God's Channel!

For Thursday, May 22, 2025:

Luke 11:28 CJB: “Jesus said, ‘Far more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’”

As Jesus was teaching the crowd, a woman shouted out blessings to his birth-mother. Yes, Mary was obedient and highly favored by God. But the Father is even more pleased when one of us hears him and follows his instructions. Mary is history, but we are right now! Believers represent the future of the church for our generation. That’s what Jesus was saying.

God’s instructions will be heard by those with whom he has a relationship. If someone chooses to hear nothing from God, he won’t force his message on that person. Listening for God is like adjusting a radio receiver. If someone is not tuned in to the right frequency, they’ll never hear his message! So put God on one of your mind’s “preset” buttons! Let your Bible gather no dust!

Even more important than simply hearing God’s message is giving life to those instructions – obedience. Don’t think of serving God as an obligation. Consider it an opportunity to build an ongoing relationship with your Creator.

Believers have been drafted to play for God’s team. He wants us to win souls for the “good” team, those who, at the end of life’s game, are the winners.

Batter up!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Acts of God!

For Tuesday, September 26, 2023:

Psalm 46:1 NLT: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

Natural disasters are often called “Acts of God,” when “Acts of Satan” might be more correct. God did not yet end the Devil’s reign on earth, so we become unwitting witness to his evil efforts. The Bible speaks of earthquakes, flooding rains and surging oceans, and that’s certainly not an exhaustive list.

In addition to the natural disasters, people live in the midst of fighting and wars. Wars result in nations of poverty and famine, often many miles away. Example: Russia invaded Ukraine, whose grain was feeding a lot of Africa. Now people in Africa who know nothing of the war are starving. Jesus said that there would be wars and rumors of wars until he returns. In other words, the world will be one big mess until Jesus shows up again.

So right there we’ve been given the answer: More God, more Jesus. God is our refuge, strength and hope. And Jesus will lead us to victory in the world’s final war.

Don’t be fooled by those headed down the wrong path. Satan represents weakness and defeat. Always stick with the winners!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship