March 31st People Reflection

Friday 3/31/2006

Matthew 24.32-51-But the exact day and hour? No one knows that…

Numbers 28-29-These are all over and above your personal Vow-Offerings and Freewill-Offerings.

Song of Solomon 8.5-14-Leap like a wild stag on the spice mountains.

2 Esdras 7.75-99-they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they press forward to see the face of him whom they served in life and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified…

Jeremiah 31.31-34-I will forgive their sins and forget the evil things they have done.

Titus 3.3-7-Jesus treated us much better than we deserve, He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.

Psalm 128-Let’s pray for peace in Israel!

"Would you be willing to go?"—Another assignment at work. But the question first. Sure, I’ll go if needed. And in this day we wait – I don’t go—I wait- wait not knowing the exact day or hour—wait on my Lord and Savior- and find out that he has come already- come to me in my pain- come like a wild stag into my torn life to love me and save me- come and made my offering for me- come already—but I wait for the fulfillment- endure- but then again- here he is – with me all the time- forgiving my evil- treating me much better than I deserve- making me acceptable to God—I wait- not knowing the exact day or hour- yet here he is all the same- "Would you be willing to go?" – Yes—I know you are with me as I wait.

Prayer-I wait for you and yet you are here also- thanks for your presence and salvation -- Amen

March 30th People Reflection

Thursday 3/30/3006

Matthew 24.1-31-Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved.

Numbers 25-27-Moses followed GOD’s orders.

Song of Solomon 6.4-8.4-don’t stir it up, until the time is ripe—and you’re ready

2 Esdras 7.45-74-who among the living is there that has not sinned, or who is there among morals that has not transgressed your covenant?

Psalm 119.9-16-I worship you with all of my heart.

2 Timothy 4.6-18-don’t stop preaching and teaching.

Psalm 127-God takes care of his own, even while they sleep.

"That truck was a piece of junk."- A friend at work- telling of a deal that he made knowing that his truck had many problems but not telling the buyer. It doesn’t seem right. Didn’t seem honest at all to me. Getting more money than what was deserved. But life is like that. There are times things just aren’t what they seem to be. And I’m going to be involved somehow. But even in those times, I must keep my focus on God. Stay with it until the end. Seek and follow God’s orders- wait for God’s time and not force it into my own time. Trust in God to help me in times of trouble and worship God alone with all of my heart. And keep at it- keep listening- keep teaching, keep preaching and keep reaching in love to the world. Knowing all along that God will take care of me – even as I sleep. "That truck was a piece of junk." – Maybe so—but I’m gonna trust in God to help me through all my deals.

Prayer-Lord lead me away from the shady deals in life this day. -- Amen

March 29th People Reflection

Wednesday 3/29/2006

Matthew 23.13-39-I’m out of here soon.

Numbers 2.27-24.25-Balaam got up and went home. Balak also went on his way.

Song of Solomon 5.2-6.3-But when I opened the door he was gone.

2 Esdras 7.26-44-Behold the time will come…

Genesis 50.15-26-I won’t live much longer. But God will take care of you….

2 Timothy 3.10-4.5-I hope to visit you soon.

Psalm 126-It seemed like a dream when the LORD brought us back to the city of Zion.

"I’m out of here soon."- The very words spoken today by one of the guys as we celebrated a 40^th anniversary service date. But the guy making the statement wasn’t the guy with 40 years. I’m out of here soon too. I have to give up my life and get out of here. Get up and go home. Let the others go their way too. I gotta be gone when you come to the door. No time to wait. Get out. Behold the time will come. Speaking of the end of time- but there really isn’t an end to time I guess. At least not in my way of thinking. So I guess it’s just the end of something else—and I move on to something new and different. Yea- I won’t live much longer- I’m out of here soon. God will take care of the rest. Maybe I’ll visit- not sure- but I’m out of here soon. And in those "end time" dreams – God brings me back to him – to his city- and I see the Savior of life. Through death comes life. "I’m out of here soon." – And into life.

Prayer- Lord thank you for giving me life. -- Amen

RE: March 27th People Reflection

Yup. Just like Luther saidl. Even God speaks through asses. :-)

And Sarah said, "God has made laughter for me; every one who hears will
laugh over me."

Genesis 21:6

>From: "Bill Lynch" <blynch1@cinci.rr.com>
>To: "Sarah Lynch" <laughingsarah@hotmail.com>, "Melanie Wilson"
><mlwilson56@yahoo.com>, "John Payne" <jipayne@pharmacare.com>,
> "Daily-Reflections Blogger" <kc8isn.blynch@blogger.com>, "Connie
>Lynch" <clynch@siscom.net>, "Brandie home Back"
><brandieback@yahoo.com>, "Bill Lynch-work"
><william.t.lynch@ae.ge.com>, "Diane Saupe" <dmsaupe4@cinci.rr.com>
>Subject: March 27th People Reflection
>Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 05:11:38 -0500
>
>Monday 3/27/2006
>
>Matthew 22.23-46-That stumped them, literalists that they were.
>
>Numbers 22.1-40-Then GOD gave speech to the donkey.
>
>Song of Solomon-2,8-3.5-safe at home beside the fire
>
>2 Esdras 6.38-59-the dumb and lifeless water produced living creatures, as
>it was commanded, so that therefore the nations might declare your wondrous
>works.
>
>Genesis 49.1-28-Come gather around, as I tell your future.
>
>Philippians 4.4-9-Always be glad because of the Lord!
>
>Psalm 124-the LORD was on our side!
>
>"That's why the cross is in the center.you can't help but to look up."- A
>sermon on a Sunday-and God stumps us all- with a love beyond understanding.
>Right in the center of my life. Oh the Pastor.God gave speech to the
>donkey. Yea, God speaks through us and gives us the message-even through
>donkeys and pastors and all sorts of things and people and places and ways.
>God speaks through and out of the center of our lives. God speaks while we
>are safe at home by the fire. God speaks while we are in the wilderness of
>life. God speaks through the dumb water and with his Word life is given.
>God speaks in the waters of baptism day after day. God speaks through the
>old and the frail. Come gather around, as I tell your future. God speaks.
>It's comforting to know that God is closer than I think. Always be glas
>because God speaks and is on our side! - "That's why the cross is in the
>center.you can't help but to look up." - God speaks! God is closer than you
>think.
>
>Prayer- Speak today out of the center of my life. Give me ears to hear I
>pray. -- Amen

March 28th People Reflection

Tuesday 3/28/2006

Matthew 23.1-12-Don’t set people up as experts over you life, letting them tell you what to do. Save the authority for God; let him tell you what to do.

