Magi!

 For Saturday, December 26, 2020

Matthew 2:2 NLT, wise men asking: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east, and we have come to worship him.”

What the Magi asked upset Herod, who believed HE was the king of the Jews. Jealous, he ordered all males under the age of two to be killed. Herod wanted no competition for his throne.

The wise men from the east brought expensive gifts for the new baby king, which gave the Holy Family provision to seek political asylum in Egypt for a time. The Lord provided for Jesus. Similarly, the Lord will provide for us, and knowing that gives us hope!

Trivia, just for fun: The wise men never met the shepherds. Shepherds visited Jesus in the stable; wise men visited at a house. There were three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh, but we do not know the number of Magi – at least four in the group, maybe more!

As we celebrate the Christmas season, we're reminded that Jesus is the hope of the world! Stay safe!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Worship

For Sunday, October 18, 2020 

Revelation 4:8b NLT: “Day after day and night after night the living beings keep on saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty — the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.’”

In heaven, praise goes on forever - it’s like the Sabbath never ends! Praise for the Creator continues 24/7! But on earth, some choose to not worship at all, and many who call themselves “Christians” only relate to God for an hour or two on Sunday morning. The contrast is startling! 

To God, intelligent design is a full-time job. We are the subjects of His plan for mankind. He makes sure we have air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat and clothes to keep us warm, at least those of us dealing with the Upper Midwest’s winter!

Therefore our love for the Lord should cover every waking moment, be a part of every decision we make and every relationship with our fellows. We should live our lives under the “God-umbrella,” covering everything we do. 

God has included you in His plans – so make sure you include Him in your plans!

Blessings and safety on the Sabbath! 

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

No Worries!

Monday Message – August 24, 2020. 

Matthew 6:25 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Don’t worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?”

He’s not talking about working vs being lazy! But Jesus is plainly telling us to not worry! He’s teaching about faith and trusting in the Lord, Yahweh Yireh, the God-of-provision. 

When Jesus said, “The Son of Man has no place even to lay his head,” it didn’t mean he was poor or destitute. It’s just that he was so busy traveling from place to place doing the Lord’s work that he hadn’t yet lined up his bunk for the night. But there was never any doubt that he would find a place. God would provide.

Prior to the crucifixion, the soldiers found Jesus wearing an expensive 1-piece woven garment with no seams. They cast lots for it rather than cut it up, because of its value. Our God-of-provision did very well providing for his Son! 

Want God to provide for you too? Become a follower of Jesus! As believers, we are adopted into the Holy Family and become children of God too. We’re family now, and God will do well providing for ALL of his children. So stop worrying!

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matt. 6:33) 

Blessings as we begin this new week!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

Leftovers

July 30, 2012 Monday Message:

YHWH: “They will eat and have some left over” 2 Kings 4:43b

There was famine in the region of the people of God, and a man brought Elisha twenty loaves. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.

Now, 20 loaves would feed 20 men, and perhaps allow 40 men to have a taste. But attempting to feed 100 would be out of the question. The men would be expecting a full meal, while all you could supply is the appetizer, and you’d soon have 100 frustrated men casting their anger in your direction.

Nonetheless, God had said, “They will eat and have some left over,” so Elisha did just as God asked, and passed out the bread. And it turned out exactly the way God said. Everyone ate all they wanted, and there were leftovers.

Our God, Yahweh-yireh, will provide. He is a God of abundance; he has thousands of cattle on thousands of hills. He can provide not only all that we need, but also a little extra - leftovers.

God’s provision becomes especially significant as Jesus in the City Fellowship takes on the challenging demographics of urban ministry. We are now in the most diverse neighborhood in the U.S., with over 100 languages spoken. The building where we meet is also home to Spanish-speaking and Ethiopian congregations. Neighborhood residents seem to have little pride in where they live and work; the population turns over every six months. Poverty and crime are out of control, and the police seem powerless to improve the situation. Their only hope is the local church.

As we were praying for the future of this ministry, it occurred to me that Jesus in the City will probably never be self-supporting. Even if we develop a significant number of local worshipers, they won’t have deep pockets. But the Bible says that God won’t send us on a mission without provision, and we’re counting on that! I believe that God will call benefactors, both individuals and congregations, to see the need to keep Jesus in the inner-city, and to step forward with the desperately-needed provision.

Our mission field is just north of Lake Street!

Norton Lawellin

Last week I was privileged to help with music for the Celebration of Life service for Evangelist Lowell Lundstrom. His church credits him with helping over one million people make a decision for Jesus.

Sunday, Aug. 5, Jesus in the City Fellowship worships in the Oliver Ministry building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Daisy is ON, wrapping up Galatians!