God is Good!

For Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Psalm 77:13 NLT: “O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?”

I believe that every word in the Bible is accurate, but sometimes not true. Psalm 77 is one of those times. This psalmist feels that God has abandoned him, has turned his back. I believe the psalmist is depressed, and truly feels that way. But it’s simply not true that God would leave a person in their time of need. That doesn’t fit the character of God, the God-trend!

By v13, the writer’s tone has changed to acknowledging the goodness of God. Turns out God is good, all the time.

Faith in God fills us with hope.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Hope Raised!

For Saturday, January 30, 2021

Titus 1:2 MSG, Paul speaking: “My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago—and he doesn’t break promises!”

The word “gospel” means “good news,” and that's what this is. A life after this life is good news indeed, and the Apostle Paul wants this message at the forefront of our minds, both for us, and for those with whom we share the good news of Jesus! These words give us hope that we can also forward to others.

Paul also speaks to the character of God. God's word is good, his promises always come to fruition and his covenants stand the test of time. Therefore we can count on what God has promised – take it to the bank, so to speak.

Paul's aim is to raise hopes, and that's exactly what we're seeking!

Blessings and safety to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

God is "For" Us!

 For Thursday, August 13, 2020.

Romans 8:31b NLT: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” 

Sending his Son Jesus, we know the lengths God went to rescue mankind and equip us for victory over sin and death. Who can doubt that God is for us?

Beware of false prophets, claiming God is on their side, when he is not. Terrorists and cult leaders fall into this category. Just because an evil person claims God is with him does not make it so! The first word in today’s scripture is the key – “IF!” Rest assured that God is not FOR these criminals, and we ALL should be against them! 

Believers have self-worth from doing the right things for the right reasons. We’re good with it, and God is good with it. If Father God is for us, what does it matter if others are against us? One good person plus God makes an unconquerable majority!

It cannot be denied that for those who are in Jesus Christ, God is FOR them! That’s the character of God, the “God-trend!” 

Blessings to you all today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

"God Trend"

For Thursday, July 30, 2020.

Matthew 9:36 NLT: “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Jesus always showed compassion to those in need. Of course he did. This points to the unchanging character of God, “the same yesterday, today and forever!” I call this a ‘God Trend’ – something we can always count on.

The infirmity didn’t seem to matter - Jesus could help with anything! In he preceding verses, Jesus brought a Synagogue leader’s daughter back to life, cured a woman of bleeding, and then two blind men started following him. What do you think happened? Their faith in Jesus allowed their sight to be restored. Next Jesus cast out a demon from a man who couldn’t speak, and at the end he thanked Jesus personally! Can you see the trend?

The character of Jesus remains the same nowadays, but our problems are a little different. We’re in the midst of a Global Health Crisis and Civil Unrest. Jesus can deal with these problems as easily as the others if we come to him with an ounce of faith. Right now our world looks like the confused and helpless sheep. We need to turn to the Good Shepherd!

Blessings and safety to all today and always!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

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

Psalms 145 - Great is the Lord!

June 11, 2018 Monday Message:

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalms 145:3 NIV

In Psalm 145, David details how each of us should constantly exalt the Lord, how each of us should become a cheerleader for the King. It’s a good way to worship, and I try to bring a piece of this to our church service each Sunday – not just going through the motions, but genuine excitement and enthusiasm.

I believe that Worshiping God is more than an obligation; it should be fun and exciting, something we look forward to each week. The attitude shouldn’t be, “It’s Sunday – I have to go to church.” Rather it should be, “It’s Sunday – I GET to go to church!”

Of course God is great, God is Almighty, God is all-powerful! But don’t forget, “The Lord is (also) gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (v8)

Because God has been so good to us, we need to share the Good News with everyone! “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” (v21)

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship meets next Sunday, June 17, 2018, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. I’ll continue our walk through Hebrews 4 & 5 – Christ is our High Priest. It’s a busy Sunday – New Hope Tour day, lunch after church, food give-away – and let’s not forget, it’s Father’s Day! See you at church!