Numbers 22.41-23.26-Well, if you can’t curse them, at least don’t bless them.

Song of Solomon 3.6-5.1-A garden fountain, sparkling and splashing, fed by spring waters from the Lebanon mountains.

2 Esdras 7.1-25-Therefore unless the living pass through the difficult and futile experiences, they can never receive those things that have been reserved for them.

Genesis 49.29-50.14-When Jacob had finished giving these instructions to his sons, he lay down on his bed and died.

1 Timothy 2.1-8-There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God.

Psalm 125-the LORD protects his people

"The camera is just a deterrent."—Security cameras—More show than use—they pan and don’t ever seem to be pointing in the right place at the right time. Just a deterrent. But they are everywhere you look. Seems you could be caught on camera any time of day and any place. The camera may or may not have the final show. But God does. And it’s to God that I must leave and place my priorities. Save the authority for God and let him tell me what to do. The wish was to place a curse on Israel- but God didn’t want a curse placed on Israel- so the prophet said he couldn’t do it. But the king at least didn’t want Israel to be blessed. Save the authority for God- it’s his—can’t even be over-ruled by a king. God is wonderful and loving and comes to me through the garden fountain of life- sparkling and splashing with the Word of life in that water-But in that water is a passage. In that water is a drowning of self to sin and death to rise in life through the narrow passage and the difficult experiences that bring the realization that I can’t save myself. I must pass the narrow passage of death to myself and sin and see that salvation belongs to God. That there is only on God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring me to God. God will lead, guide and protect me through that passage to life. From life to death to life. And then refreshed in the salvation of Jesus I can lay down and give my life to God and die. "The camera is just a deterrent." – But God is the real thing.

Prayer-Lord-as I pass through this life to death- lead me to life in you. -- Amen

March 27th People Reflection

Monday 3/27/2006

Matthew 22.23-46-That stumped them, literalists that they were.

Numbers 22.1-40-Then GOD gave speech to the donkey.

Song of Solomon-2,8-3.5-safe at home beside the fire

2 Esdras 6.38-59-the dumb and lifeless water produced living creatures, as it was commanded, so that therefore the nations might declare your wondrous works.

Genesis 49.1-28-Come gather around, as I tell your future.

Philippians 4.4-9-Always be glad because of the Lord!

Psalm 124-the LORD was on our side!

"That’s why the cross is in the center…you can’t help but to look up."- A sermon on a Sunday—and God stumps us all- with a love beyond understanding. Right in the center of my life. Oh the Pastor…God gave speech to the donkey. Yea, God speaks through us and gives us the message—even through donkeys and pastors and all sorts of things and people and places and ways. God speaks through and out of the center of our lives. God speaks while we are safe at home by the fire. God speaks while we are in the wilderness of life. God speaks through the dumb water and with his Word life is given. God speaks in the waters of baptism day after day. God speaks through the old and the frail. Come gather around, as I tell your future. God speaks. It’s comforting to know that God is closer than I think. Always be glas because God speaks and is on our side! – "That’s why the cross is in the center…you can’t help but to look up." – God speaks! God is closer than you think.

Prayer- Speak today out of the center of my life. Give me ears to hear I pray. -- Amen

March 26th People Reflection

Sunday 3/26/2006

Matthew 22.1-22-Jesus responded by telling still more stories.

Numbers 21-Israel took the land.

Song of Solomon 1.1-2.7-We’ll celebrate, we’ll sing, we’ll make great music.

2 Esdras 6.35-37-My spirit was greatly aroused, and my soul was in distress.

John 3.14-21-God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!

Philippians 2.5-11-And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, "Jesus Christ is Lord!"

Psalm 123-Our LORD and our God, I turn my eyes to you, on your throne in heaven.

"It’s somewhere in the bargain section."- Searching for a book. The clerk told us the book was in the bargain section. I suppose if all of Jesus stories were actually recorded in a book it would be one fantastic book. It wouldn’t need to be sold in the bargain section. But the book would still be a bargain. God’s Word made flesh- in stories of faith and actually present in human form. With me everyday. God has always been with us. God is closer than I think. God was always with the Israelites too. In the good times and the bad. In the victories and the defeat. In the desert and in the land flowing with milk and honey. In their exile and in their return. God is closer than I think. And in his closeness we’ll celebrate, we’ll sing, we’ll make great music as a love and cherished people. God at the center of our lives. In the midst of our praying, clasped hands. God is closer than you think. Messages from God etched in wood. God was here. Etched in the wood of that cross. God is closer than you think. In the nail holes of that wood. Carved into the wood of the cross. God is closer than you think. And in distress- when my soul is greatly aroused. God is closer than you think. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn—but to save. God is closer than you think. God is at the heart of our conversation. God is at the core of our experience. God is on that rock. And on that rock in our troubled times we pray. That rock of Jesus steadfast love. God is closer than you think. And in that closeness of God we can all agree without a doubt – "Jesus Christ is Lord!" – Our Lord that we turn our eyes to. Our Lord that we slowly approach that cross together- look up- and see that cross of pain and death- but also see that the cross has turned into a symbol of victory and is empty- it is full of life and love and the sweet fragrance of living lilies- sprinkled with the dew drops of manna and the bread of life and the sweet wine of salvation. We’ll look up slowly and see the glory of God’s love beyond all understanding and praise him forever and ever. I turn my eyes to you, on your throne in heaven. God is closer than you think. "It’s somewhere in the bargain section." – Thanks be to God!

Prayer- Wow! Lord Jesus! What a bargain! -- Amen

March 22nd - 25th People Reflections

Wednesday 3/22/2006

Matthew 20.1-16-Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.

Numbers 13-14-But they went anyway; recklessly and arrogantly they climbed to the high hill country.

Ecclesiastes 9.1-12-Well, I took all this in and thought it through, inside and out.

2 Esdras 5.41-6.10-The creation cannot move faster than the Creator, nor can the world hold at one time those who have been created in it.

Psalm 107.1-3, 17-22-You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.

Ephesians 5.1-10-Be good and honest and truthful, as you try to please the Lord.

