June 27, 2011 Monday Message:
Jesus: “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30
It took just one big bang to create the universe, our world and the vast eternal plan for all mankind. Our God, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, created that creation. The reason it all worked so well is that our God of three persons - was of one mind. Isn’t that what we really want as Christians – to be of one mind with God?
Don’t think that you have to be sinless – not one of us has achieved perfection. Rather, think of us as children of God. Yes, children want to please their parents. But children make mistakes, do things that are wrong, and have to say, “I’m sorry,” from time to time. No matter what, parents love us unconditionally, with agápe love that has no limit. God loves you like that.
When you say, “Whoops, I’m sorry,” you are becoming of one mind with your parent. “You’re right, I was wrong, I can see it your way now, I’m sorry.” In the same way, repentance is being of one mind with God. “God’s right, I was wrong, I can see it His way now, I’m sorry.”
When we understand God’s value system, the way he separates right from wrong and good from evil, our thinking can become more like his. God doesn’t change his mind about these things – he’s solid as a rock, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
When we’re on the same page as God, we can become, like David, someone after God’s own heart! 1Samuel 13:14b
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
You Gotta have Heart!
June 20, 2011 Monday Message:
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17a
Each of us has our visible side, the part of us that we allow the rest of the world to see. It’s the face we put on so that we can look good to others. Our outer show is driven by the circumstances around us. Living life like that is like juggling – scrambling to keep all the balls in the air. It keeps us in the game, but mostly it’s not real – there’s nothing of substance behind the show.
Remember that the Pharisees put on a good show. They held elaborate ceremonies, huge rituals and lengthy liturgies, but did not know love for their fellows. It was an empty show; they lacked substance from above.
Each of us also has our inner person, our soul, visible only to us and to God. It’s driven by eternal truths and Godly substance, not other people and circumstances. We sometimes refer to this as “heart.”
If a boy thinks a girl is cute, he says, “I like you.” If she’s extra-special, he tells his friends, “I think we’re in love.” But when it’s time to get married, he confesses to her, “I love you with all my heart!”
When we want to express the most commitment, the most sincerity, we refer to our heart. When we want to get closer to God, we don’t just use the eyes on our face. We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart!” Ephesians 1:18
When Jesus partners with us, we don’t welcome him to some obscure body part. We have prepared the best room inside our temple-of-a-body for His arrival. Jesus will make his home in our hearts, we’ll see Him with the great big eyes of our hearts, and we’ll love the Lord with all our heart. And soul, mind and strength.
May Jesus be alive in your heart today!
Norton Lawellin
“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” Ephesians 3:17a
Each of us has our visible side, the part of us that we allow the rest of the world to see. It’s the face we put on so that we can look good to others. Our outer show is driven by the circumstances around us. Living life like that is like juggling – scrambling to keep all the balls in the air. It keeps us in the game, but mostly it’s not real – there’s nothing of substance behind the show.
Remember that the Pharisees put on a good show. They held elaborate ceremonies, huge rituals and lengthy liturgies, but did not know love for their fellows. It was an empty show; they lacked substance from above.
Each of us also has our inner person, our soul, visible only to us and to God. It’s driven by eternal truths and Godly substance, not other people and circumstances. We sometimes refer to this as “heart.”
If a boy thinks a girl is cute, he says, “I like you.” If she’s extra-special, he tells his friends, “I think we’re in love.” But when it’s time to get married, he confesses to her, “I love you with all my heart!”
When we want to express the most commitment, the most sincerity, we refer to our heart. When we want to get closer to God, we don’t just use the eyes on our face. We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart!” Ephesians 1:18
When Jesus partners with us, we don’t welcome him to some obscure body part. We have prepared the best room inside our temple-of-a-body for His arrival. Jesus will make his home in our hearts, we’ll see Him with the great big eyes of our hearts, and we’ll love the Lord with all our heart. And soul, mind and strength.
May Jesus be alive in your heart today!
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 13, 2011
Give What You Have
June 13, 2011 Monday Message:
“I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have.” Acts 3:6a
The Holy Spirit filled Simon-Peter and the other believers on the day of Pentecost. Next, our impulsive Apostle preached the story of how Jesus fulfilled all prophecy, and as he spoke, the message was miraculously understood in all languages.
Challenged to make a decision, the listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” They were told to repent and return to the Lord, and 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.
