Protector God!

For Saturday, December 4, 2021

Nahum 1:7 CEV: “The Lord is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble.”

God is good – all the time! So when trouble rears it’s ugly head in your life, is God your first call or your last resort?

If you’re “all in” with God – if you’re 24/7 with God, you won’t have to turn to him, because God and you are permanently in touch with each other. You’re on the same page, pulling in the same direction. You’re playing on the same team. A lot of trouble may just bounce off you. Trouble knows that disagreeing with God won’t end well!

We believe the Bible to be true, and here God offers assurance of protection to those who trust in him. God promises hope!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Permanent Protection!

For Sunday, December 13, 2020

John 10:28 Phillips, Jesus speaking: “My sheep follow me and I give them eternal life. They will never die and no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

A lot of people go through life in a 'reactive' mode – circumstances dictate their direction. But as a believer, we can be 'proactive.' Choosing to follow Jesus sets the direction for what is to come.

Believers don't have to worry about where they're going to spend life after this life. Believers have already been redeemed by Jesus, and have assurance of salvation. Jesus has claimed the believer as a member of God's Holy Family. Believers are 'off the table' as far as the devil is concerned – no one can snatch you from Jesus' hand!

Thank you Jesus for not only rescuing us, but for granting us permanent protection!

Blessings and safety on this Sabbath day!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

God is Good!

For Tuesday, October 20, 2020 

Psalm 119:65 NLT: “You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.”

We tend to reach out to God when something is wrong, when something needs fixing. That’s OK – God is there for us and wants to help. But did you ever stop to consider all the blessings God has ALREADY poured out on you? 

If you have Jesus in your heart, Satan cannot exist in that same space. Sometimes God’s blessing is as simple as protection from evil. Our lives are immeasurably improved when God has his hand on the situation.

If you’ve tried living with God and living without God, I’m sure you’ll agree that life is way better WITH God! 

Blessings and safety to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

Psalms 140 - Keep Me Safe

May 7, 2018 Monday Message:

“Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked.” Psalms 140:4a NIV

I like the story of the footprints in the sand. There are two sets of footprints – that’s Jesus walking alongside you. But for a while, there is only one set of footprints, and our first inclination is to ask, “Jesus, where did you go?”

But in our ‘footprints’ story, Jesus replies, “That’s when I was carrying you!”

God-sightings at major crossroads in our lives make for great testimonies. But most days aren’t that exciting. Some days we just need to maintain, to live one more day for the Lord, and our prayer is, “Lord, just keep me safe.”

Jesus wants to walk with you every day as you live out your life; but if you need extra help, he will carry you.

“The upright shall dwell in God’s presence.” Ps. 140:13b ESV

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, May 13, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Pilla continues our sermon series from Hebrews 2:1-4.

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.

Psalm 35

February 29, 2016 Monday Message:

“Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!” Psalm 35:1

The Bible says, “To all who would receive him, (Jesus,) to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12 In other words, believers have been adopted into the Holy family, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities afforded all family members.

So God’s family is your family now; you are on God’s side of things. And if you’re on God’s side, then reciprocally, you’d like God to be on your side too. That’s what David was asking in Psalm 35. This could have been over a conflict with Saul, or with David’s son Absalom, or something else – we don’t know. But we hear David’s plea, “I could use a little help here!” Just as God helped and protected David, he can do the same for you and me.

“How long, LORD, will you look on?” Psalm 35:17a This speaks to God’s timing. Personally, I’m perpetually out of sync with God’s timing. I tend to want to put good things into action right away. So why isn’t God working with me on this? Maybe it’s not the right time yet. Maybe I need to get more people on-board. Maybe I shouldn’t start out under-resourced. God will decide when the time is right, and His timing is always perfect.

Because God has been good to David, he writes, “My mouth will proclaim Your righteousness, Your praises all day long.” Psalm 35:28 Join David in his praise, today!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10 am every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, March 6, 2016, we’ll dig deep inside Romans Ch. 3. See you at church!

Psalm 25 - Putting God First

December 7, 2015 Monday Message:

“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” Psalms 25:1

The words David sings to the Lord are prioritized. First and foremost, David trusts God with everything, and David tells him so. Now that that’s established, that God’s in first place, we can move on to other things.

David prays for protection from his numerous enemies. And he trusts that a follower of the Lord will never be disgraced. “Show me your path, Lord. Teach me your truth. Continue with the compassion and everlasting love that we count on. Forgive the sins of those who fear the Lord.”

David’s going through a bad time. He prays, “My problems go from bad to worse. See how many enemies I have, and how viciously they hate me! May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.”

Trust the Lord in all things. Put God first in your life.

“All day long I put my hope in You.” Psalms 25:5b

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Dec. 13, Pastor Michael Pilla speaks on the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

Psalm 21

November 2, 2015 Monday Message:

God made David their king: “…a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.” Acts 13:22

David had been highly favored by God, and David is grateful. Worship song Psalm 21 almost sounds a little conceited or selfish on David’s part, but if you were living at that time, you would know that Israel was only as strong as its king, and God had raised David up to be that king. Therefore all of Israel praised God for favoring their leader.

Just as God was kind to David, so God is kind to each of us. So as you read Psalm 21, just insert your own name. “You grant me my hearts desires…, You greet me with rich blessings…, You granted me life – length of days, for ever and ever!” Look at all God has done for you! from Psalms 21:2-4 NIV

God’s protection continues: “Your right hand will seize my foes…, On battle, you will burn up my enemies as a furnace…, You will destroy their descendants. from Psalms 21:8-10

Verse 11 puts the evil and wicked in their proper place: “They cannot succeed.”

“We exalt Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.” Psalms 21:13

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Nov. 8, Pastor Michael Pilla continues preaching from the Bible.