Psalm 12

August 17, 2015 Monday Message:

“Help, Lord, for no one faithful remains.” Psalm 12:1a HCSB

Do you ever have the feeling that the world is falling apart? That’s how David felt as he penned Psalm 12. Not only were people plotting against him, but God’s rules – His value system, His ethics - were no longer honored by most of the world. David was caught up in a battle where there were no rules.

Not much has changed. Jews have been persecuted for thousands of years. Radical Islam has never been kind to Christianity. Religious minorities are persecuted every day, and slavery has been reinstated in some countries. It’s a sin-filled world in which we live, and Jesus will fix it all when He returns.

Declared or not, we are engaged in a world war, a religious war. What has changed is that some of the battles are occurring on our own soil. Traditionally, our conflicts have been fought in distant lands. But nowadays, for the first time, terrorists are setting off their bombs right in the USA.

God recognizes and separates the good guys from the bad guys. Those who love the Lord will be protected, while the evil ones will get what they deserve. God will not be deceived.

Pray for God’s protection in our country, for peace in the world, and for Jesus to come quickly to straighten out this mess. Claim the promise, “You, Lord, will guard us.” Psalm 12:7a

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, Aug. 23, Pastor Retha brings the message, Davie B. leads worship, and New Hope tour joins us. A salad-bar lunch follows the service.

Psalm 11

August 10, 2015 Monday Message:

“In the Lord I put my trust.” Psalm 11:1a KJV

Before David became King of Israel, he was constantly hunted by King Saul. His friends advised him to run away, to hide out in the hills, but David would have no part of it. In outrage to their suggestion, he puts his foot down: “In the Lord I put my trust!” only the Lord – nothing else!

Trusting the Lord should be our foundation. Everything else that goes on – that happens to us – even that which threatens us – should be FIRST considered by remembering that God is in charge. God is still on His throne, in charge of His kingdom.

Psalm 11 goes on to say that God sees everything. God is not just a casual observer. He tests the righteous, to help make them stronger. But the evil will receive hot coals, fire and brimstone. God says so.

Knowing the character of God, we know that He is judging fairly and honestly. God doesn’t make mistakes. God never needs to re-think His decision.

God loves setting things right.

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, Aug. 16, Pastor Dale Rader brings us a message from the Bible.

Psalm 10

August 03, 2015 Monday Message:

“Why, Oh Lord, do you hide yourself in (my) times of trouble?” from Psalm 10:1 ESV

As afternoon turns into evening, we say that the sun went down. In fact, the sun is right where it’s always been. It is we, the earth, who have turned away from the sun.

In Psalm 10, David feels like God is hiding, standing far away. David has been pursued by a lot of evil men with real spears, and he’s just trying to stay alive. Consequently, leading worship of the Lord has fallen to near the bottom of his “things-to-do” list. And in David’s narrow perception, just when he could use a little supernatural help, he feels like God is hiding from him. But it is David who needs to turn back to God.

Eventually David prays to the Mighty God: “Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand!” Ps. 10:12a and acknowledges God’s sovereignty: “The Lord is forever – the Lord hears the afflicted – justice for the oppressed – no more terror.”

We must remember that God is always there for us when we need him. Oftentimes WE are the ones who need to turn back to God, not the other way around.

Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20b

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, Aug. 9, Pastor Retha Dowells brings us a message from the Bible.