Believe!

For Friday, November 24, 2023:

John 4:39 NLT: “Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman (at the well) had said, ‘He told me everything I ever did!’”

While traveling from Jerusalem to Galilee, Jesus stopped to rest by Jacob’s well. And there he struck up a conversation with a Samaritan woman. As their conversation progressed, Jesus gave an account of her history: “You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now.” Jesus knew it all. Could he possibly be the Messiah for which they’ve all been watching? Jesus then told her, “I am—I am the Messiah!”

Jesus was invited into the town and agreed to stay for two days. It was most unusual for a Jew to accept hospitality from a Samaritan. But two days was enough time for many more to believe that Jesus was God’s Son, the long-awaited Messiah. The townspeople proclaimed, “Now we believe, not just because of what the woman at the well told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. We are eyewitnesses to the truth. We know now that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Thus ends the story of the woman at the well. She had gotten what she wanted: truth, forgiveness, a promise of salvation and an opportunity to redeem herself with the locals by bringing them to Christ. The Samaritan community got what it wanted: redemption by God’s own Son and a chance to see heaven from the inside. God and his Son got what they wanted: a chance to spread the truth, a community of people making their decision for Christ and adding to the number of believers. It was a “win-win” event for everybody!

The woman at the well might never have had another opportunity to lead her community to Jesus, and we should learn from that. If we ever find ourselves in a position to lead others to Christ, we need to seize the opportunity. Answer questions. Teach about the Bible. Don’t be wishy-washy. The Bible is truth – stand up for it proudly! Quote the eyewitness accounts of others. Be totally convinced yourself. Show some enthusiasm! Strike while the iron is hot.

People want to know the truth. If they didn’t, you’d never get invited to their town. You’d never be asked to stay two days!

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always! Blessings!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Thankful!

For Thursday, November 23, 2023:

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

Today, the fourth Thursday in November, is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in the US. Most people get the day off, and families gather to eat too much turkey and watch football — and hopefully to remember to be thankful for all God has given us.

I’m thankful for my wife, our children and their spouses, and our grandchildren. I’m thankful for good friends, my house, my car, my work and for always having more than I truly need. God has been very good to me.

The best thing to be thankful for is Assurance of Salvation. Jesus has gone ahead to prepare our places in the hereafter. Those who believe on His name will get to see heaven from the inside!

Take some time today to thank the Lord for all the goodness he has poured into your life.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Harvest!

For Wednesday, November 22, 2023:

John 4:32 NLT, Jesus speaking: “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”

This spiritual food is a lot like the living water. Jesus is using metaphors to describe heavenly things, and those around him don’t understand. It can be confusing.

“Rabbi, eat something.” The disciples were concerned with Jesus taking on enough calories to survive. They knew a lot about earthly food. Jesus, on the other hand, didn’t have his mind on the next meal. He was on a mission to bring the Good News to the Samaritan people, Christianity’s first step into the Gentile world. Eating lunch could be put on hold for a while. Jesus has spiritual food to distribute to those hungry for the truth.

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” Although the Samaritans had been separated from the Jews for quite some time, they still knew of God and were hungry to learn more about him. Perhaps this teacher, Jesus, had the info they needed. It’s important to understand that these Samaritans were what we call “seekers,” striving to connect with their Creator God. And Jesus had just what they needed!

Jesus said that the fields were ripe. The fields were awaiting harvesters. The seekers were prepared to come to the Lord. Jesus explained that it’s not unusual for one person to plant, and for someone else to harvest. We are surrounded by people who have heard about God and are curious about God. You and I are the harvesters sent into today’s field to bring home the seekers. Do you accept the challenge?

The Bible speaks of the priesthood of all believers. So we are all called to help with the harvest!

Blessings!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship