Psalms 87 - Believers Born in Zion

March 27, 2017 Monday Message:

“This one was born in Zion.” Psalms 87:4b NIV

In Psalm 87, God is double-checking the register of those who acknowledge him as Lord over all.

In addition to those already in Israel, this Psalm teaches that God will identify all the believers in Egypt, Babylon, Tyre, Cush – and frankly, all who trust in him in any other country in the world – and he, God, will include them.

Since believers are born again into the Holy Family, God can rightfully look at each one of us and say, “This one was born in Zion,” not referring to our human birth, but rather our spiritual rebirth into the Kingdom of God.

Inclusion of all who believe is a “God trend,” a pattern of behavior you can spot over and over again in the Bible. In this psalm, God wanted to include his followers 3,000 years ago. Then 2,000 years ago, Jesus included all who believed in him. The trend continues nowadays. All who believe are included, adopted into the Holy Family.

So today, in 2017, God can look at all the believers everywhere on earth, and no matter where they live, He can rightfully say, “This one was born in Zion”

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers next Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla begins in Luke 19:11 – the servants given 10 minas.

Psalms 86 - Right Thing, Right Reason

March 20, 2017 Monday Message:

“Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you,” Psalms 86:2 NLT

Sometimes, it seems that David doesn’t get things quite right. Like in Psalm 86, it seems like he’s saying, “I do this for you, God, so you owe me. Hold up your end of the covenant.”

But God’s covenant with His people isn’t a mutual-aid pact. Rather, it’s an unconditional love arrangement.

We are to serve God, trust God, and be ever-devoted to God because it’s the right thing to do. He is, after all, our creator. Love the Lord without any expectations of what He’ll do for you in return.

Likewise, God, who has adopted us into His Holy Family, loves his children and takes care of us, knowing that we won’t be perfect. Historically, God’s people seem to get close to God, then drift away for a while, and then repent and return. Fortunately he’s a forgiving God, a God of second chances. God loves us all through our life’s journey, with no expectation that if he does THIS for us, we in return will do THAT for him. Now we SHOULD do what God is asking, but his love for us isn’t dependent upon our response. God’s agape love for us is unconditional. That’s what the Bible says.

In fairness to David, if you’re closer to God, you’re farther from sin, and life will always go better. But love the Lord because he’s the Almighty God, not because you’re expecting something in return.

Do the right things for the right reasons.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers next Sunday, March 26, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Michael Pilla preaches from Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus up a tree!

Psalms 85 - Revive Us Again

March 13, 2017 Monday Message:

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” Psalms 85:6 NIV

A graph of mankind’s relationship with God would look like a roller coaster – up and down, up and down, closer-to-God, farther-from-God, over and over again.

It seems though, that if the people are keeping their distance from God, He likewise leaves them to themselves. Then predictably, life without God does not go well for the people.

In their misery, God’s people cry out, “Restore us - rescue us – revive us!” But it probably should read, “Revive us over and over, again and again!”

Fortunately, our God is a God of second chances. He is welcoming to all who repent and return to him. “Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalms 85:10-12

Pray for revival in our churches, our cities and our nation.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers next Sunday, March 19, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla preaches from Luke 18 – Jesus prophesies his crucifixion, and opens the eyes of a blind man on the road to Jericho.

Psalms 84 - Eyes on Eternity

March 06, 2017 Monday Message:

“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!” Psalms 84:1 NIV

Do you have a plan for life-after-this-life? If you haven’t been intentionally planning for your eternal destination, you could wind up in the wrong place.

Psalm 84 was sung by determined optimists, who loved the Lord and trusted the Lord. “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Psalm 84:10b

Jesus told his followers that they would all meet again in the eternal kingdom. If you count Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you know that he went ahead to prepare a place for you in his Father’s house.

Therefore I’m confident in stating that Christians - those adopted into Jesus’ Holy family - will find the next reality far superior to the tribulations of this lifetime.

“Lord Almighty, better is one day in your courts that a thousand elsewhere.” Psalm 84:10a

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers next Sunday, March 12, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM.