Do not be afraid

Posted on February 9, 2020 by David Nuottila

John 6:16-21

It is not a secret, I love to watch powerful thunder storms. I love to watch them especially at night when the thunder shatters the quiet of the night and then lightning flashes so bright that one must shield their eyes. My children, on the other hand, do not care for thunderstorms at all, especially in the middle of the night. On more than one occasion, at the crack of thunder frightened children would jump into my lap for comfort.

Jesus is no stranger to this sort of circumstance. The stormy sea which threatened his twelve disciples and held them in terror is but one instance when Jesus brought comfort to the fearful. In the midst of this terrible storm, the twelve were so worried for their safety they didn’t even recognize Jesus as he came to them. But once he was in their midst, the storm ceased and order was restored.

We all have nights (or days) such as this. When the storminess of life brings us to fear and trembling we need to remember, Christ is with us. Just as Jesus rode out the storm with the twelve, he promises to walk through the darkest valleys with all who call upon his name.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, calm my fears and help me to put my trust always in you. Amen.

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Thankful for enough

Posted on February 8, 2020 by David Nuottila

John 6:1-15

We don’t have enough. Where are we going to get more? Statements and questions such as these are more common that we care to imagine. The lack of time or money seem to be two of the leading issues. Then there is the lack of food, shelter, or even simple human companionship. No matter who we are or where we come from, we all seem to be lacking something at any given moment.

Large crowds followed Jesus, and by the end of one particular day, the crowd lacked food for the evening. With the issue being brought before the Lord, Jesus simply instructed his disciples to give them something to eat. All that was available was a young boy’s sack lunch. Yet, in the hands of Christ it was enough.

In our times of want, it is important to remember that God is gracious and supplies all that is needed for life. Worldly solutions to our human predicament ought not to be our first thought. Rather, we should first give thanks for that with which we are blessed to receive, and in the spirit of such thankfulness, continue to look with hopefulness for God’s gracious provision.

Prayer: Your provide for me daily bread, O Lord, for which I am truly thankful. Amen.

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Compassion

Posted on February 7, 2020 by David Nuottila

Luke 7:11-17

As Jesus approached the town of Nain there was a commotion. Weeping and wailing. A mother’s son, her only son, was dead, and she was a widow. There was no one left to care for her, no one to provide for her. No one, that is, except Jesus. The Lord had compassion. He restored her son to life and thus, restored her as well.

We all have a story about how God has had compassion for us or for someone who is close to us. We all have a story of how we prayed and God met our needs, calmed our fears, or came close to us bringing peace and comfort. In these instances, we are able to receive God’s goodness through faith. Even when situations don’t turn out as we hope, God’s mercy surpasses our need.

Just as Jesus restored the widow at Nain to wholeness by giving her back her son, God restores his people to wholeness and life through his Son. God’s compassion, mercy and grace don’t always work according to our ways and expectations. But for those who believe and call upon the name of Jesus Christ, his grace is more than sufficient.

Prayer: Holy God, have compassion upon me, and grant me life through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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God will provide

Posted on February 6, 2020 by David Nuottila

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Genesis 22:1-18

We can’t deny the powerful images within this morning’s text, just as we cannot imagine making such a choice in order to save our own lives. But through the testing of Abraham, God’s people can see the lengths God will go in order to bring salvation to those who are lost in sin. God is not only the God who commands obedience, he is also the God who provides the means for salvation when his children fail to obey.

Abraham was true and obedient. As he was about to offer the life of his son Isaac in sacrifice, God intervened and provided the suitable substitution. The ram caught in the thicket by its horns was no mistake; it was no coincidence. God provided the atoning sacrifice. In the same way, God offered his only Son for the same purpose, to provide the atoning sacrifice for the sin of the world.

As Christian people we know we are sinners and fall short of God’s expectations. Faith leads us to believe that we are saved from our sin through the one whom God gave as atonement for our disobedience. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

It was never God’s intention for Isaac’s life to be offered as sacrifice. However, given the test, Abraham acted in faith. Perhaps you don’t feel you have the faith of Abraham. Instead your faith is weak and fragile. Just so, faith, either weak or strong, is still faith. Because Christ gave his life as atonement for our sin, we are forgiven. God’s grace is freely given to those who believe; given by the almighty and loving God who provides all that is needed.

Prayer: Thank you, O Lord, for your mercy and grace. Amen.

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State of the union

Posted on February 5, 2020 by David Nuottila

Romans 6:1-10

The State of the Union Address; that was the speech that concluded just over seven hours ago. The address is made each year in order to convey the health (or lack thereof) of our country. It is a speech given to please power bases and supporters. And it is a speech given to outline the proposed agenda for the next twelve months, to provide direction until the next State of the Union Address is given.

The trouble with such speeches goes beyond partisan divides. It goes beyond the angst of one side of the aisle against the other. The trouble with such speeches is that they are given by sinners, to sinners, seeking the approval of sinners; all in a worldly context. But there is a state of union that is much higher in purpose.

