Psalms 99 - Lord Over All!

June 26, 2017 Monday Message:

“The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble.” Psalms 99:1a NIV

Remember always that God is still on his throne; God is still in charge of everything.

Psalm 99 is the last of six Royal Psalms, royal meaning that our God is the mightiest of all kings, ruling over the entire universe.

Psalms were written in Hebrew, but about 200 years before Jesus, they were translated into Greek because many Jews living in Egypt spoke Greek. The Hebrew Bible does not say who wrote this psalm, but the Greek Bible credits David.

Jews had been in exile in Babylon, and when they returned to Israel, they discovered that the Temple had been desecrated. Now victorious, they rebuilt the temple, and sang worship songs about God being higher than any earthly king.

“Everything will be all right in the end; if it’s not all right, it’s not the end.” I heard this saying a few years ago, and I believe it summarizes the feelings of the Jews 2,200 years ago. When things end well – even if it takes a while – it proves that God still rules everything. He’s still on the throne, he’s still in charge.

“For the Lord our God is holy.” Ps. 99:9b

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, July 2, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla brings the message – “I am the vine – you are the branches.”

Psalms 98 - Jubilant Gratitude

June 19, 2017 Monday Message:

“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” Psalms 98:1a NIV

We ask God to help us; we pray. God answers our prayers, showering us with his blessings. I’m amazed each day at the good things God drops into our lives! Knowing God gives us hope and fills us with the joy of the Lord.

Therefore we rightfully should show gratitude for all God has done. Pray. Shout! Share the Good News with others! Sing a new song to the Lord. If you play a musical instrument, learn to make music for the Lord. Ask your friends to play with you. Accompany any of the Psalms, or write your own words praising God. Then it will be a new song!

“Shout with joy, burst into jubilant song; make music with singing, harps, trumpets and blasts of the ram’s horn!” from Psalms 98:4-6 Nowadays we include guitars, keyboards, and percussion!

The Bible says that Jesus will return to rule the earth. Pray for him to return quickly. He will do much better than any government!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, June 25, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla brings the message, guest worship leader David Boeltl.

Psalms 97 - God of Far-Away People

June 12, 2017 Monday Message:

“The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” Psalms 97:1 NIV

Before Jesus’ time, Jews thought of Jerusalem as the center of their universe, while Romans thought of Rome as their hub. Today we think the United States is pretty important. Psalm 97 teaches us that our God is also the God for far-away people.

Jesus said, “I have other sheep. They do not live here. I must fetch them also. And they will hear my voice. There shall be one flock with one shepherd.” John 10:16

Sometimes far-away people live in distant lands – sometimes they live right up the street. “Far-away people” doesn’t necessarily indicate a physical distance. It could speak to a person’s relationship with God. Those of us close to God are commanded to share the Good News with those who are farther from God. We need to share our shepherd!

“Light shines on the righteous, and joy fills the upright heart.” (v11)

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, June 18, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla brings the Father’s Day message.

Psalms 96 - Sing a New Song!

June 05, 2017 Monday Message:

“Sing to the Lord a new song.” Psalms 96:1a NIV

Since I’ve helped lead worship in churches for over 20 years, the beginning of Psalm 96 holds special meaning for me – and perhaps for you too!

From this verse, I believe that God encourages creativity. While there’s nothing wrong with the old song we’ve sung a hundred times, God wants us to stretch out a little – try something new.

Check out if there’s a different style of music, perhaps a new rhythm that could serve as a bridge to help the next generation connect with the God of their fathers.

Remember that while the genre of music can change, the theology never changes. God is amenable to a variety of musical styles, but unbendable when it comes to the law, which is a good thing. We can take God at his word – we can trust God. His ‘yes’ means yes, and his ‘no’ means no. God is truth, and God does not have alternative facts.

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.” (v11a)

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. This week, Jesus meets the woman at the well, she gathers up a congregation, and Jesus holds church right there! See you all on Sunday!