Psalm 119.169-176-I am your servant, but I have wandered away like a lost sheep. Please come after me…

"Bill—go ahead…"-The great reversal. I was asked to go first. I deserved to go first in this case. I was the least. I was foolish. Just like the Israelites who decided to turn from God and take on those in the Promised Land without God’s support. They went anyway, recklessly and arrogantly they climbed – Sometimes I go the wrong way- recklessly and arrogantly. Turn from God and try to make it on my own. I don’t pause and think it through from the inside out. And if I do think it through from the inside out- I go astray thinking I have the answer myself. And really I must listen to the voice of God and follow him. Follow the vision- follow that cross. God has the answer and I must follow – not lead in my own selfishness. For when I follow I can easily see the love of God. I cans see the wonderful things he does for all of us. I can see and hear how to be good and honest and truthful. I can see when I follow that cross how to please God. As I follow I know that I am his servant. But still I wander away like a lost sheep and thanks be to God- He does come after me. "Bill—go ahead…"—No – I must follow.

Prayer- Lord teach me to follow- let me follow your cross. -- Amen

Thursday 3/23/2006

Matthew 20.17-34-"Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!"

Numbers 15-16-that person must be kicked out of the community, ostracized, left alone in his wrongdoing.

Ecclesiastes 9.13-10.20-Laughter and bread go together, and wine gives sparkle to life

2 Esdras 6.11-29-While he spoke to me, little by little the place where I was standing began to rock to and fro.

Numbers 21.4-9-It was wrong of us to insult you and the LORD.

Ephesians 6.10-17-let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong.

Psalm 120-When I am in trouble, I pray…

"Call after a week. Sometimes I don’t get to see the results."- Blood tests. Sometimes the doctor doesn’t get to see the results. Unless something is abnormal. But call for the results anyway. It’s a reminder. God reminds me to open my eyes. Just as Jesus opens the eyes of the blind. I need my blindness cured. I want to see! Because if I don’t begin to see I will stray. Do what I shouldn’t do. Do things that cause me to deserve to be kicked out of the community. To be left alone in my wrongdoing. But God rescues. God comes to me in the bread and the wine- the body and the blood- the laughter and the sparkle of life. And when I consume Jesus into my life- when Jesus through grace enters my being- little by little my life begins to rock to and fro with a love so amazing that I can’t stand it. And I realize how my actions have insulted God. How my selfishness has distanced me from God. But God didn’t distance himself from me- I distance myself from God. God is closer than you think. In God’s closeness he makes me strong once again. In my troubled prayers God rescues me and saves me. But it’s about God – it’s about my trust in him that I know how I can’t make it on my own—but only through his grace can I survive. "Call after a week. Sometimes I don’t get to see the results."—the results are…God is closer than I think—now and even next week.

Prayer-Lord, I place my trust and hope in you. You are closer than I think. -- Amen

Friday 3/24/2006

Matthew 21.1-27-As he made his entrance into Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken.

Numbers 17-18-By offering the best part, you’ll avoid guilt, you won’t desecrate the holy offerings of the People of Israel, and you won’t die.

Ecclesiastes 11.1-8-So you’ll never understand the mystery at work in all that God does.

2 Esdras 6.30-34-Believe and do not be afraid!

Ephesians 2.1-10-In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God….We were dead because of our sins, but God loves us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you.

Philippians 1.3-11-You have a special place in my heart.

Psalm 121-The LORD will protect you

"Just checkin on ya."-A friend calling to see how I’m doing. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the city was shaken. A huge change was about to unfold that people would not be aware of. They needed Jesus to come and check on them. And to change them forever. They needed Jesus to show how to offer the best. They needed Jesus to show how to offer life. No, we’ll never understand the depth of Jesus’ love for us. I’ll never understand that mystery. But that’s ok- all I need to understand is how to trust in that love. To give that love freely to the world. To believe and not be afraid. To see how in the past I was dead---because I sinned and fought against god—dead because of my sin—but God loves me so much he sent Jesus in his wonderful kindness to save me. God has a special place in his heart for me. And I have a special place in my heart for him and for his people. I know that God will protect me. "Just checkin on ya…" – Thanks be to God!

Prayer-Lord, thanks for checkin on me! -- Amen

Saturday 3/25/2006

Matthew 21.28-46-He decided to send his son, "Surely," he thought, "they will respect my son."

Numbers 19-20-Speak to that rock that’s right in front of them and it will give water.

Ecclesiastes 11.9-12.14-The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it.

Luke 1.26-38-Nothing is impossible for God!

Psalm 122-It made me glad to hear them say, "Let’s go to the house of the LORD!"

"I’ve never seen any games like the ones just played."- Playing Cribbage with Bryan at the Coffee Shop. Unusual, high scoring games. Never seen anything like it. We even checked the cards to see if there was something wrong with the deck. There wasn’t. And god decided to send his son. Surely they will respect him. Unusual love. Never seen anything like it. Speak to that rock of Jesus Christ- that corner stone- and he will give you water. Unusual love. Never seen anything like it. The last and final word is this—fear God- do what he tells you—that’s it! – Unusual love. Never seen anything like it. Nothing is impossible for God! – Unusual love. Never seen anything like it. It made me glad to hear them say, "Let’s go to the house of the LORD!" – Unusual love. Never seen anything like it. "I’ve never seen any games like the ones just played." –God loves me. – Unusual love. Never seen anything like it. – Thanks be to God for that unusual and peculiar love and grace he has given to me.

Prayer- Lord, teach me how to give your unusual love to this world I live in. – Amen!

March 20th and 21st People Reflection

Monday 3/20/2006
Matthew 19.1-15-Great crowds followed him there, and he healed them.
Numbers 9-10-Give me some time; I?ll find out what GOD says in your
circumstances.
Ecclesiastes 7-God made men and women true and upright; we?re the ones
who?ve made a mess of things.
2 Edsras 5.23-30-you have chosen for yourself?
Psalm 40.5-10-I enjoy pleasing you
Ephesians 2.1-10-God raises us from death to life with Christ Jesus
Psalm 119.153-160-Look at the trouble I am in, and rescue me.
"There?s cheese on this sandwich?.no, I just thought it was?it?s ok."-
We?re the one that makes a mess of things. Sometimes we think we have
been wronged. Didn?t get what we ordered. Sometimes we don?t get what
we ordered. But then I wonder if my order was right to begin with. Did
I say the wrong thing? Did I not make myself clear? Or sometimes I?m
the one taking the order and just plain ol make a mess of things. I
make a mess of things many times. And when I do I have to recognize
that mess and turn from it. Ask God to forgive me and ask others I have
hurt along the way for forgiveness too. Jesus forgives me. Jesus heals
me. It?s no wonder great crowds followed him in his day and even today.
Jesus knows my failures and shortcomings and reaches out to me and
takes my hand and lists me up out of the mess I have created. He lifts
me up out of the waters of my baptism. He raises me up out of the sea
of sorrow that I am drowning in and takes me from life to death to life
once ag
ain. Jesus looks and sees the trouble I am in and rescues me. God
raises us from death to life with Christ Jesus. God chooses to love me
even when I am at my lowest. How can I help but to enjoy pleasing my
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. ?There?s cheese on this sandwich?no. I
just thought it was?it?s ok.? ? Yea- Jesus shows me how what I thought
was wrong is ok in the end.
Prayer-Lord, I?ve made a mess- forgive me and as I turn around let me
please you. -- Amen

Tuesday 3/21/2006
Matthew 19.16-30-Then who has any chance at all? Jesus looked hard at
them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off
yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it."
Numbers 11-12-When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna was
right there with it.
Ecclesiastes 8-Search as hard as you like, you?re not going to make
sense of it.
2 Esdras 5.31-40-you cannot discover my judgement, or the goal of the
love that I have promised to my people
Isaiah 7.10-14-But the LORD will still give you proof. A virgin is
pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.
Ephesians 4.1-6-Patiently put up with each other and love each other.
Psalm 119.161-168-You are my only hope for being saved, LORD
"This is the real cream." The proof is in the cream?? ? Well maybe
that?s a variation of the original expression. In my life the proof is
in the Savior. And God provides that proof the a son named Immanuel.
God does give proof. God sets that proof right in the center of my
sinful life. God sets that proof right in the midst of my joy and my
pain. God sent Jesus to be with each of us through all things in life.
Just like the bread of communion. Years ago God set the dew on the
desert floor and the manna ? that sweet bread from heaven was right
there with the dew. Jesus set in the midst of my life. Jesus from
heaven falls like dew on the desert times of my life and on the joyous
times alike. It can?t be about me. It can?t be something I can pull off
on my own. I will die in the desert if I think I can save myself. I
must trust God to do it. I must trust God to drop the manna ? the bread
of life ? into my barren soul and save me through Jesus my Savior. I
can search as much as
I like but will never make sense of it. This is a love so deep that I
won?t even be able to understand it?s depth. I can?t discover this love
of God on my own. I can only accept this love of God through belief and
trust in Jesus. And when I realize this- when I humble myself- when I
repent- when I turn- I will finally see that God is my only hope for
being saved. And I will finally know the patient love I must display
for others too. ?This is the real cream.? ? And that?s the real love of
God in Christ Jesus.
Prayer-Lord, let me show your love this day to those I meet and point
them to the real cream of life. -- Amen

March 19th People Reflection

Sunday 3/19/2006

Matthew 18.18-35-When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action.

Numbers 7-8-When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with GOD, he heard the Voice speaking to him from between the two angel-cherubim above the Atonement-Cover on the Chest of the Testimony. He spoke with him.

Ecclesiastes 6-and who can tell any of us the next chapter of our lives?

2 Esdras 5.21-22-After seven days the thoughts of my heart were very grievous to me again. Then my soul recovered the spirit of understanding, and I began once more to speak words in the presence of the Most High.

John 2.13-22-What makes you think you can rebuild it in three days?

Ephesians 1.3-14-Christ sacrificed his life’s blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven.

Psalm 119.145-152-Please do the right thing and save my life.

"I have a new job."- Talking to friends at the grocery store. A new job. After retirement, but a new job anyway. A new adventure. Something different. Who can tell any of us the next chapter of our lives? I guess the only person would be God. And in God we come together to pray about our present times and our future times. God goes into action. Moses spoke to God and heard his voice from above the Ark of the Covenant. He spoke with him. Prayer seems much the same to me. Conversation, in two ways. Sometimes my heart is heavy with sin. I speak- I plead- I beg for forgiveness- I feel the humility of my sin – then there is some pause—I reflect- I listen- I look- I smell- I use all my senses waiting for God’s answer. Then I hear about Jesus rebuilding a temple in three days- I hear the voice of God telling me about Jesus resurrection from the death of my sin- just for me to save me and redeem me from my sin. Then my soul recovers the spirit of understanding. God sends his Spirit into my heart and once more I begin to speak in the presence of God. It takes some down time and listening. I wonder if that’s what the wilderness is all about sometimes. Maybe when I sin I must go through the wilderness and realize how lost I am. Maybe I need to spend a few days in the tomb and realize that my only escape from the death of my sin is through the saving resurrection of Jesus for my sins. Jesus sacrifice of his life’s blood to set me free- which means my sin is forgiven. The life is in the blood. Just as God told us in the Old Testament. The life is in the blood of the Lamb- the life is in the blood of Jesus. It’s so nice that God did the right thing and saved my life. No matter how rotten it has been. Hey! – "I have a new job."

Prayer- Lord, thank you for forgiving me. I have a new job. -- Amen

March 18th People Reflection

Saturday 3/18/2006

Matthew 18.1-17-I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.

Numbers 5-6-GOD bless you and keep you, GOD smile on you and gift you, GOD look you full in the face and make you prosper.

Ecclesiastes 5-we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work.

1 Corinthians 1.18-25-I will confuse those who think they know so much.

Galatians 6.11-18-All that matters is that you are a new person.

Psalm 119.137-144-I am in distress, but I love your teachings.

"Have a good workout." A computer voice that greets me when I scan my membership tag. The greeting is nice but the voice is not human. It’s a computer after all. There is really no feeling or emotion involved. No interaction between people. No real love is there. Just a greeting. Sometimes my faith gets that way. And then I think of what Jesus tells me in scripture. Be like a child. Return and start over. Children have emotion. Children learn. Children laugh and live life in the present. Children are alive and active moment by moment and then collapse and rest. When I’m most like a child and when I’m with God as his child; I feel his face- I feel his gaze- I feel his gifts and blessings in my life. I feel most alive when I play with God in his kingdom. Not without emotion or feeling like that computer generated greeting. We should make the most of the here and now and enjoy the blessings God has given us. It’s when I think I know so much that I fall. It’s when I think I can take care of it all that I fall. Those are the times that God confuses me and I realize how much I need and depend on God. Because I can’t save myself. At those times I need to realize that only in Jesus can I become that "new person" that I need to be. In those times of distress I need to reach out to Jesus’ teachings. And that’s full of emotion and life- pain and joy- love and laughter---"Have a good workout."—Yea- in more ways than one- but I think I’ll live the here and now- full of emotion and life.

