Seeking Jesus

Posted on March 30, 2020 by David Nuottila

Mark 1_37

Mark 1:29-45

Who is looking for Christ? According to Peter, everyone is. Ever since his first healing miracle, from the day he freed a demon possessed man, even until today, everyone is looking for Jesus. Some just don’t know it.

Jesus’ love is complete; the sort the unloved crave. His healing is all encompassing, restoring those whom he touches to wholeness of life. His compassion brings to those whose hearts are filled with sorrow a peace which the world cannot. The hungry long to be fed and so many throughout the world thirst for his righteousness. To be returned to wholeness is their plea, and it is what our compassionate Lord accomplishes.

Just as it was in Jesus’ time, people today still seek deliverance from their affliction. Even Christians of deep faith need to hear the gospel again and again. Because he is the author of all life, no affliction can withstand his healing touch. Sickness, sorrow, loneliness or terminal illness; those who seek respite may find it in Christ. Lost or forgotten, all are blessed to receive the good news of Jesus Christ crucified and risen.

God sent his Son into the world in order to save people from their sin. In doing so, Christ brings mercy and grace to those who hear his gospel and believe. Just as scripture teaches us that Jesus traveled from town to town preaching good news, the Church continues this ministry. You see, everyone really is looking for him, but unless they hear his gospel, how will they know it is Christ they seek?

Prayer:  Holy God, by your Holy Spirit, guide those who seek your Son Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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Jesus, have mercy

Posted on March 29, 2020 by David Nuottila

Luke 17:11-19

Because of the world-wide pandemic, people throughout the land are experiencing something called “social distancing.” Who could have conceived such a notion that the human family, which thrives on personal contact, would be called to distance one’s self from all others. It is difficult, to say the least. It just isn’t natural. Though, social distancing is not unprecedented.

As Jesus walked toward Jerusalem, he encountered ten men stricken with leprosy. These men were cast out. They were to remain socially distant until they were cured from their disease. Following Jesus’s instructions to show themselves to the priest, the men headed for town. Along the way they were healed. Now they had good cause to show themselves to the priest and be restored to the community. That is, all but one. He was a Samaritan. Given his predicament, there was only once place to go; back to Jesus.

In all of our social distancing and sheltering in place, there truly is only one place to go. Just as the Samaritan who was cured, we go back to Jesus. We go to him in prayer. We go to him in worship. We go to him for he is the only one who has the power to save. Go to him. Pray to him. Rely on the power of the living God. Place you trust in the one who saves and give him thanks.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your mercy and grace. Amen.

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Imitators of God’s love

Posted on March 28, 2020 by David Nuottila

Ephesians 5:1-20; John 9:1-12, 35-38

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Those whom we imitate serve as examples, role models, mentors. We imitate their behavior, striving to meet their example. In short, we want to be like them. Yet, even our greatest role models will one day fall off the pedestal upon which we have set them, for they are sinners also.

In the text from Ephesians, the apostle Paul addresses the people of God, reminding them that at one time, they were children of the darkness. Yet, in Christ Jesus light has come. Through his sacrifice on the cross for the sake of sinners, even those who were once engaged in shameful acts are afforded God’s mercy and grace.

The apostle encourages us, therefore, to be imitators of God’s love, walking in the light of our Lord Jesus. We are to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). How do we do this? We follow the example of Jesus. We love God and neighbor as we are loved; tend to the sick and lame, and care for those who are the neediest among us. You see, imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery. And by imitating Jesus, we glorify his most holy name.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to live according to your example, that others my see your goodness and love. Amen.

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No secrets

Posted on March 27, 2020 by David Nuottila

1 John 1_8

1 John 1:8-10

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open; all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid. These words are very familiar to a great number of Christians. Each week, Christians bear their souls, confessing their sins to our almighty God. Yet, God is not the only one who is to hear our confession.

Day by day, people sin against one another. All too often, we sin against our neighbor even without them knowing about it. Gossip, harmful remarks and breaking confidences are all ways in which we sin against our brothers and sisters. Such sins are those which we do our best to keep hidden from the one who is the object of our misgiving. After all, what they don’t know won’t hurt them right?

Even if we are able to keep knowledge our sins from others, God sees them. Our Father knows our hearts and minds better than we know them ourselves. Failing to recognize our sin leads us away from our God and drives a wedge in the midst of the community of faith. Yet, as we acknowledge and confess our sin in the presence of God and one another, we are assured of our forgiveness.

Prayer:  Almighty God, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.  Amen.

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Pray, God will hear

Posted on March 26, 2020 by David Nuottila

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28

It seems these days there are so many people calling for prayer. After all, there is so much for which to pray. All around the world we hear of people struggling with poverty, hunger and disease. Even as I write this, I received a prayer request. With so many prayers, how can we be sure God hears them?

The scriptures are filled with passages declaring God’s hearing and answering the prayers of his people. In the book of Jeremiah we read, “You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you” Jeremiah 29:12. In Mark’s Gospel Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” Mark 11:24.

