The armor of God

Posted on April 10, 2018 by David Nuottila

Ephesians 6:11-20

No one ever said life was going to be easy, and no one promised things would always go your way. Surely, we live in a harsh world, one rife with sudden twists and turns. Does this sound familiar? It should because it happens to all of us at one time or another. But, contrary to what some might believe, the world isn’t out to get you. It is the powers that defy God that want to turn your life into a shambles.

As we continue our pilgrimage on earth, the devil is at work trying to convince us that we are no good, we don’t measure up, and we are doomed to failure. Try as we might, sometimes we just can’t seem to turn the corner. Still, Satan cannot win the day. We have a Savior who has withstood the storms for us. It is Christ who has gained the victory.

The apostle Paul instructs Christians to rely on God’s mercy and walk with Christ. Take up the whole armor of God and live in the truth of his gospel. A life of prayer and knowledge of the scriptures is the sure defense against the tempter’s tricks. With these, we persevere and continue to bear witness of the saving power of Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Holy God, give me the assurance, each day, of your presence, power and love. Amen.

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He came and prayed

Posted on April 9, 2018 by David Nuottila

Acts 9:32-43

There is an old saying that bears much truth: “When the phone rings at 2:00 a.m. it is usually bad news.” For most people, such an hour is meant for sleeping. But when a family member is away from home, or a loved one is ill, phones ringing in the wee hours are an ominous sound. Sometimes, the first phone call prompts another; it is time to call the pastor and ask for prayer.

When Peter was in Lydda, he healed a man who had been bed ridden for eight years. News of this miracle traveled to the neighboring town of Joppa where a woman named Tabitha had died. The people in Joppa called Peter begging him to come quickly. When he arrived, grief had taken hold. Yet Peter brought hope and peace in the name of Christ Jesus.

Still today, pastors are among the first called when loved ones face such difficult times. When sickness leads to death, grief and a sense of loss immediately follow. The only source of comfort is the hope and peace of Christ. The presence of the pastor is a welcome sign, but it is the presence of Christ made manifest that brings hope.

Prayer: God of comfort, in times of trial, fill our hearts with your peace. Amen.

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Highest praise

Posted on April 8, 2018 by David Nuottila

Acts 3:1-10

Watching children walking on a sandy beach behind their parents, you might notice how they lengthen each stride so as to walk in the footsteps of the one who leads them. Following the path set by a parent is the highest praise a child can offer. Just the same, leaving a path of faithfulness is the noble calling for each parent, lest their child wander aimlessly.

Peter and John walked in the footsteps of Jesus for about three years. As they followed him, they learned the ways of faith, and love for God and neighbor. It is no wonder that, as they came upon the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, the apostles had compassion for him. Just as they had been taught, they gave what they had, the assurance of faith in Christ Jesus.

Christians today have this same opportunity to teach and to share their faith. God calls his people to follow in the steps of the one who guides them. It does not matter whether we are wealthy or poor, for we possess the greatest gift of all, the good news of God’s grace through faith in Christ. Doing as Christ instructed, and sharing the gospel with others is certainly the highest form of praise.

Prayer: Equip me, O Lord, to follow where you have led the way. Amen.

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Calling on God by name

Posted on April 7, 2018 by David Nuottila

Exodus 3:1-15

Our names identify not only who we are, but also where we come from. Names remind us of our heritage. They are a vital link to past generations. When we speak of those whom we love we tend to use their names with respect. The closer we are to a person, the more careful we are in using his or her name. Such is the case among God’s people and the relationship we share with our heavenly Father.

Because God has given his name, we can know the God who knows us all too well. We can know God as Father, the parent who loves his children completely and compassionately. We can know God as the provider of all that is needed for life and vitality. We can know God as protector, keeping his children safe from the powers of sin and the grave. And finally, we can know God as the one who redeems his people, reconciling that which was lost when sin came into the world.

Yes, knowing God as we do, we are able to draw near and take comfort in the love he provides. For this is the Father’s will, that all people would live in a loving relationship with him, that they might be saved from their sin and dwell in God’s kingdom forever.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I call upon your name, answer me with the power of your love. Amen.

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Delivered

Posted on April 6, 2018 by David Nuottila

Exodus 20:1-6

Hear these words from God, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out…” There is great comfort in knowing that the God we worship is the very same who delivered, that is, rescued his people from a life of bondage. God, who is eternal and unchanging, continues to rescue his people.

We are all sinners in need of redemption. Our only hope is a Savior. Thankfully, we have one. The God who delivered the children of Israel so long ago is the God who sent his son Jesus as Savior for a fallen humanity. Through Christ’s self-giving sacrifice, God has delivered his people from sin, death and the grave. Thus, there is peace and comfort in these words, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out…”

As you read them, consider how God has delivered you. In what ways has God rescued you? As you ponder these things, pray and give thanks to the God who saves. Pray for those who are in the midst of struggle that they too might grow in faith understanding. Pray for the lost and the lonely, the hungry and those who thirst for God’s love, so that they too may believe God loves them so much that he promises to deliver them from sin and open the gates to everlasting life through Christ our Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for delivering your people from sin and death, through your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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My Lord, my God!