The Christian’s union with Christ far outweighs any other relationship. Promises given from behind congressional podiums cannot deliver the forgiveness humans truly need. Bold claims made by elected officials cannot stir up such faith as to dispel doubt. And approval signaled by raucous applause cannot proclaim the defeat of evil. No, only unity with Christ, established through baptism can proclaim to sinful ears the reality of God’s mercy and grace, and bestow eternal life upon those justified by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. This is the state of union made certain and sure, by the love of God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, continue to bless your people with the power of your love. Amen.

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Do not fear

Posted on February 4, 2020 by David Nuottila

Mark 5:21-43

As he walked with Jesus towards his home, Jairus was hit with the news, “Your daughter is dead.” No need to bother Jesus any longer; you are too late. What was it that kept Jairus going? Having received such devastating news, what was it that caused him to listen to Jesus’ words of assurance? “Do not fear, only believe.” The time that elapsed as he took the last few steps must have seemed like an eternity. But Jairus had faith; Jesus was with him.

Day by day, people the world over are confronted with such news. A loved one has passed away, another is sick. We might receive such news about our own health. In each instance, the people of God have the same assurance as did Jairus. “Do not fear, only believe.” Christ is with us.

Through the gift of faith, Christians are able to witness Christ’s saving power. Just as Jesus healed the woman who suffered for twelve years, Jesus heals us from the sickness of sin. As he raised Jairus’ daughter, Jesus raises believers to new and everlasting life. Because of Christ’s victory on the cross, death no longer has power. Do not fear, only believe.

Prayer: Thank you for your saving grace, O God, that comes through Christ the Lord. Amen.

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Blessed

Posted on February 3, 2020 by David Nuottila

Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are the poor in Spirit. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

As we consider God’s blessing, we are soon confronted with the fact that God blesses people regardless of their worries, regardless of their anxiety and regardless of their station in life. God blesses people regardless of their private thoughts, skeletons in their closet or the sins they are ashamed of. What matters to God is repentance and belief in the one whom he sent to deliver his people.

Blessed are you as you call upon the Lord for forgiveness. Blessed are you as you strive in faith to turn away from your sin. Blessed are you for in Christ, God has chosen you, and that which God has chosen is blessed forever.

Prayer: Thank you, O God, for you have chosen me and called me blessed. Amen.

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Praise the Lord

Posted on February 2, 2020 by David Nuottila

Psalm 150:1-6

It is indeed right and salutary that we should, at all times and in all places, offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, Holy Father, through Christ our Lord. And so begins the preface to celebrating the sacrament of Holy Communion.

As sinners saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ, we have much to be thankful for. We know the wages of our sin is death. We also know that there is nothing we can do on our own to save ourselves or merit salvation. Yet, through the endless love of God, Jesus Christ was given so that those who believe in him would be saved from their sin.

With a grateful heart and with voices lifted toward heaven, praise the Lord. Praise him with glad sounds. Praise him with joy and adoration. Give thanks and praise to the one, the only one, who has the power to save. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercy endures forever.

Prayer: I thank you, O God, for your grace, mercy and love. Amen.

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Deceived

Posted on February 1, 2020 by David Nuottila

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Genesis 3:1-24

Created in God’s image and likeness, Adam and Eve knew the goodness of God’s love. In fact, it was all they knew; there was no need for any other understanding. The serpent, however, used deception to lead Adam and Eve into a life of disobedience. After eating from the forbidden tree, their eyes were opened, but not to what they had hoped. Instead of becoming like God, they had become separated from God.

No longer sinless, Adam and Eve were banished from the garden.  The only way to restore the relationship they enjoyed before their fall, would be for Adam and Eve to remove the stain of sin, but this is not something humanity has the ability to do. Yet even in the garden, God promised to rescue his fallen children.

With the assurance of God’s promise, we have the blessing of grace through Christ Jesus. Through his life, death and resurrection, Jesus paid the ransom for our sin and reconciled a fallen humanity. Now, living in a restored relationship with our God, we await Christ’s coming again in the fullness of His glory.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace, mercy and love through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

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To bear fruit

Posted on January 31, 2020 by David Nuottila

Luke 13:6-9

Note in Jesus’ parable that the fig tree isn’t expected to do anything miraculous. It’s in a vineyard, but it isn’t asked to produce grapes. The owner of the vineyard doesn’t demand that it become something it is not. He only asks it to do what fig trees do…bear figs. One point is made clear; God expects his people will bear fruit for his kingdom.

What is said concerning the fig tree can be said for those who profess a faith in Christ. God does not expect his people to become something they are not. He merely expects that they share his love with others. In order to do this, God blesses his people with spiritual gifts to be used in mission and ministry. The Apostle Paul explains that each Christian is blessed with certain gifts for ministry. Still, the parable of the fig tree teaches us important lessons.

In order to use our gifts and talents, our faith must be nurtured. We must read scripture and learn from Christ the ways of compassion and love. We are to gather for worship and receive God’s forgiveness and mercy with gladness. The vinedresser committed himself to care for the fig tree. We who are followers of Christ commit ourselves to the teaching of his gospel and prayer.

Prayer: Nourish my faith, O God, that I would bear fruit for your kingdom. Amen.

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