Live Abundantly!

For Wednesday, August 24, 2022:

Psalm 20:4 NLT: “May the Lord grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.”

Believers are not guaranteed smooth sailing! Life will present many challenges! David was praying for Divine Intervention with these bumps in the road.

Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But I have overcome the world!” When the psalms were written, Jesus had not yet come to earth. Believers expected that God-the-Father was in charge, still on the throne of heaven. Father God could show favor upon his people, granting them success in all that they undertake.

Nowadays, the Lord still wants us to be successful! He wants us to have abundance, so that we have enough to help others. Jesus told Peter to “feed my sheep.” We inherited that command; there are many sheep to feed!

God, bless us with the resources to successfully carry out your mission!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

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

Jesus: "Do you love me?"

April 20, 2020 Monday Message:

“Simon son of John, do you love me?” John 21:17 NLT

As the disciples ate breakfast on the beach, Jesus asked this question of Simon - three times - and by now, Simon considered it ‘asked-and-answered.’ Upset, hurt and somewhat frustrated, he replied, “Lord, you know everything! You KNOW that I love you!”

And then Jesus commands, “Then feed my sheep.”

This ‘sheep’ analogy is used throughout the Bible. Taking care of all the believers is frequently referred to as ‘tending the flock.’ 2,000 years ago, people were closer to rural life than nowadays, so most people knew what was required to take care of sheep. Back then, the analogy made a lot of sense. Most people knew the job description of a good shepherd, with Jesus being the ultimate example of a Good Shepherd.

Now pretend with me that you are present at that breakfast meeting, but this time, instead of asking Simon, Jesus asks that same question of you. Go ahead; insert your own name; say it out loud: “(name), do you love me?”

And you answer, “Yes, Lord, of course I do!”

And then, just like Simon Peter, Jesus commands you to, “Feed my sheep!” Consider this a personal invitation to join the Great Commission. Jesus didn’t call only Simon to minister – He calls ALL of us to spread the Good News, to make disciples of all nations, and then baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus wants to include you on the team. He wants us off the bench and in the game!

God’s blessings on you and your loved ones this Easter season!

Norton Lawellin, Worship Pastor

Jesus in the City Fellowship.

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