Posted on April 5, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 20:24-29

The first time Jesus appeared to the disciples, Thomas was not with them. The others tried to convince Thomas that Jesus was indeed alive, but he was not ready to accept such news. The same fear and doubt that seized the others had taken hold of Thomas as well. He would not accept that Jesus was alive. He would not open himself up to the possibility. Thomas would not open the locked doors of his heart and soul because such news was too good to be true.

Then, just as he did for the others, Jesus made his presence known to Thomas. He showed Thomas his hands, showed him the wound in his side. “Thomas, see, touch, believe.” Not only did he believe, Thomas was the first to proclaim Jesus both “Lord and God.” Fear seemed to leave him. Doubt was overcome by faith. For Thomas, being present made all the difference.

When the truth of the resurrected Jesus is known, when fear is overcome by the peace of Christ, when doubt is overcome by faith, God’s people cannot help but make this same confession. In order for these to take place, one simply needs to be in the presence of the risen Christ. Through scripture, prayer and fellowship among the faithful, Christ makes his presence known. Do not doubt, only believe.

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, thank you for your grace, and for blessing me with faith to proclaim you as my Lord and my God. Amen.

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Peace be with you

Posted on April 3, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 20:19-23

Isn’t it odd that, after all of the miracles Jesus’ disciples witnessed, and the authoritative teaching they received, none of them seemed to believe Jesus would be raised on the third day? Even before he was crucified, it seems his closest companions had forgotten everything Jesus showed them and told them.

Scripture tells us they all abandoned him. Not one stood watch near the tomb or waited to see if he would rise. When Jesus died their hopes seemed to die. Even their faith seemed to fade away. Yet Christ did rise from the tomb. Jesus did, in fact, conquer death. And he appeared to the remaining eleven disciples to erase their doubts, ease their fears, and bring them peace such that the world cannot give.

Jesus’ resurrection means the doubts and fears of all who believe are overcome. In his victory over sin and the grave, our Lord Jesus conquered the greatest fears of all. There are no powers that are able to undo what Christ has done. Life and the joy of God’s presence await the people of God. Because Jesus lives, we shall live also.

Prayer: O Lord our God, we give you thanks and praise for the life that comes through the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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He Is Risen

Posted on April 1, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 16:1-8

Oh, the things we forget when we have a job to do. Oh, the details we overlook. early in the morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome were heading to Jesus’ tomb to complete the burial rite. It was only along the way that they thought about the boulder which sealed Christ’s tomb. Who would move it? Indeed, who would remove the obstacle standing between the women and their Lord? Imaging their reaction when they saw this barrier was already overcome.

Jesus, the one who was crucified was no longer among the dead. Jesus, the one who lived a life without sin, yet died for the sins of others, was raised by the hand of God. In death, Jesus conquered death. Through his resurrection, Jesus opened the way of everlasting life for all believers. The great barrier, the sin of the world, is overcome by the love of God in Christ Jesus. This is the good news of Easter.

In Christ, the great barrier which once stood between God and humanity no longer exists. Even as are consumed with our worry, our business and our consumption, God’s grace is made certain for all who believe. In Christ we are forgiven. And because he lives, we shall live also.

Prayer: All praise and honor and glory be to you, O God, for Christ has triumphed over sin and the grave. Amen.

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The day after

Posted on March 31, 2018 by David Nuottila

Luke 23:50-56

As the sun set the evening before, Jesus, the one who was crucified, was laid in the tomb. For so many, grief was the only thing they would know as the sun rose again the day after. It was the Sabbath. There was no work to be done. It was a time for prayer and fasting. For those who followed Jesus, the Sabbath would bring anything but peaceful rest.

Who could know the content of their prayers? Who could understand the pain felt deep in the hearts of the women who accompanied Jesus along the way? And what of the remaining eleven disciples of our Lord? Surely, the unfolding of such tragedy must have been impossible for them to bear. Yet, they found one another, and banded together is a safe place.

Still, this Sabbath day could be like no other. The events of the day before, the torture of the one called Christ, the nailing of innocent flesh to the cross, and the quaking of the earth at the moment of his death would cast a long shadow as the dawning sun rose the day after. All their could be…is grief.

Prayer: Console us, dear Lord, as we reflect upon the guilt of our sinfulness. Comfort us, as we await the dawning of the Easter sun, and the rising of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Finished

Posted on March 30, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 19:14-35

With three simple words, our Lord Jesus breaths a sigh of relief. His words offer up a cry of deliverance. Finally, after seemingly endless hours of pain and anguish, the suffering is ended. The work he has come to accomplish is complete. There is nothing left and Jesus’ body succumbs to the absence of all sensation.

When pain is all there is, its ceasing is the greatest blessing of all. But Jesus’ cry is more than just welcoming the ending of pain, more than acknowledging the deliverance death brings. He does not merely say, “It is over,” Jesus says, “It is finished.” It is done. It is accomplished. The demands are fulfilled.

In the three simple words of Christ, Christians for all time can hear the victorious shouts of heaven as humanity is finally reconciled to God. That which was lost so long ago, is now restored. Through Jesus’ innocent death upon the cross, God’s mercy is made certain.

Jesus’ words are a cry of success and triumph. Here, upon the threshold of death, the race has been run; he has endured to the end. The strife is over. The battle is won. O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? The work I came to do is complete. There is nothing more to add. It is finished.

Prayer: We humbly seek your forgiveness, O God, through the sacrifice of your only Son. Amen.

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