These are but two of many passages in the Bible that point us to the power of prayer and the assurance that God hears them. We know our God is one who keeps his promises, especially the promise to save people from their sin. With that, the apostle Paul encourages God’s people to pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray for your neighbor. Pray for your loved ones as well as your enemies. Give thanks in all circumstances. God is faithful. He will surely answer your prayer.

Prayer: O Lord, listen as I cry to you. Hear my prayer. Amen.

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Listen for the Lord

Posted on March 25, 2020 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: Speak to me, O Lord, for your servant is listening.  Amen.

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Sure and certain hope

Posted on March 24, 2020 by David Nuottila

Romans 8:31-39

My, what uncertain times we are living through. Just as we get used to new recommendations concerning behavior and restrictions for gathering in ever smaller groups, things change. And with all these changes come more uncertainty, more anxiety and more fear. There doesn’t seem to be any relief on the horizon. In fact, there doesn’t seem to be a horizon. What shall we say about these things?

That is the question the apostle Paul has for us in our scripture for today. In his letter to the Romans, Paul reached out to believers who were facing an uncertain future. Harsh persecution from the Romans and the Jewish authorities had Christians caught in the middle. No matter which way they turned, extreme hardship and suffering was imminent. Still, their faith provided them a sure and certain hope.

Even in the midst of a global health crisis, faith continues to provide Christians with hope. There truly are no earthly powers that can overcome the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not death nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, not even something as widespread as Coronavirus can snatch believers from the hand of God. Through faith, our sure and certain hope is in Jesus Christ. He has overcome the world. There is nothing more powerful than his love.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill us with faith that we would live in the sure and certain hope of your love. Amen.

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Hunger hurts

Posted on March 23, 2020 by David Nuottila

1 Kings 19:1-8, John 6:1-14

Simply put, hunger hurts. Hunger brings the pain of a starving body, a stomach craving to be fed. Upon visiting places where hunger is widespread, it isn’t long before you begin to feel hunger’s pain. The faces of those whom you meet reflect the suffering they feel from within. It is a pain that has but one cure: food.

Spiritual hunger, though not visible, is no less painful. If we could see the effects of spiritual hunger, we would soon recognize the ugliness of sin, the ashen complexion of hopelessness, and a faith longing to be nourished. It too is a pain that has but one cure: Christ.

In his compassion, our Lord Jesus provided food by multiplying the few loaves and fishes his disciples gathered. Hunger was satisfied. Jesus also provides nourishment for hungry souls. Holy Scripture, weekly worship, the Sacraments, and prayer are the means by which faith is fed. As Christ feeds his Church with this spiritual food, hunger is satisfied.

Fed from his table, the Church is sent to feed the hungry—not only with food that satisfies hungry stomachs, but also food for a starving faith. Jesus says, “You give them something to eat.”

Prayer: Equip us to feed the hungry, O Lord, that they may be satisfied through your grace.  Amen.

Photo: Feeding orphaned children in Kinshasa, DRC July 2017

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Seeking the things above

Posted on March 22, 2020 by David Nuottila

Colossians 3_2

Colossians 3:1-11

Have you ever noticed how fair weather and sunny skies lift the attitude among people? Smiles seem more prevalent and people seem to have a more positive outlook. Life is cheerful when the skies are clear, but such days don’t last forever. Eventually, dark clouds appear and sunny dispositions soon turn gloomy. Certainly, there is a preference for the light and warmth of fair weather.

The same can be said for the people of God. As we live in the light of God’s grace, we see the world differently. With our minds fixed on God’s love, Christians cannot help but live in the peace and joy of Christ. Yet, as we focus our attention away from God’s kingdom above, the darkness of sin casts its shadow over us. For this reason, the apostle Paul reminds the people of God to fix their eyes upon heavenly things seeking the love of God, the compassion of Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit.

The dark clouds and threatening skies of earthly life will come, and bring with them the probability of storms. Still, it is the light of Christ that continues to conquer the darkness. Through him we have life. As we seek the things from above where Christ is seated, we continue to live in the joy of his grace.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me always in the light of your love.  Amen.

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God has a plan

Posted on March 21, 2020 by David Nuottila

John 3:1-17

There are a couple over-used phrases employed by Christians that seem to always get under my skin. The first one is “Everything happens for a reason.” The other is the phrase “God has a plan.” The usual context for employing such words is that someone we love had either endured a hardship, injury, death of a loved one, or some other tragedy. It is as if when things go wrong in the life of a Christian, it is because God planned it for some reason.

The truth is, when bad things happen, they do happen for a reason. It is because humanity is captive to original sin and continues to be disobedient to God’s Word. Too often, people put themselves at the center of life, and neglect to live as Christ commands. Our sinful nature leads us to being selfish, vengeful, and to turning our back on our neighbor.  This causes pain, suffering, anger and yes, even death.  But not to worry, God indeed has a plan.

God’s plan is, and always has been, to save people from their sin. Ever since Adam and Eve bit into the forbidden fruit, God has promised a Savior who would rescue his people from the powers of sin and death. In his infinite love, God offered this Savior in the person of his only Son Jesus Christ. God has a plan. The plan is Jesus. Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved.

Prayer: Holy God, thank you for rescuing me from my sin through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

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