Psalm 9

July 27, 2015 Monday Message:

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart, and tell about the wonders you have worked” Psalm 9:1 CEV

Psalm 9 is an example of a good way to pray. David begins by praising the Lord and acknowledging His majesty, BEFORE any personal petitions. God is always on the throne of the world, but we, His creations, need to recognize that the Lord is in charge, and understand the divine nature all that He created. THEN we can move on to other matters.

We all have problems, things to discuss with God. David leads a country, Israel. His rise to power wasn’t trouble-free. In fact, the previous king, Saul, plotted several times to take David’s life. Once in power, leaders seem to rise and fall in public opinion polls, and David was no exception. And other nations always seemed to be at war with Israel. The problems David brought before the Lord were both real and voluminous.

Just like David, we all have difficulties in life. Our problems seem different from his, but the principles are the same. Unfortunately, people still gossip, still plot against us, lie about us, and some days we can feel the whole world is against us. We can and should bring ALL our problems before the Lord. But don’t forget, we should also remember to thank God for all the good things in our lives.

If we are with God, he will be with us. Just as the shepherd knows his sheep, so should we listen for the Shepherd’s voice. Prayer should be a 2-way conversation.

Norton Lawellin

Come worship with us! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, July 19, we’ll learn about Paul’s trials as we conclude Acts 23. See you at church!

Psalm 8

July 20, 2015 Monday Message:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:1 NIV

Sometimes we need to praise the Lord, to exalt God, with no other agenda. Our prayers shouldn’t always be about asking for something or complaining about our circumstances. God is good all the time; He deserves our praise.

We lose a little bit as we translate Psalm 8 from the original language. The first word “Lord,” is actually a personal name for God. Most Bible students know that “Lord” with the small capital letters always means “God’s name,” probably “Yahweh,” but the exact pronunciation has been lost over the years. The second “Lord,” refers to the one that we worship, the one that WE call God – Lord over us. The phrase in contemporary Hebrew reads, “Hashem Adoneinu,” literally God (His name,) the one we adore.

“Who am I that You are mindful of me?” Psalm 8:4a God is so magnificent, and, by comparison, mankind is so insignificant, it seems curious that God would care so much for us. But by His design, (v5) he made us only a little lower than the angels! Truly, God has been extremely good to us, forever worthy of our worship. Hallelujah – praise the Lord!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, July 26, Pastor Van Dickerson brings us a message from God’s Word.

Psalm 7

July 13, 2015 Monday Message:

“I come to you for protection, O Lord, my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!” Psalm 7:1 NLT

Psalm 7 finds David pursued by Cush of the tribe of Benjamin. Many days of David’s life were spent trying to stay alive, and David regards each successful day as a gift from above.

David uses the logic that if the other person is basically evil but he is basically good, then God will protect him. If he has come up short, repentance is in order, but all in all, he is the better person and God should be on his side.

The premise is that God is honest, fair and just. Those who plot evil should receive evil in return. Those who live for the Lord will receive his protection.

And when God is good to you, protects you, remember to thank him. “I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.” Psalm 7:17

How curious that when his enemies are pursuing him, David would take time to compose a new song to the Lord.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, July 19, Pastor Van Dickerson presents Psalm 51.

Psalm 6

July 06, 2015 Monday Message:

“Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak.” Psalm 6:2a NLT

Ancient Jews would describe someone’s spiritual health in terms of their relationship with God. If someone was sinning, they were said to be “far from God.” If they changed their ways, they returned, turned back towards God (teshuva.) If they were now living a Holy life, they were described as “closer to God.”

We use similar analogies nowadays. “I was in darkness, but turned and came into the light.” “I was blind, but now I see.”

Life’s problems: sickness, misfortune, financial issues, failed relationships – all received prayer. But the prayer usually wasn’t about the specific problem; the prayer was for complete restoration by God. “How long, O Lord, until you restore me?” Psalm 6:3b

David speaks like all of us as he inserts a little extra drama into this prayer. “I am worn out from sobbing… I flood my bed with weeping… My vision is blurred by grief.”

But the net result is trust and confidence. “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.” Psalm 6:9

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Proverbs 3:5a

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, July 12, Paul presents his testimony to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish High Council. See you at church!