God's Purpose!

For Thursday, September 26, 2024:

Exodus 2:3b NLT: “The mother put her baby in a basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.”

The mother had done all she could for this special baby. The rest was up to God. What followed was a series of synchronized unlikely events that would preserve the child for God’s purpose. We know him as Moses.

Pharaoh's daughter spotted the basket when she came to bathe in the river. The baby’s sister, probably Miriam, offered to locate a Hebrew woman to nurse the wee one. She took Moses to his own mother, and Pharaoh’s daughter, none the wiser, paid the mother for her help, hopefully not in bitcoin! Moses was later adopted into the royal family and given his name. Moses means “to lift out,” as in “to lift the basket out of the water.”

Moses would later be exiled from the royal family for defending his Hebrew brethren, but would return as leader of the Israelites telling Pharaoh to “Let my people go!” Moses was on God’s side, and after a series of plagues, Pharaoh did let the Hebrew people go. In fact, after the plagues, he was glad to see them leave! Moses led God’s chosen people out of Egypt to the edge of the promised land!

This is an example of the value of prophesy. If we can visualize God conclusion, we can be a part of making it happen. Who would have thought that an abandoned baby floating in a basket would lead the Israelites to their homeland?

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

God's Purpose!

For Tuesday, August 16, 2022:

Acts 21:33 NLT: “Then the commander arrested Paul and ordered him bound with two chains. He asked the crowd who he was and what he had done.”

At the time, I don’t think even Paul could realize the magnitude of what was happening. His arrest set off a chain of events that would allow him to share the Good News with Temple leaders and regional governors – important people! Paul, a Roman citizen, demanded a trial before Caesar, so his arrest ultimately gained him passage to Rome, where he was allowed to preach to large groups of people and bring the message of salvation to the capital city!

Jesus said that believers are to make disciples of all nations. The Lord may put us in unexpected situations. We may not understand the purpose right away, but it may be a part of God’s plan. God can take any situation – good or bad – and use it for his purpose.

We are blessed to be included in sharing the Good News!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

God's Purpose!

For Friday, April 23, 2021

Philippians 2:13 PHILLIPS: “It is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve his purpose.”

This helps answer a ‘first-order’ question: “Who am I, and what am I doing here?” Everyone has questions like these. The short answer is that God put you here and has a purpose in mind. It’s like we’re all a piece of a big jigsaw puzzle. It will present a much better picture if we all participate.

God is the perfect example of a benevolent dictator. He gives us the freedom to make choices, but God’s way is always the right way! Time after time God forgives our offenses, and makes a pathway for us to return. His desire is that none would be lost, that all would repent and return! He’s a God of second chances, and that gives us hope!

God wants to work in you and through you!

Blessings and safety to all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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