Psalms 93 - God's Truth

May 15, 2017 Monday Message:

“Your statutes, Lord, stand firm.” Psalms 93:5a NIV

God doesn’t change his mind. His value system is forever. If God’s law says that something is wrong, that we shouldn’t do something – that thing was wrong yesterday, today and tomorrow, because God’s not about to change his mind.

Similarly, if God says that we SHOULD do something – that something is good to do, then we should keep on doing it, because it will remain good for all time.

You can count on God’s word; God keeps his promises. God promised that if we would repent and return to Him and ask his Son to cover our sins, that we would be assured a place in God’s eternal kingdom. Jesus even said that he himself would go on ahead and prepare a place for us. Therefore we have “Assurance of Salvation,” and that’s awesome!

No other religion has “Assurance of Salvation.” With other religions, you try to be good and hope that it’s enough. But with Christianity, Jesus did all the work FOR us. With Jesus, our sin problem is permanently resolved, and we don’t have to worry if we’ll see heaven from the inside – because we have “Assurance of Salvation!”

God’s truth lasts forever!

Norton Lawellin

Let’s worship together! Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, May 21, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. I’ll be talking about “Jesus traits” – unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness. See you at church!

Psalms 92 - Hope!

May 8, 2017 Monday Message:

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.” Psalms 92:1 NIV

There’s a Hebrew story that Adam sang this song on the first Sabbath, the day after his creation. Probably not, but it makes the point that acknowledging God’s majesty, and that singing songs about God and to God honors God. And the Sabbath is the perfect day to put this into motion.

A long time ago, lutes, harps and lyres accompanied church music. Today we use organs, pianos, and guitars. Sometimes we add bass, drums, and a saxophone. In other psalms, cymbals, trumpets and tambourines are mentioned. Even dancing! It sounds like Worship of the Lord was not a dull affair! “You make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy for what your hands have done.” Ps. 92:4

True followers of God, “the righteous, will flourish like palm trees.” (Ps. 92:12a) Palm trees grow to extreme heights in the harshest conditions. Sometimes our world presents us with the harshest of conditions, but being a follower of God gives us hope! Like the mighty palm tree, we too will flourish.

“The Lord is upright; he is my Rock.” from Ps. 92:15

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, May 14, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. Pastor Retha brings the Mother’s Day message.

Psalms 91 - Closer to God

May 1, 2017 Monday Message:

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 NIV

Psalm 91 is about our relationship with God. It’s encouraging us to live our lives close to God. In the Hebrew tradition, a sinner is said to be “far from God.” But when that person repents and returns, they’re becoming “closer to God” – and the closer the better!

A good analogy is how a mother bird gathers her chicks under her wings for warmth and protection. God will bestow goodness on those under his wings, those who call him Lord.

The Psalm continues with a list of things you no longer need to fear if you’ve been adopted into the Holy Family.

Then God himself speaks the last 3 verses: “Because (the believer) loves me, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalms 91:14-16

Closer to God is always better!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship gathers Sunday, May 7, 2017, at the Akina Church, 3249 30^th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406, 10:30 AM. David Boeltl leads worship and Pastor Retha brings the message.