make it the Lord’s day, the Sabbath day. Dual purpose! God walks with us for six days, and we dedicate the seventh to him! Not really. God should always be included as we live out our lives, and he’s never far away from us. But the Sabbath is different; the Sabbath is special!

Hebrew tradition places the Sabbath from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. Christians worship on Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. I don’t don’t think God is as concerned with which day you set aside for him, as long as one day out off seven becomes his. (Just my opinion…)

After worship, the Sabbath should become time for family and community. Gather the children and honor their grandparents. If your fellow Christians need a hand, this would be a good time to love your neighbor. And as we’re fulfilling the right things for the right reasons, keep your Creator front-of-mind. By serving others, we’re being obedient to the Father and fulfilling the teachings of the Son!

We should look forward to God’s Sabbath with joy, excitement and anticipation. It’s not, “I have to go to church,” but rather, “I GET to go to church!” God has your name on a chair at his place of worship. See you there!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

One God!

For Sunday, December 8, 2024:

Deuteronomy 5:6-7 NLT, Moses quoting what God had told him as God spoke from within the fire: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me.”

Mankind was made to worship. As strange as it might seem, rather than getting in the driver’s seat ourselves, mankind is more comfortable serving a higher power, a super-being, a creator of some sort. Having someone else in charge gives us someone to blame when things go wrong!

In a way, God is acquiescing to the mistaken beliefs of mankind. He said, “You must not have any other god,” but in fact there are no other gods. Our God, Yahweh, is the one supreme being, known to us in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But that’s just one God! Anything else is simply a fictitious imagined deity, not any kind of real god.

Remember that when Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the commandments from the real God, these people were building a golden calf!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Book of Life!

October 21, 2024 Monday Message:

Luke 10:20 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Jesus sent 72 disciples, in pairs, to the cities on his upcoming itinerary. Amazed, they reported back, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” By the way, that still works nowadays!

Casting out demons is a big deal, but the best news is that these servants of our Lord have their names in the Book of Life! It’s important for us to understand the order of these events. First, these people believed and trusted in Jesus, becoming disciples, becoming believers. They were then saved by Jesus, granted eternal life, their names registered in heaven. And finally, out of gratitude for what Jesus did (granting them eternal life), they faithfully served, helping Jesus further his mission.

This is a perfect model for how we are to live our lives. First, we become believers, asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives. We become members of the Holy Family, so Jesus then includes us in the Book of Life. We have been rescued from hell, from Satan and his demons, so we serve the Kingdom out of gratitude for that rescue.

God is good, way better than we deserve!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship