Psalms 66 - Repent First, Then Return

October 17, 2016 Monday Message:

“If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Psalms 66:18 NIV

“God has no wish that anyone should be destroyed. He wishes that all should come to repent.” from 2 Peter 3:9 JBP

The Hebrew language uses the word “teshuvah,” which literally means “to turn or to re-turn.” In religious teaching, it means to repent and return – to turn away from our sins, and return to the Lord.

This has been the message described over and over in the Bible, ever since Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation in the Garden of Eden. And God’s desire is still the same for us today – He wants everybody to repent and return.

The Bible describes a sinner as someone far from God. When that person repents and returns, they move closer to God. They were blind, but now they see – their eyes have been opened. They were living in darkness, but have turned toward the light.

It would be easier to “return” if we didn’t have to first “repent,” but it doesn’t work that way. We can’t drag our old sin with us into the presence of God. Psalm 66 teaches us, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” So we need to do life God’s way.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, Pastor Pilla opens up 1 Corinthians Ch. 4. We welcome guests from Metro Hope Ministries – lunch following the service.

Psalms 65 - God of Everything

October 10, 2016 Monday Message:

“Mighty praise belongs to you, O God.” from Psalms 65:1 NLT

In Psalm 65, David tells us that our God is the “God of everything.” David gives us a long list, but not an exhaustive list.

God answers our prayers. He forgives our sins. He fills us with joy. Author of awesome deeds, God offers hope to everyone.

Almighty God made majestic mountains, raging oceans with pounding waves, and the sun from where it rises to where it sets. God inspires shouts of joy!

God waters the earth, taking care that it is rich and fertile, to provide a bountiful harvest. With water from heaven, grasslands become lush pastures, hillsides bloom with joy, meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!

God truly deserves all this praise. Even if God’s followers were forced to be silent, the stones along the road would burst into cheers! Luke 19:40

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, Pastor Pilla continues our study in 1 Corinthians Ch. 3.

Psalms 64 - God's Complaint Desk

October 03, 2016 Monday Message:

“Hear me, My God, as I voice my complaint.” Psalms 64:1a NIV

Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. But that he, Jesus, has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

David has lots of reasons to complain. He’s faced with plenty of trouble, having to constantly elude his enemies. Like David, you and I will also have troubles in this life. There is sin in the world, and sin spells trouble.

But we also have Jesus, and he said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

What we translate as David saying, “Hear me,” really means in the original language, “Hear me and do something about it!” So Psalm 64 is a prayer, asking for God’s help and protection. We all need God’s help and protection from time to time, so don’t be afraid to complain to God!

When life hands you a lemon, head straight for the complaint desk. God will not only hear you out, but he can initiate steps to make things a lot better.

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30am. This Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, I’ll continue our study in 1 Corinthians Ch. 3:10-16. See you at church!