December 27, 2010 Monday Message:
Humans are the only creatures made “in the image of God,” which means we’re valuable and special. We’re the only creation that can speak, think, reason things out and make decisions. Because God-the-Father loves us so much, he desires that none of us would be lost. Therefore God-the-Son came to earth to rescue us, to redeem our souls and to reconcile our fallen ways with God’s eternal holiness. Merry Christmas!
Too often, when someone wants to become a Christian, they say “the prayer,” but then nothing changes in their life. That’s unfortunate. It’s no good for the new Christian, and poor mentoring by the person who sponsored them.
Living the Christian life should be like opening a giant Christian umbrella. From the time you make your decision for Jesus, everything you say, think and do should be covered by, “What would God think?” and “What would Jesus do?” God wants you covered, and will send the Holy Spirit to help.
Parents like it when their children want to do things with them. God-the-Father is no different. Through Jesus’ redemption, God has adopted you into the holy family. He’s your Father, and you’re his children. He wants you to spend some time with him.
So as we close this Christmas season and prepare for a new year, resolve to open your God-umbrella and let it cover your daily living. And do some stuff with your heavenly Father. He has time with your name on it.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Angels We have Heard On High!
December 20, 2010 Monday Message:
“Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:13-14
God taking human form and coming to earth as the baby Jesus is a series of miracles. There are several hundred miracle-prophecies that point to the arrival of our Savior. Jesus fulfilled all of them. We all know the most common predictors: born of a virgin, descendent of David, city of Bethlehem. Other prophecies predicted Jesus’ death, mocking by the soldiers who cast lots for his garments, and his side being pierced while, miraculously, no bones were broken.
But today, I want to consider just one small cause and effect scenario.
Cause: a baby is born on earth.
Effect: Angels praise the LORD.
It wasn’t just a few angels that praised God; the Bible calls it a multitude. I don’t know exactly how many angels in a “multitude,” but I suspect it’s like a mega-church. Hundreds for sure, maybe thousands. And these angels aren’t like the cute little Precious Moments statuettes. “Heavenly Hosts” are the huge angel-army warriors who defend eternal good from the never-ending attacks of the dark side.
And praising God for a new baby on earth isn’t limited to Jesus Christ. In fact, it happens every day. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. So yes, God was praised for your creation and your arrival on earth. Creation of a new soul always results in a significant Heavenly celebration. Praise God because he’s awesome!
You are a child of God; you’re family. Join in celebrating the arrival of the son of God, our redeemer, Christ the newborn King!
Norton Lawellin
“Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:13-14
God taking human form and coming to earth as the baby Jesus is a series of miracles. There are several hundred miracle-prophecies that point to the arrival of our Savior. Jesus fulfilled all of them. We all know the most common predictors: born of a virgin, descendent of David, city of Bethlehem. Other prophecies predicted Jesus’ death, mocking by the soldiers who cast lots for his garments, and his side being pierced while, miraculously, no bones were broken.
But today, I want to consider just one small cause and effect scenario.
Cause: a baby is born on earth.
Effect: Angels praise the LORD.
It wasn’t just a few angels that praised God; the Bible calls it a multitude. I don’t know exactly how many angels in a “multitude,” but I suspect it’s like a mega-church. Hundreds for sure, maybe thousands. And these angels aren’t like the cute little Precious Moments statuettes. “Heavenly Hosts” are the huge angel-army warriors who defend eternal good from the never-ending attacks of the dark side.
And praising God for a new baby on earth isn’t limited to Jesus Christ. In fact, it happens every day. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. So yes, God was praised for your creation and your arrival on earth. Creation of a new soul always results in a significant Heavenly celebration. Praise God because he’s awesome!
You are a child of God; you’re family. Join in celebrating the arrival of the son of God, our redeemer, Christ the newborn King!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, December 13, 2010
Run the Race - Win the Prize
December 13, 2010 Monday Message:
“(God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b
Some of us grew up in Christian households and can’t remember a time when we didn’t love Jesus. Others, like me, can point to a particular day or specific incident when we made a conscious decision to accept what Jesus was offering, forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Still others have loved God, left God, and then returned to God. While you were gone, Jesus never left you. Whatever your path to the Lord, the important thing is that you’re with God today.
The Bible compares our walk with the Lord to a race. We may get a fast start or a slow start. Many will stumble along the way, but get back up and run some more. Some of us will run better when we can see the finish line. We all want to finish well. We will not run a perfect race like Jesus did. After all, we’re human, and he is divine. If we could be perfect on our own, we wouldn’t need rescuing. But God, with heavenly patience, waits for us, and gives up on no one who seeks Him.
This Advent season is a new beginning for the church year calendar. It’s also a good time for a new beginning for each of us. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord. Get back in the race. And “run (your race) in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:24b
Norton Lawellin
“(God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b
Some of us grew up in Christian households and can’t remember a time when we didn’t love Jesus. Others, like me, can point to a particular day or specific incident when we made a conscious decision to accept what Jesus was offering, forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Still others have loved God, left God, and then returned to God. While you were gone, Jesus never left you. Whatever your path to the Lord, the important thing is that you’re with God today.
The Bible compares our walk with the Lord to a race. We may get a fast start or a slow start. Many will stumble along the way, but get back up and run some more. Some of us will run better when we can see the finish line. We all want to finish well. We will not run a perfect race like Jesus did. After all, we’re human, and he is divine. If we could be perfect on our own, we wouldn’t need rescuing. But God, with heavenly patience, waits for us, and gives up on no one who seeks Him.
This Advent season is a new beginning for the church year calendar. It’s also a good time for a new beginning for each of us. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord. Get back in the race. And “run (your race) in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:24b
Norton Lawellin
Monday, December 6, 2010
Christmas Comforter
December 06, 2010 Monday Message:
John the Baptist said that while he could only baptize with water, Jesus would baptize us with fire, i.e. with the Holy Spirit. If that’s what Jesus is doing, I’m IN!
The Holy Spirit eternally co-exists with the Father and the Son. He was present at creation, with the Jews and Moses as they left Egypt, and was with most of the “good” judges and kings. As we approach Christmas, we remember the Holy Spirit’s part in bringing the King of kings to us. “What is conceived in her (Mary) is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20b
Remember that Jesus said he would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us after he ascended to heaven. This Spirit is necessary for our salvation. “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5
So don’t neglect that one-third of our triune God, our helper, our advocate and our healer. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do anything. This Christmas season, let’s worship God, welcome Jesus into our world, and give thanks for the Holy Spirit.
Norton Lawellin
John the Baptist said that while he could only baptize with water, Jesus would baptize us with fire, i.e. with the Holy Spirit. If that’s what Jesus is doing, I’m IN!
The Holy Spirit eternally co-exists with the Father and the Son. He was present at creation, with the Jews and Moses as they left Egypt, and was with most of the “good” judges and kings. As we approach Christmas, we remember the Holy Spirit’s part in bringing the King of kings to us. “What is conceived in her (Mary) is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20b
Remember that Jesus said he would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us after he ascended to heaven. This Spirit is necessary for our salvation. “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5
So don’t neglect that one-third of our triune God, our helper, our advocate and our healer. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do anything. This Christmas season, let’s worship God, welcome Jesus into our world, and give thanks for the Holy Spirit.
Norton Lawellin
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