Psalms 147 - "God Summary"

June 25, 2018 Monday Message:

“How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension.” Psalms 147:5 NLT

Psalm 147 is a “God summary.” It starts out praising the Lord; then praising his creation, our earth; acknowledging God’s care and protection for his people; and finally, detailing many created things, although certainly not an exhaustive list.

Rain, grass, animals, birds, children, and food are all credited to the Creator. Think about it - if something exists, it must have been created. This psalm explains that the ‘someone’ is our Creator God. It was explained to me that if you’re wearing a watch, there must somewhere be a watchmaker.

“God sends peace across your nation.” God makes peace possible. The Bible also teaches us that peace will return when Jesus returns. Ps. 147:14a

Perhaps this is your time to get on the right side of things, to get on the ‘God team.’ “The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Ps. 147:11

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together - Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, July 1, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. I’ll open up Hebrews 6:13-20: Our Hope is in Jesus! See you at church!

Psalms 146 - Inclusive

June 18, 2018 Monday Message:

“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. Psalms 146:9 NIV

While still a toddler, our Lord and savior was forced to seek political asylum in a foreign land. As you may recall, Herod was killing all the young Jewish males, so Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus packed up, headed for Egypt, and were political refugees for a time.

Fortunately Egypt welcomed them, and eventually things settled down in Israel, so the family was able to return to their homeland.

Understand that lines drawn on a map defining individual countries were drawn by men, and NOT by God. God made only one earth, and our assignment, straight from the mouth of Jesus, is to make disciples of ALL nations. To do that, we need to figure out how to get along with everybody. Now let’s get to work!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, June 24, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla continues our walk through Hebrews.

Psalms 145 - Great is the Lord!

June 11, 2018 Monday Message:

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalms 145:3 NIV

In Psalm 145, David details how each of us should constantly exalt the Lord, how each of us should become a cheerleader for the King. It’s a good way to worship, and I try to bring a piece of this to our church service each Sunday – not just going through the motions, but genuine excitement and enthusiasm.

I believe that Worshiping God is more than an obligation; it should be fun and exciting, something we look forward to each week. The attitude shouldn’t be, “It’s Sunday – I have to go to church.” Rather it should be, “It’s Sunday – I GET to go to church!”

Of course God is great, God is Almighty, God is all-powerful! But don’t forget, “The Lord is (also) gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (v8)

Because God has been so good to us, we need to share the Good News with everyone! “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” (v21)

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, June 17, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. I’ll continue our walk through Hebrews 4 & 5 – Christ is our High Priest. It’s a busy Sunday – New Hope Tour day, lunch after church, food give-away – and let’s not forget, it’s Father’s Day! See you at church!

Psalms 144 - God's Love

June 4, 2018 Monday Message:

“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?” Psalms 144:3 NIV

There is only one explanation: “Love!” The children’s song says, “Jesus loves me,” and it’s true! John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world…,” and it’s true too.

David didn’t have either of these phrases as he penned Psalm 144. But he did have first-hand experience with God’s call on his life, and with God’s care and essential protection.

A great many evil men were out to get David, and yet he always emerged unscathed. The Bible tells stories of great battles and mighty warriors, and that may have been how these things were settled, but it was all orchestrated by God’s love. David had an appointment with God – He was to be king of Israel. God had selected a man after his own heart for this job, and he was not about to be disappointed. (Funny how things always seem to wind up going God’s way!)

When God created Adam and Eve and right away the train went off the tracks, it might have been easier to just end the experiment. No more humans; they just didn’t work out. But that’s not figuring God’s love into the equation. God doesn’t want to lose anyone, and his desire is that all sinful humans would repent and return to him.

Remember, God so loved the world!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, June 10, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla opens up Hebrews 4.