Prayer- Jesus- give me a good workout this day as I play with you in your Kingdom. -- Amen

March 17th People Reflection

Friday 3/17/2006

Matthew 17-His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes.

Numbers 3-4-At GOD’s command through Moses, each man was assigned his work and told what to carry.

Ecclesiastes 3.16-4.16-We all breathe the same air.

2 Esdras 5.14-20-But the angel who had come and talked with me held me and strengthened me and set me on my feet.

Exodus 20.1-17-Be faithful in marriage.

Galatians 2.16-21-It was the Law itself that filled me and freed me from its power, so that I could live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ. I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.

Psalm 119.129-136-Keep your promise and don’t let me stumble or let sin control my life.

"I was trying to trick you."- I wonder if the disciples thought Jesus was doing a trick on that mountain when the transfiguration took place. But this wasn’t a trick. It was real. Jesus changed in appearance from the inside out right before their eyes. I think God changes me from the inside out. From the inside where emotions and feelings run deep. From the inside where my soul and heart exist. And in this change I will display outward changes. Changes in how I treat others. Changes in the things I do. Changes that bring great joy in God’s commands to carry the instruments of worship for God in this world. Changes that are upheld in struggling times by angels that hold and talk to me and set me back on my feet after a fall. Changes that keep me faithful to God and others in my life. Changes that free me from the restraint of the Law. Changes that nail me to the cross to feel the pain of death and sin. Changes that let me realize the depth and awesome power of Christ’s love for me and the real meaning of forgiveness of sins. Changes that through Jesus free me from the control of sin in my life. "I was trying to trick you." – It’s not a trick. It’s a change.

Prayer- Lord, change me. -- Amen

March 16th People Reflection

Thursday 3/16/2006

Matthew 16-Haven’t you caught on yet?

Numbers 1-2-The Tent of Meeting with the camp of the Levites takes its place in the middle of the march.

Ecclesiastes 3.1-15-There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth

2 Esdras 5.1-13-Blood shall drip from wood, and the stone shall utter its voice…

Psalm 19-The LORD’s instruction is right…

Galatians 1.1-12-My message came directly from Jesus Christ when he appeared to me.

Psalm 119.121-128-My eyes are weary from waiting to see you keep your promise to come and save me.

"I can give you a couple of to-go boxes."- Forgot plates for the Lenten Supper- but took a couple of to-go boxes instead. Jesus was concerned that people weren’t catching on to what was really going on. He is the Messiah-come into the world- to save us from our sin. And like the Tent of Meeting-Jesus must be at the center of everything- we are to be in him and he in us- he is our focus and purpose in life- it is through God’s command that we work and live and exist- it is in God’s time that things take place- I can’t force the issue- I can’t make it happen for my own good- but must depend on God’s plan and direction- God sees the big picture- I only see my own selfish viewpoint and must stop forcing things and wait for God’s plan- it will be wonderful- it will be overwhelming- it will be awesome- it will be difficult- it will be painful- blood shall drip from wood- but the very stones will cry out in glory to the awesome power of God in his plan- in his ultimate work of love beyond my own simple understanding- God’s instruction is right- not mine- and I must wait as Paul waited- for the message to come directly from Jesus – when he appears to me- yea- my eyes grow weary in that wait- but wait I must- because I know that God will keep his promise and come to save me! – "I can give you a couple of to-go boxes."- That’s fine- cause I’m waiting and knowing it is all going to be fine.

Prayer-Lord, I wait, I hope, I listen I love, I act, I repent, I wait, I hope, I love, I listen, I act -- Amen

March 15th People Reflection

Wednesday 3/15/2006

Matthew 15.21-39-where in this deserted place are you going to dig up enough food for a meal?

Leviticus 26-27-These are the commandments that GOD gave to Moses on Mount Sinai for the People of Israel.

Ecclesiastes 1.12-2.26-Nothing but smoke—and spitting into the wind.

2 Esdras 4.26-52-Do not be in a greater hurry than the Most High. You, indeed, are in a hurry for yourself, but the Highest is in a hurry on behalf of many.

Genesis 42.18-28-What has God done to us?

2 Corinthians 6.3-18-We seem to be dying, and yet we are still alive.

Psalm 119.113-120-Your word is my only hope.

"What time did you get home?"- What is home? Where is home? How do you get there if you don’t know what or where it is? Why would one want to go there? Jesus and his disciples were with a bunch of people way out somewhere. Jesus didn’t want to send the people away without having first had something to eat for fear that they would faint on the road. The disciples didn’t know where they were going to get enough food to feed the people in this deserted place. Jesus asked them what they had. Some bread and some fish. The food ended up being enough for everyone. In this mountain some people ate a miraculous bread. Is this home? Is home a place to eat the bread and the wine? Another time God met with Moses and took care of his people. God gave the people commandments to keep their lives in order. To keep their focus on God and not the things of the world. Is this home? Is home a place to keep my focus on God? Maybe in contrast some homes might be those places where all effort, all love, all compassion, all friendship, all caring is like smoke and spitting into the wind. Is that home? Then I think that maybe I shouldn’t be in such a hurry to get home. Maybe I need to learn to wait on God’s time. He has so much more to consider than I do. Maybe in God’s time I will get home. Or is home the place you question God. Like Joseph’s brother’s questioning what God did to them. Is home where I question God about things that I caused? Is home the place I question, the place I repent of sin? Is home the place I die yet still live? Where is home? What is home? I think home must be in the final passage for today. Home is a hope that I need to live in and under and with. Home is the Word made flesh. Home is Jesus. "What time did you get home?" – Not sure what time it was. But I want to be home with Jesus now.

Prayer- Lord, take me home. -- Amen

March 14th People Reflection

Tuesday 3/14/2006
Matthew 15.1-20-But Jesus put it right back on them?
Leviticus 24-25-you will have all you can eat and will live safe and
secure
Ecclesiastes 1.1-11-What?s there to show for a lifetime of work??
2 Esdras 4.1-25-Go weigh for met the weight of fire, or measure for me
a blast of wind, or call back for the day that is past?.You cannot
understand the things with which you have grown up; how then can your
mind comprehend the way of the Most High?
Genesis 42.1-17-and I?m going to find out who you really are?
1 Corinthians 15.42-58-Just as we are like the one who was made out of
earth, we will be like the one who came from heaven.
Psalm 119.105-112-Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.

