Saying the Hard Things to God

Posted on May 4, 2013 by David Nuottila

111907_1313[00]Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26

While blog surfing I ran across several posts concerning prayer that reminded me of something I learned in the early phases of my ministry. These stories took me way back to the time I was engaged in a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.) during which my instructor’s focus for several weeks was the power of prayer.

One particular evening as I was the on-call chaplain in the hospital I was attending, I happened to meet a very interesting fellow. Mr. Savoy, as I shall call him, is an elderly man who lives in an assisted care nursing home. He has no family to speak of; his wife and children are all dead. His only sense of family are the few members of a small rural church where he served as preacher (as he likes to call it) for over forty years. As I was passing by his room, Savoy was just sitting up in his bed staring off into space. He looked like someone who might enjoy a few words of conversation, so I knocked on the door and introduced myself. “So you’re a preacher huh? Well sit down so we can get this over with.” As I pulled up a chair and sat I thought to myself, “Now there’s a warm welcome.”

After a few minutes of light conversation, Mr. Savoy asked me when I was going to get to the prayer so that we can both move on. I asked him, how he knew that I would share a prayer with him. “That’s what you guys do, you come in say hello, talk for a bit, then you pray so you can leave. I didn’t really know how to respond to such brutal honesty, and so living up to his expectations, I stood up and pulled the chair a little closer to his bed and asked him if he would indeed like to pray with me. At that, Mr. Savoy’s eyes lit up. He saw his window of opportunity open wide enough to drive a truck through. “Don’t you mean you’re going to pray for me?” I can still hear his words. “Listen son, you’re not the first person in this hospital that has bothered to stop and talk, all the chaplains do that. Frankly, I’ve had enough talking. But you did something different and the best part is you don’t even know what it is. So let’s talk.”

Mr. Savoy told me of is life and how he came to be preacher for his small church. When he was young, their pastor died and the congregation asked him to preach on Sundays until they found a new pastor. After several months, the small congregation asked Mr. Savoy if he would consider being their minister. It took a little time, but he agreed. For over forty years Mr. Savoy took care of the spiritual needs of the flock. He went to seminary and got his degree, baptized their children, married couples just starting out and conducted funerals for those who passed on. Finally, as he grew older, Savoy’s health began to fail and he moved into an assisted care facility. Soon afterward, the tiny church found a new pastor.

As Mr. Savoy spent day after day in the retirement home, the number of visitors dwindled to a scant few. He outlived all of his immediate family and had no one left to celebrate those big days that occur in everyone’s life. Mr. Savoy realized he was forgotten, and so he decided to give up. He quit eating, quit conversing and basically waited for the end. The thing that bothered him most was that after so many years of ministry, no one from the church came to visit him. Needless to say, he was angry; angry at people, angry with the church and angry with God. Finally, Mr. Savoy told me what I did that lifted his spirits.

“I knew you would eventually get to the prayer, Mr. Savoy said, “you guys always do. But first you sat with me and talked with me. Then you offered to pray with me. I appreciated that. No one just sits and talks any more, especially to cranky old men like me. Now if you really want to pray with me, then you should know that I’m angry (sic) with God. You have to promise that you are going to say to God all of those hard things that no one wants to say. Do you understand?” When I said yes, Mr. Savoy reached out for my hand. I won’t go into the content of our prayer, but after we said amen, Mr. Savoy nodded and that was enough. He looked me in the eye, waved his hand and it was time for me to leave.

Pastors know when people make peace with God, and Mr. Savoy made his peace. God’s grace filled him that day and after a long time he was able to offer thanks to his heavenly Father. I never saw Mr. Savoy again, hospital ministry is like that. But his words will stay with me always. “Say to God all of the hard things that no one wants to say.” Like Mr. Savoy, I believe God is big enough, and strong enough to listen even when we are angry, lost or confused. When we pray, we need to share our feelings with God. We need to discuss those hard to deal with issues that seem to be dragging us down into the pit. God wants nothing less. The lesson this old preacher taught me sticks in my mind every day. He was a minister to so many for so long. Yet, on that day, which I’m sure was one of his last, he was a minister to me.

