Behold

Posted on January 10, 2018 by David Nuottila

John 1:29-34

John’s account of Jesus’ baptism is much different than that of the synoptic gospels. Each of those writers records Jesus coming to the Jordan to be baptized. They tell of the Holy Spirit’s descent in the form of the dove. They share the message of the heavenly voice. John’s gospel is different. He does not include such details. Instead, allows the testimony of John the Baptizer to speak this truth.

In this telling, John the Baptizer testifies to what he has seen and heard, and how it was foretold in the scriptures. That may be a point often overlooked in this story. When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, our primary job is to see, and then share what we saw. That’s what John the Baptizer does here. He witnessed for himself the dove descending upon Jesus. He heard God’s voice from heaven. He then told others what he had seen and heard.

Could the work of evangelism be that simple? It is! At its heart, evangelism is nothing more than noticing God’s saving activity in our lives, sharing that with others, and inviting them to come and see for themselves.

Prayer: Give me the will to witness to your saving grace, O God, that I may point others to the Lamb who takes away sin. Amen.

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Temptation

Posted on January 9, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 1:9-15
Immediately following his baptism, Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to face temptation, however, Mark doesn’t provide details. In Mark, we don’t read how Satan suggested Jesus bring forth bread from stone. There is no encounter at the pinnacle of the temple and no request for Jesus to bow down and worship the devil. Mark simply tells us Jesus faced temptation.

Certainly, Christians face temptation each and every day. There is not an instance when Satan is scheming or plotting against the people of God attempting to side track their faith and cause them to stumble. In the wilderness of the world, humans must contend with fear, doubt, selfishness, hate, envy and a slew of other snares set by the one who is beset against the purposes of God.

Jesus faced temptation, remained faithful. Even as we cannot do the same, God has provided the means for his people to win the victory over death. Even as we fall short, by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus, those who believe and are baptized are saved. While Satan follows the people of God throughout their earthly journey, even more so does God’s Holy Spirit guard and protect the faithful.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with your faithfulness, that I may withstand temptation and cling to your Word. Amen.

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Living Water

Posted on January 8, 2018 by David Nuottila

Exodus 17:1-7; Colossians 1:15-23; John 7:37-52

While on a mission trip to the city of Boma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I was made acutely aware of the importance of having plenty of fresh drinking water. The air is dry and dusty and it leaves a body parched lest you are prepared. With little transportation and even less opportunity to go purchase water, thirst can become an issue rather quickly.

We all know that water is necessary for life. The Israelites who wandered in the wilderness complained to Moses that there was not sufficient water to keep them alive. With their attention turned squarely upon their plight, they lost sight of God’s assurance that he would certainly provide all that was needed. Yet God did provide, causing water to gush forth from a rock.

Our Lord Jesus, said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” For those who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Holy Spirit brings the refreshing power of faith. Through faith, we are saved from the consequences of sin, death and the devil. Through faith, we have the assurance that in all circumstances, God’s grace is sufficient for life in his kingdom, now and forever.

Prayer: Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, that my thirst for your grace is satisfied forever. Amen.

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Beloved

Posted on January 7, 2018 by David Nuottila

Mark 1:1-11

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” How many children long to hear such words from their father? These words of love and acceptance are words each child craves, yet many never hear them. Some fathers are absent, others were never known. Sometimes, even those fathers who are active in their child’s life are slow to show the tenderness of a father’s love.

Through his Son Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated the lengths he will go to save his people from the powers of sin and death. No love is greater than the love of our Father in heaven. There is no greater value than that which the Father places upon his children.

As we hear the message of the gospel, the Holy Spirit moves us toward the waters of Holy Baptism. Through the waters connected to God’s Word and promise, God reaches out and claims us to be his own. Emerging from the waters of the baptismal flood, we have the same affirmation as Christ Jesus did, we are God’s beloved children.

Living in the bonds of the Father’s love, the baptized enjoy a relationship like no other. It is the assurance that no matter what happens in this temporary world, the Father, whose kingdom has no end, will love us and cherish us forever.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, hold me in the fullness of your love. Amen.

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Arise, Shine

Posted on January 6, 2018 by David Nuottila

Isaiah 60:1-9, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12

It wasn’t through loud trumpet blasts, nor were messengers dispatched from far off lands. The magi received the good news through simple means; by the light of a star. They followed the light in order to worship the newborn King of kings.

Each year we hear this story and quickly focus on the wise men and their gifts, perhaps missing the central part of the story. Jesus was born that man no longer should die. Through Christ, salvation has come to the world. As the angel told the shepherds, this is good news for all people (Luke 2:10).

The magi were foreigners, Gentiles, yet God got their attention in a simple way, by the light of a star, and led them to the savior of the world. Who are the outsiders today? What signs will God use in order to speak to them? It’s probably fair to say that wise men bearing gifts of gold won’t be passing through their town, and it’s not likely that a star will lead people to any particular church building.

The truth is, God calls his people to be light for the world revealing that which was made known so long ago. Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, is the Messiah, the Lord. Through him, God has brought salvation to our fallen world. People of God, arise, share the good news. The light of Christ has scattered our darkness forever.

Prayer: Shine your light upon me, O Lord, that I may share the good news of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Listening for God

Posted on January 3, 2018 by David Nuottila

1 Kings 19:9-18; Ephesians 4:17-32; John 6:15-27

When seeking God’s presence and provision, a recurring trend for many Christians is to read books penned by spiritual experts. Others hang on every word of slick looking prosperity preachers on television. Perhaps their message of God’s willingness to bless you if only you will live your best day today will finally sink in and make a difference – or maybe it won’t.

