Idols are nothing

Posted on February 29, 2020 by David Nuottila

Isaiah 44_9

Mark 3:22-35, Isaiah 44:9-20

How foolish we are; how misguided are our thoughts. Too often, superstitions and charms get in the way of faith. Who remembers carrying a lucky rabbit’s foot as a child? Who recalls possessing a four leafed clover? How many times have you turned the horseshoe upright so the luck does not run out? These are but a few examples of humanity’s struggle with false gods. Harmless superstitions? Tell that to the person purchasing lotto tickets with his last few dollars; his lucky number is due. Thankfully, Jesus shows us the truth.

When Jesus showed the scribes and Pharisees the power of God’s love, they claimed he was out of his mind. No one had ever taught the things Jesus taught or performed such miracles. Surely, they thought, he is possessed by Beelzebel. Only because of the hardness of their hearts could they not see Jesus truly was their long awaited Messiah, the Son of God. The same is true today.

Science attempts to explain the wonders of the universe; philosophy the powers of reason. People even rely on lucky charms, solicit good vibes and fall for superstitions in hopes of prevailing against the world.  Each attempt falls short, for only through Christ can we prevail against the powers that defy God.  Through faith, we know Jesus is Lord. Only Christ has the power to save.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for the truth of your Word. Amen.

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Saved by grace

Posted on February 28, 2020 by David Nuottila

Romans 7:7-25

Everyone has bad habits. Those things we do subconsciously and don’t realize it until it’s done. Then there are those bad habits that, as we strive to refrain from doing them, the temptation becomes too great and we surrender. We all suffer from such inclinations. Everyone falls into the pit of their own personal bad habits because we are all sinners in need of redemption.

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul puts it plainly for everyone to see. Because of sin, we continue to fall short of God’s expectation for us. We want to follow God’s commandments, but our sinful flesh is weak and so the evil deeds we do not want to do are all too often the exact thing we do. The desires of our flesh wage war against our desire to please God. So often is the case, the flesh wins, wretched people that we are.

Paul also makes it clear that, even as we are captive to sin, we have a champion. Christ has put sin to death once and for all. Because Christ prevailed over sin, death and the power of the devil, those who repent and turn to God for forgiveness will be saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: O God, give me strength to withstand temptation, forgive my sin, and keep me in your grace. Amen.

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Love yourself

Posted on February 27, 2020 by David Nuottila

Mark 12:28-34

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Next to the commandment to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, this is the second greatest commandment. Which begs the question, when is the last time you considered what it means to love yourself?

On the surface, I’m sure we would all say we love ourselves. But if that were truly the case, why is it that so many people suffer from low self-esteem or have an unhealthy self-image? We live in a society of comparisons. When one person is judged against another, someone must fall short. The world can’t wait to push you aside. The devil is always ready to steal away whatever remains of your good character. So, how does one who suffers this fate learn to love their self? First, remember the greatest commandment. Love God.

Love the God in whose image you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Love him for his mercy and grace. Love God for the blessing of each new day and for the life he has given you. Love the God who first loved, and will always love you. Through him you will find love not only for yourself, but your neighbor as well.

Prayer: Holy God, thank you for the love you have for me. Help me to share such love with others. Amen.

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You are dust

Posted on February 26, 2020 by David Nuottila

Psalm 51:1-19

Remember, you are dust. As if we need a reminder. You are dust and there is nothing you can do about it. To dust you shall return. This has been the case ever since Adam and Eve took a bite from the forbidden fruit. From that time on, all people have had to face the fact that we are indeed sinners and sinners cannot save themselves. You are dust, and to dust you shall return. Still, there is hope.

Centuries before Christ was born, King David, of all people, stood convicted in his sin. Just like everyone else, King David was dust. David knew there was nothing he could do to merit salvation. Mercy could only come from the God whom he grievously disobeyed. And so, in his guilt and shame, he bore his heart to God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit (Psalm 51:10-12).

David’s prayer is our prayer too. Only through Christ are we saved. Even as we are dust, through God’s grace, mercy and love, Christ extends the promise of God’s kingdom to all who believe.

Prayer: Thank you for your grace, O God of my salvation. Amen.

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Take heart

Posted on February 25, 2020 by David Nuottila

John 16:16-33

Somehow, things seemed much different. He wasn’t acting quite right. He was distant, preoccupied. Sure, he was right there with us, but his thoughts seemed million miles away. I only wish I understood why or how he could have done such a thing. God help me understand.

God help me. These are powerful words. Before facing conversation like the one in the paragraph above, perhaps a simple prayer of “God, help me” might be in order. What is it that might lead someone to run away, disappearing forever? What could possible go through one’s mind before taking their own life? Those who are left to pick up the pieces will never understand.

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus gathered with his disciples and prepared them. He prepared them for the time after he would be taken from them. He prepared them for the time of his unlikely suffering and death. Jesus prepared them for the future also, a future that would bring calamity, worry, tribulation. In all of this, hear Jesus’s words, “I have overcome the world.”

Because Christ suffered for all the world’s sin, he endured all the world’s pain and agony. He suffered it all for you so that you would not suffer. No matter the sin, no matter the shame, no matter the feelings of guilt, depression or despair, Christ suffered it for you. He has overcome the world. Cast your hopes on him. cry out. He will hear you.