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Speaking of Evangelism…

Posted on May 3, 2013 by David Nuottila

???????????????????????????????[Jesus said] “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35

Many folks who belong to mainline churches have the same concerns when it comes to worship attendance. “How can we grow in number?” “What can we do to attract new members?” These are two of the most frequently asked questions during Evangelism committee meetings and other planning sessions. They are very good questions, but we seem to struggle with the answers. Perhaps our focus is misplaced. Could it be that our definition of evangelism is what needs clarification? Perhaps, just maybe, our hopes and expectations are what need to be re-aligned rather than our focus on membership rolls. Considering the state of the shrinking main line church, perhaps we need to get back to basics.

Before we can grow the church, we must first learn to grow as disciples. We must learn that living within our baptismal covenant with God means loving God with all our heart, and loving one another as we are loved. We need to come to the house of the Lord for worship, prayer and fellowship. Living within the bounds of our relationship rooted in Christ means enjoying the gifts we all bring to those gathered in this place and beyond. It means sharing in our mutual joys and celebrations, grieving in our losses, and experiencing our life together united in Christ Jesus. God calls his people to live lives of faith, love and service towards their neighbors. Being an evangelizing church means this is the example we share with the greater community. If we are concerned with attendance numbers on Sunday morning, our first response must be to look at our own worship habits.

The life we present to a world in need of God’s redemption makes a difference. All too often, the un-churched look upon Christians and see no appreciable difference in the way they live their lives. Many who profess to be Christians continue to live according to a worldly standard. Jesus, however, calls his disciples to live for God alone, loving and serving as Christ loved and served. The world is filled with people searching for hope, peace and love in their lives. Such hope is made sure and certain through Christ, and seen through the Church at worship, in community and in the mission of God according to the gospel. Such hope is shared by those who know Christ as Lord and God. such is the life Christians are called to live.

It is the love of God in Christ Jesus we share with anyone who wishes to be a part of this same community that brings people into the community of believers. When people of the world see the people of God living differently, they are provided a vision of hope for a life filled with God’s blessing. Sharing faith and doing good works bear witness to God’s grace. We don’t need to worry about new member drives and door to door sales pitches. Such tools are “designed” to spread the gospel, but the message often heard by the community is that the local church is looking for members. The real evidence that we are doing the work of evangelism comes when the life we live as Christians looks less like a fallen and broken world, and more like a community of faith, a community inviting others to come and see the goodness of God.

The evangelizing Church is an inviting Church. Evangelizing people are people who provide the world an example of what life as God’s beloved children looks like. It looks different. As Christians, living such a life is our calling. Loving God with all our heart, mind and strength leads to loving our neighbor as Christ loves us. Loving our neighbor leads to inviting them to come and see the good things of God. This should be how we define evangelism in our congregations; not with words and programs, but by our love and actions. After all, they will know we are Jesus’ disciples by our love.

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Bird Watching

Posted on May 2, 2013 by David Nuottila

IMG_1531“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 NRSV

For the last couple of days, I have been intently watching a barn swallow that has constructed a nest in the eaves of our front porch. She has been nesting there for several days, often flying in and out in search of evergreen twigs and such. But in the last few days she appears to be content to remain in the warm confines of her nest. Certainly eggs are present and soon the chirps of baby swallows should become evident. The more I watch her, the more I have to resist the temptation to go out and take a peek. The nest is no more than five feet away from the window, but I would need our small step ladder to get high enough to see inside. Truthfully, I don’t want to intrude in that way.

The yard of our new home, for all intents and purposes, is somewhat of a bird sanctuary. We have plenty of trees and large bushes for them to nest in, and we also have placed several bird feeders in the back yard. I’ve noticed some birds will come to our pool for a refreshing drink of water. There are many woodpeckers who search the trees for food while cardinals, jays, bluebirds and sparrows compete with the squirrels for fallen seed from the feeders. All in all, the birds in and around our yard have all they need provided for them, and our Mrs. Barn Swallow feels secure enough to raise her family here as well.

We humans can learn plenty from watching the birds. In this vast world of ours, God has given all that we need to live life abundantly. There really is plenty of food that we can share amongst ourselves, an abundance of water to keep us satisfied, and plenty of other resources that we can use to provide shelter for those who have no place to lay their head. The problem is that, unlike the birds that only use what they need, we humans over consume using all that we can.

In the face of thousands upon thousands of homeless and hungry people, much of the world is preoccupied with getting its fair share at the best possible price. We run our heating and air units so we can be comfortable, and we enjoy grabbing a snack out of our pantries and refrigerators that are seemingly well stocked. We live in a world corrupted by greed and the powers of self indulgence, and we protest against high fuel prices and the rising cost of groceries. All the while, many who live in abundance neglect those who need the most, but have the least.

I do realize that there are many people who do share what they have with those in need, and no, this is not meant to throw a guilt trip on anyone for I am just as guilty as the next person. No guilt trip, not unless you feel so inclined to be moved by guilt and read this post in such a light. Still, through the simple act of watching the birds in our back yards, we can be reminded that we are called to be stewards of all God has created. Christians need not worry about the things we need to live life abundantly, God has already provided everything. Living with this assurance, we should; however, recognize the joy and freedom that comes with such abundance, and cheerfully give of ourselves and our possessions so that those who are in greater need will realize the abundance of life with our Heavenly Father.

Gracious and generous God, just as you provided manna for the children of Israel so long ago, we know that you provide for your children today. Guide us in the way of being good stewards of all you have entrusted into our care. Empower and enable us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor and provide shelter for the homeless. Especially guide and direct the hearts of your people as we come to aid those in need. By our efforts may you be glorified and given thanks and praise. We pray for this and all that you see we need in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

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The Heart of Christ

Posted on April 16, 2013 by David Nuottila

72191_490661017666358_1874195080_n“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

It was just another Monday for most of us, but for the people of Boston, it was Patriot Day, the best day, because it was also the day of the Boston Marathon. While the rest of the nation readied itself for another work week, another week of learning, or perhaps a week of leisure, Bostonians and marathon runners from everywhere were readying themselves for an annual spectacle. By all accounts, it would be another day to remember.

By now, most of us have seen the video, heard the reports and prayed for all who were affected by such a mindless act of violence. Innocent people enjoying an event they’ve waited for, trained for and looked forward to for so long, no longer have the hopes of fond memories and victorious tales to pass on to loved ones. These stories, memories and experiences have been forever changed, and most certainly there will be a question that will be asked that might challenge peoples’ faith; “Where is God in all of this?”

Jesus was no stranger to violence; he also witnessed people acting out in senseless acts of violence and hate. Yet, the Son of God came to earth with a purpose, to save a fallen humanity from its very own sinfulness. Jesus wouldn’t accomplish this through retribution; he would not engage in acts of revenge against those who opposed him. Jesus came into our fallen world with quite a different plan. Jesus came to save people through love.

The love of God is so immense, so pure and so infinite that we humans cannot possibly imagine its depth. We cannot begin to understand the heart of a loving God who loves even those who would plant bombs in the midst of a crowd. Yes, I said it, God loves even the most despicable of sinners. Jesus came to redeem them too. In the love and mercy of God almighty, Jesus came into this world to destroy the power of sin and the grave once and for all. Jesus took upon himself human flesh and blood and laid down his life for the sake of all people. Yet, even today, especially yesterday, we must face the fact that evil does not give up easily and still attempts to lead people away for such a loving God.

Jesus didn’t say sin would simply evaporate because of his sacrifice. He didn’t teach his disciples that on the third day, following his resurrection, everything would be made whole and good. What Jesus said he would do is what he in fact did; Jesus destroyed evil’s power to make death the final outcome for a sinful humanity. Even as people act in violence toward one another, even as terrorists attack innocent people, the grave will not hold those who believe in God and believe in Christ Jesus.

God’s own heart, the heart of our Lord and Savior, is big enough and strong enough and filled with enough love, that even a tragedy such as that at the Boston Marathon cannot stand in the way of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The prayers from the hearts of those who believe ascend to heaven and are certainly heard by our loving heavenly Father. We witness God’s love in action through the efforts of those who come to help in such times of trouble. We see the love of God in Christ Jesus as strangers offer aid to another without even thinking of their own safety and well being.