The reality of our human predicament is that we too often seek fulfillment chasing after worldly endeavors. Christians want to hear from God; we want doubts displaced by assurances. Yet, we often miss the signs of our Father’s love as we live amid the cacophony of a world turned inward. Instead of listening for God’s voice, we turn an ear to conventional wisdom. Rather than seeking the bread that lasts forever, we fall for the quick fix to satisfy appetites for earthly living.

Following a mighty wind, the rumble of an earthquake and a fury of fire, Elijah heard God in the quiet of a low whisper. Our Lord Jesus brought peace to his terrified disciples as he came to them on the stormy sea. Turning to God’s Word, and away from the futility of worldly living, Christ speaks to us today with the assurance of his grace.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, make your presence known as I dwell in the assurance of your Word. Amen.

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Faithfulness

Posted on January 1, 2018 by David Nuottila

Isaiah 62:1-5, 10-12; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 1:18-25

Happy new year! Today is a day the world looks forward with optimism, perhaps with rose-colored glasses, imagining a better year ahead. Have you made a resolution? Some will resolve to lose weight, others to quit smoking or change another unhealthy aspect of their life. You might even commit to reading your Bible and spending time in prayer each day. No matter the pledge, at some point we all will be tempted to “take a break.” Our sinful nature always brings us to such crossroads. A year seems like a long time to remain true to our promise. What we need is diligence, resolve, and most of all faithfulness.

Today’s lessons speak to God’s faithfulness. Ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God has been faithful in his promise to save people from sin. The prophets foretold of the coming of Christ. Hundreds of years later, angels announced his birth. And finally, John reminds us all of God’s faithfulness as salvation has come through the one called the Word of God.

Whatever your resolution for the new year, commend it to God and remember, God is faithful. Whether you are weak or strong, the Word of the Lord will sustain you and give you strength for each new day.

Prayer: Lord, you are my strength.  Sustain me with your Word. Amen.

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Rely on God

Posted on December 3, 2016 by David Nuottila

genesis-41_52

Genesis 45:1-28

It goes without saying, Joseph is a model of faithfulness for anyone who faces trouble in their life. His brothers became jealous and angry that their youngest brother was their father Jacob’s favorite. So intense was there jealousy, they cast Joseph into a pit leaving him for dead. Later he would be sold into slavery, and finally, he would be falsely accused and imprisoned for crimes he did not commit. In each instance, Joseph could have cried out in anger. He could have turned away from the God of his ancestors or, he could have completely given up. Yet in every instance, Joseph remained faithful and relied on God.

The story of Joseph teaches us that within this fallen and broken world, God can use all things for the good of his people. Our lives are filled with challenges to our faith yet, there is no one person who is so lost that God cannot find them. There is no one so grief stricken that God cannot bring consolation. There is no one person so sick, suffering, or in peril that God cannot deliver them from that which holds them captive.

During this time of Advent, the story of Joseph reminds us of God’s grace. We are reminded of the lengths God will go to deliver his people from sin. Our Lord is willing to go even unto the cross in order to redeem that which was lost. Yes, bad things do happen, even to God’s people. But our Lord and God is stronger than any powers of this earth. Ours is to remain faithful and fully rely on God.

O God our Savior, in times of despair, keep us faithful through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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I Am With You

Posted on December 2, 2016 by David Nuottila

genesis-28_15

Genesis 28:10-22

Jacob, having tricked his father Isaac into blessing him over and above his brother Esau, is now on the run. He is in fear for his life as his brother has vowed to kill him for what he had done. Alone and afraid, Jacob travels through the wilderness. He is not seeking an encounter with God, nor is he searching for some deeply religious explanation of his life. Jacob is between places, the place of his father which is his home, and the place to which he is traveling where he hopes to find a new life. Yet, through a dream, God makes his presence known and the gospel, the good news of God’s deliverance comes to Jacob. “Behold, I am with you!”

Jacob’s vision of a ladder reaching from earth into heaven teaches us that the world is not a place absent of God’s presence. Rather, there is intersection between the realm of earthly life and God’s kingdom. Angels, messengers of God, travel to and from bringing tidings of good news and God’s divine protection to those who live within the family of faith. God’s children are not alone; there is someone who walks with us, powerful enough to take on our troubles and wash away our shame. Because God loved the world so much, we have a Savior who says, “Behold, I am with you!”

How often do we wander in the wilderness? When are those instances when we search for God, yet He seems distant? These are the times to become quiet and still, to open our hearts and minds to the presence of our Lord Jesus. For the words of his promise are sure, “Behold, I am with you.”

Holy God, guide us by your Holy Spirit and guard us with your angels. Help us to see always, your power and presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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To Be Blessed and Blessing

Posted on November 30, 2016 by David Nuottila

genesis-12_4

Genesis 12:1-4

It is true that, because of modern marvels in technology and transportation, our world is becoming a smaller place. People often pick up and go here and there, move from one place to another and sometimes settle in foreign lands. Yet, there are places where many families have put down roots and stayed in the land of their ancestors. Either way, as part of a mobile society or not, it is difficult to imagine God’s call to Abram. God called Abram, instructing him to leave the land of his ancestors in order to settle and dwell in the land promised by God. Abram would later become known as Abraham, meaning Father of Many Nations. Through him, God began the work of redemption for our fallen humanity.

Today, God continues to call his people to leave behind their old way of life in order to follow his son Jesus Christ. God sanctifies his people through the power of the Holy Spirit given in Baptism. He forgives our sins through the body and blood of his only Son. God equips us through his Word and send us into the world to share the good news of salvation.

Such is the message of Advent; to remember the covenant God made with Abraham so long ago, remembering also the promise that Christ will come again. We are God’s people now, saved by the blood of the one whom God raised up through the family of Abraham. We too are blessed and called to be a blessing for others.

Holy God, you call us to follow where you would have us go. Give us faith that we may do your will and share the good news of salvation through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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