?I want what you guys have in Ohio.?- A good visit- and probably good
only because of a previous visit that was open and honest- that put
before us the work we had ahead- that work that takes a long time-
that work that may not ever end- but a work that becomes life- a work
that creates the safe and secure only with help and trust in God- a
work that shows a lifetime with God-a work that can?t be defined like
the weight of fire- a work that finds out who you really are- a work
that shows how human each of us is but also shows the hope of eternity-
a work that follows the light on the path- ?I want what you guys have
in Ohio.?- I want to follow Jesus.

Prayer- Lord-we follow you in our work this day. -- Amen

March 13th People Reflection

Monday 3/13/2006
Matthew 14.22-36-But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath
his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, ?Master,
save me!? Jesus didn?t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand.
Leviticus 22-23-I am GOD who makes them holy.
Proverbs 31-?who lives in the Fear-of GOD.
2 Esdras 3.4-36-?O sovereign Lord, did you not speak at the beginning
when you planted the earth- and that without help- and commanded the
dust and it gave you Adam, a lifeless body? Yet he was the creation of
your hands, and your breathed into him the breath of life, and he was
made alive in your presence.
Genesis 41.46-47-Joseph was thirty when the king made him governor,
and he went everywhere for the king.
1 Corinthians 15.1-11-Christ died for our sins?
Psalm 119.97-104-Your teachings are sweeter than honey.

?Are we going to eat at this stop??- Driving to Hickory with Sarah- we
made it in one stop alone- and we got something to eat at that stop-
Peter had faith- faith enough to step out of the boat- and that he did-
but when he saw the churning of the waves beneath his feet- he was
afraid- in the same way ? I have faith- but when I seen life churning
beneath my feet- I become afraid- but like Peter ? I reach for Jesus
hand that he extends down to me- to pull me out of the waters and to
life- I scream ? ?Master save me!? ? and Jesus doesn?t hesitate- and
this makes me live in the Fear of GOD- I know that I can?t make it on
my own- that I need God to pull me out- to save me from drowning- how
can I not think of baptism- that going under- will I be left under the
water?- no ? God pulls me out and brings me to new life- but first I
must give up my old life- how meaningful immersion can be- at the
beginning of this world- God took some dust and made man- but man
didn?t have life unti
l God breathed into him- so I depend on life from God- and in the way
Jesus and Joseph gave their lives away- I must give my life to God-
Christ died for my sins to give me life- Your teachings are sweeter
than honey- ?Are we going to eat at this stop?? ? Feed me the bread
and wine of life at this stop.

Prayer-Lord- I give my life to you and look forward to what you have
in store for me. -- Amen

March 12th People Reflection

Sunday 3/12/2006
Matthew 14.1-21-he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by
himself
Leviticus 20-21-Set yourselves apart for a holy life. Live a holy
life, because I am GOD, your God. Do what I tell you, live the way I
tell you. I am the GOD who makes you holy.
Proverbs 30-So don?t second guess him?
2 Esdras 3.1-3-My spirit was greatly agitated and I began to speak
anxious words
Mark 8.31-38-you must forget about yourself?If you want to save your
life you must destroy it.
1 Corinthians 13.1-13-Love is kind and patient, never jealous,
boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn?t selfish or quick tempered. It
doesn?t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the
truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and
trusting. Love never fails!
Psalm 119.89-96-Nothing is completely perfect. Except your teachings.

?I think you have to look at the picture from a global point of view.?-
and Jesus slips away to be by himself- I need to do that too- to be
with God- to talk- to listen- to try to understand what direction God
has in mind for me- It?s so easy to get confused- it?s so easy to not
set myself apart- God chooses me to live a holy life- but I wander off
and do just the opposite of that- but I must get off to that boat and
let God redirect me- hear forgiveness- hear the joy of return to
service in his name- I need to go off to that boat and let God get rid
of my agitated and anxious spirit- I need to go off to that boat and
hear about a love so deep that I can?t even understand it- I need to
go off to that boat and try to give a love like the love God gave me
to others I meet in this life- I need to go off to that boat and hear
God?s teachings and see things from a close up point of view and also
from a global point of view. ?I think you have to look at the picture
from a global p
oint of view.? ? I think I need to listen to what God has to say- from
whatever point of view he chooses.

Prayer- Lord- let me see things from your point of view- and give me
the understanding and forgiveness I need so badly. -- Amen

March 10th and 11th People Reflections

Friday 3/10/2006

Matthew 13.1-23-Are you listening to this? Really listening?

Leviticus 17-18-The priest will splash the blood on the Altar of GOD…

Proverbs 28-You can’t whitewash your sins and get by with it- you find mercy by admitting and leaving them.

Genesis 17.1-7, 15-16-your wife’s name will now be Sarah instead of Sarai. I will bless her…

1 Corinthians 9.24-27-So run to win!

Psalm 119.73-80-Make me wise enough to learn what you have commanded.

 

"Can I go to the movie tomorrow night?"-Questions – asking permission- granting permission or denying – Are you listening—really listening?- I hear-but sometimes don’t listen- I don’t listen to the message- I don’t get it- and I fall – fail and sin and need that blood of life splashed on the Altar of God- I need to give my blood to God- the life is in the blood- give my blood freely to God- admit my sin and repent and through forgiveness alone will I be blessed- I will run to win- Lord- Make me wise enough to learn what you have commanded- "Can I go to the movie tomorrow night?"- Listen!

Prayer- Lord – I’m listening -- Amen

 

Saturday 3/11/2006

Matthew 13.24-58-I will bring out into the open things hidden since the world’s first day.

Leviticus 19-I am GOD, your God.

Proverbs 29-humility prepares you for honors.

Romans 4.13-25-Everything depends on having faith in God…

1 Corinthians 11.23-29-This is my body, which is given for you…

Psalm 119.81-88-I long for you to rescue me! You word is my only hope.

 

"We need to go around and individually interview each person."- God interviews me from time to time- asks me the questions- hears my response- and makes me realize that God is my God- God humbles me from time to time and makes me realize that God is God- God shows me just how much I depend on him and shows me how God is God- God gives himself to me through and in the bread and wine – the body and the blood – and shows me how God is God- I need God to rescue me- God is my only hope- because God is God- "We need to go around and individually interview each person."- Here I am Lord- knowing that God is God.