With the verse introducing this post, Jesus assures his disciples that even as he is about to die, God’s mission will be accomplished and the world will be reconciled through him. Even as events are about to turn for the worse, Jesus comforts his disciples. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Throughout Holy Scripture, God’s people understand and believe that God does indeed deliver his people. Always has…always will. And even as we live in a world where bad things happen, Christ has prepared a place where love prevails, forever and ever. If it were not so, Jesus would not have said it. This is our hope. Let not your hearts be troubled, for the heart of our loving God is big enough and strong enough and filled with enough love, that even the tragic events in Boston cannot stand in the way of God’s salvation.

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Beautiful Feet

Posted on April 15, 2013 by David Nuottila

IMG_0159How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7

About a week ago something got me on this subject of our human body and how we use it to respond to the gospel. The first post was all about hands. Hands are easy to talk about, they are visible and we gladly extend our hands towards those whom we love. But when is the last time you extended a foot in friendship? Needless to say, when we extend our foot toward someone or something, it is usually to deliver a good swift kick. Hands are one thing, feet are quite another. We hold one another’s hands; we touch others with ours. When is the last time you held the feet of another? I know, it seems odd to be even talking about feet.

As we did with hands last week, take a moment and consider feet. Like the hand, feet are also well designed for their function and purpose. So much so that a person who is particularly agile is said to be “sure footed.” Feet are strong; they have to be. Feet provide support for our entire body. Feet are strong and able to do work; and yet they are graceful and able to dance and play. But best of all, our feet take us places. Yet, given these fine attributes, many folks agree, feet aren’t the most attractive of our body parts, especially when you consider all they go through. When we stay on our feet long enough, they become tired and calloused. Wearing shoes or boots all day causes our feet to become hot, itchy and uncomfortable. Ill-fitting shoes even cause them to blister. It seems that feet, and especially their appearance leave much to be desired.

It wasn’t too long ago that in my congregation, we focused on the body of Christ as part of our Lenten study. We looked at the humanity of Jesus, how through him, God came to dwell with his people. Jesus faced all the same temptations of human life. In so many instances, Jesus had to choose between doing God’s work, and seeking his own human comforts. Like everyone else, Jesus’ feet took him everywhere he had to go. As he walked the path of righteousness, no doubt Jesus’ feet would become dirty, sore and fatigued. Yet Jesus pressed on and continued in obedient mission and ministry according to God’s law. Sadly, our feet all too often carry us to places we should not go. As sinners in need of redemption, our feet frequently lead us down paths of unrighteousness. But there is still hope.

Consider once again the feet of Christ, those once wounded by the nail. They are the same feet once anointed with a woman’s tears and dried in a devotional act of love with her hair. Even as the nail pierced his feet and affixed them to the cross, Jesus continued to speak words of love and forgiveness. Even as his feet could no longer take him to places where people were in need of healing, Jesus provided ultimate healing for a broken humanity. And even though life giving blood ceased to flow through the wounded feet of our Lord Jesus, death could not hold them in the grave, our Savior would walk again in the glory of the resurrection.

Consider your own feet, once wounded by the nail of sin, yet forgiven and washed clean by the blood of Christ Jesus. Consider your feet, made strong and sure by the power of the Holy Spirit and empowered to take you to those places God would have you go. Redeemed by the blood of Christ, God calls us to take to our feet and proclaim his gospel to a fallen broken world. God calls us to bear witness to his grace, proclaiming the life-saving power of Jesus’ victory at the cross.

Sure, our feet aren’t our most attractive attribute, not by a long shot. But as I said earlier, the human foot is wonderfully designed by our creator. Our feet carry us places; hold us up on sure footing. Feet can be graceful and athletic; they can be sturdy and agile. But the most wonderful thing about our feet is that, because of Christ, they can help us stand in the presence of God as we worship in his temple, and then carry us in mission, following the example of Christ Jesus for the sake of God’s people.

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