Psalms 126 - Filled with Joy

Jan. 29, 2018 Monday Message:

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalms 126:3

Joy begets more joy. If you’ve been part of God’s team and he blesses you, you tend to stay on the team, and you’ll be in line for God’s blessings again and again. It’s kind of a partnership – the Bible calls it a covenant. “I will be your God, and you will be my people.”

We’re generally not supposed to test God, but when explaining tithing, God said to check it out, to give him a try. “Bring the whole tithe … test me in this, and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” from Malachi 3:10

So recommit to being a member of God’s team. Be an active part of what God is doing. Dream of accomplishing God’s goals.

Each day that I continue as a Christian, I’m amazed at the blessings, the good things, and the opportunities God drops into my life. Life with God is good!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Feb. 04, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla opens up Psalm 37.

Psalms 125 - With Us

Jan. 22, 2018 Monday Message:

“May Israel have peace! Psalms 125:5c

Psalm 125 is short and right to the point. Bad people were trying to rule Israel, but the psalmist doesn’t believe that will happen. Just as mountains surround Jerusalem, so does God surround Israel with his supernatural protection. And with God protecting you, the bad guys don’t have a chance.

We’re protected by our adoption into God’s Holy Family! O Lord, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you. (Ps. 125:4)

Jesus said, “I will always be with you.” Matt. 28:20

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Van is looking at Psalm 51, David’s confession.

Psalms 124 - On Our Side

Jan. 15, 2018 Monday Message:

“If the Lord had not been on our side…” Psalms 124:1a & 2a

I usually don’t like “what ifs.” But in this case, if the Lord hadn’t been helping, there’s no end to the number of things that could have gone wrong!

Our enemies might have swallowed us alive! The waters would have overwhelmed us!

God allows his people to escape from the fowler’s snare. Ps.124:7a

(Ah – that’s where that odd line comes from in the song, “On Eagle’s Wings!)

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Ps 124:6.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. We’ll be looking at Psalm 139 on Sanctity of Life Sunday. Welcome our guests from Christmas in the City, and the New Hope Tour. See you at church!

Psalms 123 - Closer to God

Jan. 01, 2018 Monday Message:

“I lift my eyes to you (God); you are seated in heaven.” Psalms 123:1

Psalm 123 was sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem at feast time. This opening verse reminds us of the beginning of The Lord’s Prayer, as taught by Jesus. Of course the true destination wasn’t just Jerusalem; the prayer was about being closer to God.

Longer prayers are not necessarily better. While this Psalm consists of only four verses, the thought is complete. The people intend to be obedient to God, just as a servant is obedient to a master. And therefore God’s obedient people expectantly pray for God’s mercy and forgiveness. They’ve endured far too much ridicule and contempt from the proud and wicked. Now it’s time to seek shelter with a merciful, forgiving God.

Jesus said, “From now on, I will not call you servants, but I will call you friends.” John. 15:15

Happy New Year!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, Jan. 07, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. We’ll be looking at Psalms in January, starting this week with Psalm 1. See you at church!