Prayer- Lord you are God! -- Amen

March 9th People Reflection

Thursday 3/9/2006

Matthew 12.22-50-Obediance is thicker than blood.

Leviticus 15-16-Then he will set the two goats before GOD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and cast lots over the two goats, on lot for GOD and the other lot for Azazel. He will offer the goat on which the lot to GOD falls as an Absolutio-Offering. The goat on which the lot for Azazel falls will be sent out into the wilderness to Azazel to make atonement.

Proverbs 27-Don’t call attention to yourself; let others do that for you.

2 Esdras 2.42-48-So I began to praise those who had stood valiantly for the name of the Lord.

Psalm 22.23-31-Everyone of earth will remember you, LORD.

1 Corinthians 2.6-16-has anyone ever known the thoughts of the Lord or given him advice?

Psalm 119.65-72-Give me wisdom and good sense. I trust your commands.

"Boy! That was a drastic change in attitude."- We went to visit Elano in Xenia to help a manager set up for a Treasure Hunt at his site. At first he was reluctant to see us- but at the end he was very grateful for our help and assistance. In some ways we were being obedient to the process of the Treasure Hunts- and teaching from the lessons we had learned from conducting our own Hunt- A Treasure Hunt is an energy audit- looking for ways to save utilities such as gas, electric and water. It’s a Treasure Hunt not a Witch Hunt- You don’t come in to display faults- you look for opportunities- but at first everyone perceives it’s a fault finding hunt- They cast lots for the goats- the goat that won was sacrificed to God the other goat was sent into the wilderness to the evil spirits- the scapegoat- the scapegoat bears the sins of all the people- the sacrificed goat was the winner- given to God- so when I give my life to God – that’s what he wants- but who is the scapegoat?- I can see how Jesus was sent into the wilderness to bear my sins and the sins of all- to deal with the evil spirits of this world and he also was the goat that was sacrificed- in this way Jesus didn’t call attention to himself- he gave himself for me and you and all people – not calling attention to himself- he didn’t need to call attention to himself- others would do that- look how Jesus has changed the world and been the most profound person of all time- no wonder there are so many people who praise the name of the Lord- everyone on earth remembers Jesus- even if they don’t believe- they know- and in this is all the wisdom I could ever handle- it’s Jesus my scapegoat and life that I honor and praise- Jesus my sacrificial goat given to God- how much more will I give myself in humble service to God- give God my very life in praise and thanksgiving to all he has done. "Boy! That was a drastic change in attitude."- Yea- it’s all about a change that God gives to me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer- Lord, change me this day- change my heart of sin to a heart of joy and thanksgiving for all you have done. I give my heart and my life to you. -- Amen

March 8th People Reflection

Wednesday 3/8/2006

Matthew 12.1-21-…how they entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar…

Leviticus 14-Last of all, he will let the living bird loose outside the city in the open field.

Proverbs 26-to ask a moron to quote a proverb is like putting a scalpel in the hands of a drunk.

2 Esdras 2.33-41-Wait for your shepherd; he will give you everlasting rest, because he who will come at the end of the age is close at hand.

Genesis 37.25-36-and for twenty pieces of silver they sold him to the Ishmaelites…

1 Corinthians 1.17-24-He sent me to tell the good news without using big words that would make the cross of Christ lose its power.

Psalm 119.57-64-You, LORD, are my choice, and I will obey you.

"Here are the books I picked out at the store."- Some books from a store-show what a person is interested in- what that person is seeking- David and his men entered the sanctuary and showed what they were seeking- they needed food at the time even though it was the Sabbath, they ate the bread off the altar- and that’s the food I need- day after day- that Bread off the altar- I need to see that Priest who will release a bird into the open for my sins- and release my spirit –while forgiving my sin – day after day- I will go to that sanctuary and wait for my Shepherd who will give me rest and direction- but there are times I sin- I sell my Shepherd for some silver- I act like a moron and need that Bread so badly- and Jesus comes- day after day and forgives- renews my baptism and gives me life and love- Jesus is my choice and my love and I will obey his call- day after day – "Here are the books I picked out at the store." – And let me introduce to you my Savior who picked me out and I gave my all to him- in the sanctuary of life.

Prayer- Lord- I’m yours this day and will follow you. -- Amen

March 7th People Reflection

Tuesday 3/7/2006

Matthew 11.20-30-Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace, I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.

Leviticus 13-Any person with a serious skin disease must wear torn clothes, leave his hair loose and unbrushed, cover his upper lip, and cry out, Unclean! Unclean!

Proverbs 25-Don’t work yourself into the spotlight…

2 Esdras 2.15-32-Embrace your children until I come, and proclaim mercy to them; because my springs run over, and my grace will not fail.

Genesis 37.12-24-When Joseph came to his brothers, they pulled off his fancy coat and threw him into a dry well.

Romans 12.16-21-Make friends with ordinary people.

Psalm 119.49-56-Even in the night I think about you, LORD…

"I’ve got a fresh pot brewing now."- The girl at Java Johnny’s—she knows what I want as soon as I enter the door. In some ways she reminds me of Jesus- knowing what I need before I even arrive- knows if I’m tired, worn out, burned out on religion- and she gives me a brief escape- a walk and allows me to watch how to serve others- how easy she makes it all seem- she accepts me as I enter the door- even if I know I should be yelling- Unclean! Unclean! – because of the sins of my day- she accepts me and serves me and prepares for my arrival- in some ways – in her subtle way – she works into my spotlight- she doesn’t do this on purpose- just in her own subtle way- she makes friends with ordinary people- keeps all the judgement away- and would never heave me into a dry well to rot- yea- she emulates Jesus in some ways- a Jesus that I think about all the time- and that’s how I should be with others- because in many cases – I think that just maybe she at times IS Jesus- acting through a young girl behind a coffee counter- it’s so nice how God chooses people you would least expect. "I’ve got a fresh pot brewing now." – Thanks be to God!

Prayer-Lord, act through me to some stranger- or even some friend this day. -- Amen

March 6th People Reflection

Monday 3/6/3006

Matthew 11.1-19-Let me tell you what’s going on here…

Leviticus 11-12-The priest will make atonement for her and she will be clean.