After such a day, what could be next? How about healing a man who had been lame from birth? As Peter and John entered the Temple, they passed a beggar who asked them for money. Peter answered, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you, but I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Peter took the man’s hand, helped him to his feet, and instantly he was restored. Not just a little bit healed, but all the way healed! The man took off, leaping through the Temple and praising God to everyone!
Nowadays, people in need often turn to churches for help. Like the lame man, these people ask for money or food, and yes, we try to supply those things. Like Peter, we may not always have silver or gold. But we are called to pour out what we DO have: love modeled after Jesus, peace that passes all understanding and true friendship. People who ask for help need Jesus as much as they need food. And they’re longing for community, a sense of belonging. Like the Apostle, we are called to reach out our hand and help them to their feet.
If you’ve been filled with the Living Water, you can pour some of it for others! Therefore go…
Norton Lawellin
“I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have.” Acts 3:6a
The Holy Spirit filled Simon-Peter and the other believers on the day of Pentecost. Next, our impulsive Apostle preached the story of how Jesus fulfilled all prophecy, and as he spoke, the message was miraculously understood in all languages.
Challenged to make a decision, the listeners asked, “Brothers, what should we do?” They were told to repent and return to the Lord, and 3000 came forward and were baptized that day.
After such a day, what could be next? How about healing a man who had been lame from birth? As Peter and John entered the Temple, they passed a beggar who asked them for money. Peter answered, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you, but I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Peter took the man’s hand, helped him to his feet, and instantly he was restored. Not just a little bit healed, but all the way healed! The man took off, leaping through the Temple and praising God to everyone!
Nowadays, people in need often turn to churches for help. Like the lame man, these people ask for money or food, and yes, we try to supply those things. Like Peter, we may not always have silver or gold. But we are called to pour out what we DO have: love modeled after Jesus, peace that passes all understanding and true friendship. People who ask for help need Jesus as much as they need food. And they’re longing for community, a sense of belonging. Like the Apostle, we are called to reach out our hand and help them to their feet.
If you’ve been filled with the Living Water, you can pour some of it for others! Therefore go…
Norton Lawellin
Monday, June 6, 2011
Come Holy Spirit!
June 06, 2011 Monday Message:
“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:18
Jesus said he would send a helper, a comforter, to fill us with the power of heaven until he returns. In Greek the word is Parakletos, also translated as encourager, advocate and counselor, in the same way that a lawyer would stand beside you in a court of law.
Pentecost Sunday, June 12, is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit, who, with a melodramatic arrival, filled the believers, following the ascension of Jesus. This appearance of the Holy Spirit was not the first. In fact, the 2nd verse of the Bible teaches, “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:2
Why is the Holy Spirit such a big deal? Because we all need help. Mankind cannot ever live the perfect life. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
We need someone to rescue us. Jesus. And someone to redeem us. Jesus. But with Jesus in heaven, at the right hand of the father, who can help us now? The Holy Spirit. Who is our “connector” with God, Jesus, and with heaven? The Holy Spirit. Who will stand with us on judgment day, and remember that our name is written in the book of life? The Holy Spirit. Remember that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are no longer under the law!
Even though Jesus ascended, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit can fill us with the super-natural power of heaven to accomplish super-natural things here on earth, in Jesus’ name, until he returns for us.
Pray, “Come Holy Spirit.” You are not alone.
Norton Lawellin
“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5:18
Jesus said he would send a helper, a comforter, to fill us with the power of heaven until he returns. In Greek the word is Parakletos, also translated as encourager, advocate and counselor, in the same way that a lawyer would stand beside you in a court of law.
Pentecost Sunday, June 12, is the day we celebrate the Holy Spirit, who, with a melodramatic arrival, filled the believers, following the ascension of Jesus. This appearance of the Holy Spirit was not the first. In fact, the 2nd verse of the Bible teaches, “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:2
Why is the Holy Spirit such a big deal? Because we all need help. Mankind cannot ever live the perfect life. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
We need someone to rescue us. Jesus. And someone to redeem us. Jesus. But with Jesus in heaven, at the right hand of the father, who can help us now? The Holy Spirit. Who is our “connector” with God, Jesus, and with heaven? The Holy Spirit. Who will stand with us on judgment day, and remember that our name is written in the book of life? The Holy Spirit. Remember that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are no longer under the law!
Even though Jesus ascended, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit can fill us with the super-natural power of heaven to accomplish super-natural things here on earth, in Jesus’ name, until he returns for us.
Pray, “Come Holy Spirit.” You are not alone.
Norton Lawellin
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