Living in Harmony!

For Friday, November 3, 2023:

Romans 15:5-6 NLT: “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul has been counseling the church in Rome – rules, commandments, dos and don’ts – when suddenly he inserts a short prayer for these people. It could have been written for us nowadays!

Patience is always needed, myself included. Nothing seems to happen as fast as I’d like. When something is good and right, my instinct tells me it should be put it in motion right away, but that may not be God’s timing. God’s timing will always be the right timing, so we may need a little encouragement along with our patience!

The goal is for believers to live in complete harmony with each other, following Jesus’ example. Everyone can then be on the same page as we give praise and glory to God the Father!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

Radical Transformatioon

For Thursday, July 29, 2021

Philemon 1:10a NLT, Paul writing to Philemon: “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus.”

Onesimus was once a troublemaker for the believers, but now he has changed his ways. Paul witnessed the radical transformation in Onesimus’ life, and he’s encouraging the church to welcome him back. Paul wants the believers to forgive whatever went wrong, and to offer hope. “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.”

My church does a lot of work with people in recovery, and a similar situation is fairly common. Someone once considered worthless repents and returns, and is now elevated to a position of trust. Our job us to teach, encourage, be willing to forgive and to offer hope to those who seek the Lord.

Paul says to “welcome him as you would welcome me.”

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Encouragement and Hope!

For Friday, April 30, 2021

Romans 15:4 CEV: “The Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.”

Q: What’s in the Bible?

A: Encouragement and hope!

Paul said we should keep our eyes on the prize, on the ultimate goal. And for a believer, that’s life after this life in the presence of Father God! It’s knowing that Jesus made it possible for eternity to be a pleasant experience for us! Yes, friends, we have inherited a lot of hope!

Different churches have different activities and different programs. They’re usually all good, and some are a lot of fun. But EVERY church needs to be clear on the basics, the fact that death is not the end, and that Jesus can make everything way better!

Jesus has offered to be our friend; we should reciprocate, saying, ‘Yes, Lord!’

Blessings and safety today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Worship Group

For Wednesday, October 7, 2020 

Romans 1:12 TLB, Paul speaking: “I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: Each of us will be a blessing to the other.”

Worship has always been a group effort. God set aside one day each week as the Sabbath, and the believers would come together to lift up the Lord. David, Worship Leader first and King second, wrote new songs of praise and led the people in honoring God each week. 

Jesus had not only the 12 Apostles, but also a number of other disciples in his entourage, both men and women. On the Sabbath they’d all go together to the Temple or to a local Synagogue to worship together. Jesus would often be asked to teach.

Following Jesus’ example, we too are better off being part of a worship group where we can be strengthened by one another, and that shared encouragement gives us hope! 

Blessings and safety to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406