December 13, 2010 Monday Message:
“(God) is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b
Some of us grew up in Christian households and can’t remember a time when we didn’t love Jesus. Others, like me, can point to a particular day or specific incident when we made a conscious decision to accept what Jesus was offering, forgiveness and eternal salvation.
Still others have loved God, left God, and then returned to God. While you were gone, Jesus never left you. Whatever your path to the Lord, the important thing is that you’re with God today.
The Bible compares our walk with the Lord to a race. We may get a fast start or a slow start. Many will stumble along the way, but get back up and run some more. Some of us will run better when we can see the finish line. We all want to finish well. We will not run a perfect race like Jesus did. After all, we’re human, and he is divine. If we could be perfect on our own, we wouldn’t need rescuing. But God, with heavenly patience, waits for us, and gives up on no one who seeks Him.
This Advent season is a new beginning for the church year calendar. It’s also a good time for a new beginning for each of us. Re-dedicate yourself to the Lord. Get back in the race. And “run (your race) in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:24b
Norton Lawellin
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Christmas Comforter
December 06, 2010 Monday Message:
John the Baptist said that while he could only baptize with water, Jesus would baptize us with fire, i.e. with the Holy Spirit. If that’s what Jesus is doing, I’m IN!
The Holy Spirit eternally co-exists with the Father and the Son. He was present at creation, with the Jews and Moses as they left Egypt, and was with most of the “good” judges and kings. As we approach Christmas, we remember the Holy Spirit’s part in bringing the King of kings to us. “What is conceived in her (Mary) is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20b
Remember that Jesus said he would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us after he ascended to heaven. This Spirit is necessary for our salvation. “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5
So don’t neglect that one-third of our triune God, our helper, our advocate and our healer. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do anything. This Christmas season, let’s worship God, welcome Jesus into our world, and give thanks for the Holy Spirit.
Norton Lawellin
John the Baptist said that while he could only baptize with water, Jesus would baptize us with fire, i.e. with the Holy Spirit. If that’s what Jesus is doing, I’m IN!
The Holy Spirit eternally co-exists with the Father and the Son. He was present at creation, with the Jews and Moses as they left Egypt, and was with most of the “good” judges and kings. As we approach Christmas, we remember the Holy Spirit’s part in bringing the King of kings to us. “What is conceived in her (Mary) is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20b
Remember that Jesus said he would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with us after he ascended to heaven. This Spirit is necessary for our salvation. “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5
So don’t neglect that one-third of our triune God, our helper, our advocate and our healer. Without the Holy Spirit we are powerless, but with the power of the Holy Spirit we can do anything. This Christmas season, let’s worship God, welcome Jesus into our world, and give thanks for the Holy Spirit.
Norton Lawellin
Monday, November 29, 2010
The LORD Upholds the Oppressed
November 29, 2010 Monday Message:
“The LORD upholds the cause of the oppressed.” Psalm 146:7a If it’s important to God, it should be important to us, so let’s look at “The Oppressed,” their situation, what God is doing for them, and what we should do for them.
Stronger people feel like they have it all together. They feel good today, and they’re that way most of the time.
Oppressed people feel all beat up, all the time. They may have failing relationships, financial challenges and spiritual questions with no answers. They may be fighting an illness, fighting an addiction or fighting for our country. Unfortunately, life is a battlefield, and the oppressed are oftentimes fighting the stronger people.
Stronger people force the weaker people to work for them. They don’t pay them enough for the work. The oppressed are often hungry. Sometimes they’re in a prison, and sometimes they just feel as if life is a prison. Oppressed people are people to whom stronger people are not kind. Orphans and widows, foreigners, the blind, people not like us—there are many who fall into the “oppressed” category.
But don’t write them off yet—these are GOD’s Oppressed People! “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD!” Jeremiah 17:7a Remember that God is the Creator, so he knows what everyone needs, and he remains faithful forever. “The LORD gives food to the hungry, sight to the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, watches over the foreigner, sustains the fatherless and the widow, and loves those who love him. God loves the righteous, but subverts the plans of the wicked.” Psalm 146:7-9
So if God is an advocate for the oppressed, we should make sure we’re on His side, which, by the way, is the winning side! If you stick close to God, you can step past the problem and become part of the solution.
Norton Lawellin
“The LORD upholds the cause of the oppressed.” Psalm 146:7a If it’s important to God, it should be important to us, so let’s look at “The Oppressed,” their situation, what God is doing for them, and what we should do for them.
Stronger people feel like they have it all together. They feel good today, and they’re that way most of the time.
Oppressed people feel all beat up, all the time. They may have failing relationships, financial challenges and spiritual questions with no answers. They may be fighting an illness, fighting an addiction or fighting for our country. Unfortunately, life is a battlefield, and the oppressed are oftentimes fighting the stronger people.
Stronger people force the weaker people to work for them. They don’t pay them enough for the work. The oppressed are often hungry. Sometimes they’re in a prison, and sometimes they just feel as if life is a prison. Oppressed people are people to whom stronger people are not kind. Orphans and widows, foreigners, the blind, people not like us—there are many who fall into the “oppressed” category.
But don’t write them off yet—these are GOD’s Oppressed People! “Blessed are those who trust in the LORD!” Jeremiah 17:7a Remember that God is the Creator, so he knows what everyone needs, and he remains faithful forever. “The LORD gives food to the hungry, sight to the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, watches over the foreigner, sustains the fatherless and the widow, and loves those who love him. God loves the righteous, but subverts the plans of the wicked.” Psalm 146:7-9
So if God is an advocate for the oppressed, we should make sure we’re on His side, which, by the way, is the winning side! If you stick close to God, you can step past the problem and become part of the solution.
Norton Lawellin
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