Psalm 30

January 25, 2016 Monday Message:

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.” Psalm 30:11a

God doesn’t hold a grudge. If we sin, but then confess our shortcomings, Jesus is our path to forgiveness, and our account with God shows a zero balance.

Again and again in Psalm 30, David writes about this radical transformation – of individuals, and their life-situations. “I cried to You for help, and You restored my health.” “You brought me up from the grave.” “You kept me from falling into the pit of death.” “God’s anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!”

It’s important for us to recognize that this pattern of love, forgiveness and restoration is the norm for our God. We can count on God behaving in this way - a “God-trend.”

Interestingly, David wanted this Psalm used in the dedication of a palace, probably THE Temple, which didn’t exist yet.

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b

Norton Lawellin

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, Jan. 31, 2016, it’s Pastor Retha – Evangelism pt. 2, Luke 14:15-24 & 15:3-7.

Psalm 11

August 10, 2015 Monday Message:

“In the Lord I put my trust.” Psalm 11:1a KJV

Before David became King of Israel, he was constantly hunted by King Saul. His friends advised him to run away, to hide out in the hills, but David would have no part of it. In outrage to their suggestion, he puts his foot down: “In the Lord I put my trust!” only the Lord – nothing else!

Trusting the Lord should be our foundation. Everything else that goes on – that happens to us – even that which threatens us – should be FIRST considered by remembering that God is in charge. God is still on His throne, in charge of His kingdom.

Psalm 11 goes on to say that God sees everything. God is not just a casual observer. He tests the righteous, to help make them stronger. But the evil will receive hot coals, fire and brimstone. God says so.

Knowing the character of God, we know that He is judging fairly and honestly. God doesn’t make mistakes. God never needs to re-think His decision.

God loves setting things right.

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, Aug. 16, Pastor Dale Rader brings us a message from the Bible.

Psalm 4

June 22, 2015 Monday Message:

There are some who ask, “Who will be good to us?” Psalm 4:6a CEV

David pens Psalm 4 for worship, instructing the leader to enhance the words with stringed instruments.

Recurring themes surface: God is my protector, God answers my prayers, foolish people run after worthless things, wise people pursue the Lord. The Lord has chosen everyone who is faithful to be his very own. Psalm 4:3a

David counsels us to turn from our sins, to silently search our hearts as we lie in bed. Psalm 4:4

Who can we trust? The Lord will bring us happiness, like a rich harvest of grain and grapes. The Lord’s goodness shines brightly.

With the Lord, you can relax; you can sleep soundly. Don’t worry – the Lord will keep you safe. Psalm 4:8

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. Join us!

Don't shoot backward

December 03, 2012 Monday Message:

Don’t waste time shooting bullets backward.

God has an agenda, his “things-to-do” list. He loves us, his human creations, and wants us to be with him in heaven, forever.

When humans sinned and messed it all up, God didn’t quit. “Fellowship with the humans” is still at the top of God’s agenda. His unchanging nature and steadfast perseverance establish a trend that we can trace throughout the Bible. Watch for trends as you read your Bibles.

Therefore God sent his Son, and launched the process for our redemption. Giving up on the humans simply wasn’t an option. The principles of God, his trends, will not change. You can count on God.

God doesn’t hold onto a grudge or harbor resentment against mankind. Once Adam and Eve were disciplined and course-corrected, God let go of the offense. It does no good to shoot bullets backward.

Our God of provision looks forward, and so should we. He has made a way for us to live together, in the New Jerusalem, forever.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Norton Lawellin

Sunday, Dec. 09, 10:30am Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers in the North end of the Oliver Ministry Building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis. We welcome guests from New Hope Center this week, as Pastor Michael continues teaching from Luke: the birth of John the Baptist.

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