Prayer: God, help me. Amen.

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God is with you

Posted on February 24, 2020 by David Nuottila

genesis-12_4

Genesis 12:1-4

It is true that, because of technology and transportation, our world is becoming a smaller place. People often pick up, move from one place to another and settle in new places. 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 Abraham. God called Abram, instructing him to leave the land of his ancestors in order to settle and dwell in the land promised by God.

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.

In a world growing smaller and smaller, the news of God’s salvation remains the best message of all. We are God’s people now, saved by the blood of God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ. Perhaps God is calling you to a new place, or to begin a new chapter in your life. Have faith, and remember, as you go, God is with you.

Prayer: Guide me in faith, O God, and bring me at last into your kingdom. Amen.

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Why Jesus matters

Posted on February 23, 2020 by David Nuottila

Mark 2:13-17

Who is Jesus and why does he matter? The first part of this question is simple enough to answer. Jesus is God’s only begotten Son. He is our Lord and Savior. So here we have the simple answer to the question. But as a seminary professor once told me, we need to unpack this a little more. Yes, Jesus is all we said he is. The why he matters portion of this question is a bit stickier.

When saying Jesus is Lord and Savior, we must first understand that we need saving. We humans are disobedient to God’s law and desire for us. Yet, rather than strive for obedience, so many people today define their own life, follow their own laws and determine what sin is or what is not. But we can’t hide sin from Jesus. He points out the impact our anger, greed and lust have as we sin against God in thought, word and deed. Only when we take Jesus at his word can we begin to understand why he matters.

All people sin and fall short of God’s expectation. Only Christ has the power to forgive. If it were not for Jesus’s innocent suffering and death, there would be no grace. If it were not for his resurrection, there would be no life in God’s kingdom. Why does he matter? Without him, we have no hope.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior, for I am a sinner in need of your grace. Amen.

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The weight of the world

Posted on February 22, 2020 by David Nuottila

Isaiah 40:28-31

The weight of the world is a very heavy burden. But there comes a point in life that, no matter how strong our resolve, strength gives way to weariness. We have all been there. One thing is added upon another and soon, well, the weight of the world comes crashing down. Like salmon swimming against powerful rapids, we make a great leap forward, but soon the overwhelming current washes us backward. So, do you feel like giving up? Well, if you are struggling to persevere, there is hope. It is found in the Lord.

So many centuries ago, the population of ancient Judah struggled against worldly powers which robbed them of their home, their land and for some, their religion. Yet, the prophet Isaiah, during years of exile, foretold of God’s enduring strength, compassion and steadfast love. Strength and perseverance, said the prophet, comes from the Lord.

God continues to strengthen those who call upon his name. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the fellowship of other Christians, and a life of worship and prayer, God’s people are fortified against the powers of this world. You may feel that the weight of the world is upon your shoulders but the weight of your sin, the difficulties of earthly life, and the struggle against the powers that defy God are carried upon the shoulders of Christ, who is your ever-present strength.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for renewing my strength each new day. Amen.

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You can’t please everyone

Posted on February 21, 2020 by David Nuottila

Psalm 34:1-22

The old saying is alive and well, you can’t please everyone. No matter how good your intentions might be, someone at some time is going to express disappointment or concern with your effort. When this happens, it becomes so easy to allow the dark cloud of misfortune to hang over your head.

The psalmist encourages us with his words of patience and reliance upon God to deliver people from fear and shame. We have all experienced circumstances when we strive to serve our neighbor or be of assistance for others but fall short. Whether we feel surrounded by those who would become our harshest critics or we are simply swallowed up in our own failures, God is with us; he is compassionate. In all times and in all places, God will bless those who call upon his name with his peace and presence.

Truly, you are not going to please everyone. Often, you will find that you don’t always please yourself. In such instances, you have a God who will hear your prayers and comfort you with his Holy Spirit. Be encouraged in Christ. Pray for guidance, and live in the joy of knowing that through Jesus Christ, God is pleased with you.

Prayer: Be with me, O Lord, and show me your compassion. Amen.

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Your heart’s desire

Posted on February 20, 2020 by David Nuottila

Romans 10:1-13

In our world today, so many people struggle to realize their heart’s desire. For some, it is the fulfillment of a dream long held, culminating in personal happiness. For others, it is the safety and security of a beautiful home and family. Certainly, the closer we get to our heart’s desire, the more we are willing to struggle.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul spells out his heart’s desire. Paul’s heart’s desire is that his own people, those who did not believe Jesus is the Messiah, would be saved. The apostle is zealous for the gospel of Jesus Christ. His hopes for others are tied securely to his own hope in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul makes no apologies for his past as a persecutor of the Church. Rather, he goes to great lengths to tell others of the saving power of Christ crucified and risen.

As people saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ, our heart’s desire is to be that we also have the zeal of Paul. God’s mercy is the greatest gift we could hope to receive. To share faith in the one who saves is the best possible gift we could give. Truly, a heart filled with the love of God in Christ Jesus desires that all would come to believe his Word.

Prayer: Redeeming God, give me the words to share with others, that to may believe the truth of your Word. Amen.

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