Proverbs 24-the fields preached me a sermon and I listened

2 Esdras 2.10-14-The tree of life shall give them fragrant perfume, and they shall neither toil not become weary.

Genesis 37.1-11-but his father kept wondering about the dream

Romans 11.33-36-Everything comes from the Lord.

Psalm 119.41-48-Show me your love and save me, LORD, as you have promised.

"You’re on your own this month."- Home communion- my partner, Paul, will be out of town- so I’m on my own. Sometimes I think I’m on my own but that’s not really true. Especially when you think of this case of home communion. There is no way I can be on my own—I have the body and blood of Christ right there with me and when I meet with the Duvall’s – it’s for sure not me and them on our own—I think that’s what Jesus was trying to tell his disciples many years ago- Jesus was on a mission that involved all of us- not on our own- his mission becomes our mission- he becomes part of us – we become one in him- not on our own- Jesus is that priest from the OT that makes atonement for our sins- Jesus is the one that brings the Word – the Logos to life- even in the sermon of fields- animals- sounds- sights- smell- through all of our senses and beyond our senses – God gives a sermon of life to us- he shows me day after day how everything I have comes from him- even in the dreams he gives to me and those past- God’s message in all sorts of ways comes through- just listen- and in all Jesus shows me his love and saves me – "You’re on your own this month." – Nope! I’m for sure not on my own.

Prayer- Jesus, thank you for your constant presence in my life. -- Amen

March 5th People Reflection

Sunday 3/6/3006

Matthew 10.26-42-If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.

Leviticus 9-10-When Moses heard this response, he accepted it.

Proverbs 23-open your ears to tested knowledge

Mark 1.9-15-Jesus was with wild animals, but angels took care of him.

Romans 8.28-39-I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love-not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Psalm 119.33-40-I love to do what you say.

"That bird’s going to get smashed---in more ways than one!"- OK—so this one is mine. A bird in the road at a stop light. Eating what looked to be a drunk’s vomit. Sometimes we do some pretty dumb things- just like this bird- eating vomit at a stop light- at least that bird should have enough sense to only eat vomit on the sidewalk- not vomit in the middle of the road- and a drunks vomit (I think-don’t really know for sure) at that! – Sometimes I can do some things that make me act like a wild animal- and it was the wild animals that Jesus was with at his temptation- and angels took care of him- it’s comforting to know that Jesus would risk it all- go to the depths of human stench to save me- be with the wild animals- put up with temptation- be with me- even in the midst of the vomit and the stink of my own sin- Jesus comes- Jesus comes concerned for me- not for himself- and that’s what I think Jesus is talking about for me- If I’m only concerned about myself- I will lose myself- I won’t save myself- but I must give myself first to God then to others and in this I will realize that Jesus was there with me all the time- even in the vomit of my life- even in the stench of my sin. God looks and accepts me- give myself to God and he promises to accept me- God will never be separated from me- not in life or death- not in the present or the future- God will always be with me- that’s the beauty of how Jesus gave his life and put up with the stench of my vomit- he gave himself for me- My response will be to love Jesus with all I have- give my life to him and do what he says. "That bird’s going to get smashed—in more ways than one!" – And I’m willing to give my life to Jesus to get smashed in a life of joy and happiness—probably in more ways than one too!

Prayer- Lord, forgive the stench of the vomit of my sin and take my life that I offer to you with joy and thanksgiving for all you have done for me. I love to do what you say! -- Amen

March 4th People Reflection

Saturday 3/4/2006

Matthew 10.1-25-You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day.

Leviticus 7-8-…a pleasing fragrance- a gift to GOD…

Proverbs 22-Observe people who are good at their work…

2 Esdras 2.8-9-…remember what I did to Sodom and Gomorrah…

1 Peter 2.18-22-After all, God chose you to suffer as you follow in the footsteps of Christ, who set an example by suffering for you.

Romans 8.1-11-God’s Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.

Psalm 119.25-32-Let you teachings breathe new life into me.

"Accompaniment"- A word that is harder to say for some people than it is for others. I can stumble on that word – and think and think about it till I can’t even say it anymore. I love to listen to a person that can speak words- not stumble and is eloquent in language- I think sometimes God feels that way about us when we please him- when we sacrifice ourselves to him as we should- I think then maybe when I give my life to God- when I trust in him- when I place all of my hope and faith in him- when I praise and worship God- I give off a pleasing fragrance- just like those sacrifices in the Old Testatment—but…- there are also those times that I STINK! – maybe way too many of those times- my sin and selfish desires STINK!- just like Sodom and Gomorrah stunk before God- and at those times that I STINK- I need to stop and observe- observe how God wants me to act- how God wants me to be- and I can observe other people and see how they act- how they please God and act like them- and when I can’t find anyone – I can always read and look at Jesus- his life and actions- his teachings- and let the Spirit breathe those teachings of Jesus into me and give me new life- I may even need to suffer- but when I see what God has done for me- I can’t help but to continue to follow him- to listen to his calling- to remember. The beauty of it all- is that I really don’t need much to follow God- I am the equipment- just give myself to God and follow and all the words will come out right. "Accompaniment"—A real beautiful word- with the help of God.

Prayer-Lord, give me your Word to speak this day- beautiful and eloquent. -- Amen

March 3rd People Reflection

Friday 3/3/2006
Matthew 9.18-38-If you come and touch her, she will live?.Just then a
woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and
lightly touched his robe.
Leviticus 5-6-Break the clay pot in which the meat was cooked.
Proverbs 21-Do your best, prepare for the worst- then trust GOD to
bring victory.
2 Esdras 2.1-7-I brought this people out of bondage?
Genesis 9.8-17-I promise every living creature that the earth and
those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood.
Romans 5.8-12-But there is more!
Psalm 119.17-24-I keep thinking about your teachings, LORD?

?Can y?all give me some help!?- A cry from a lady from a car wanting
directions to the baseball diamond. Jesus came to give me and y?all
some help to- in a touch Jesus came and healed- in a touch Jesus came
and raised the dead- Jesus the ultimate sacrifice for our sins- In
Leviticus the sacrifice in one instance was cooked in a clay pot- then
the clay pot needed to be broken before the sacrifice was offered-
Makes me think of how Jesus is present in me- that clay pot- and how
through his sacrifice my sin ? my very life is broken as Jesus is
offered to God as my sacrifice for sin- I need to be broken- yet Jesus
is in me and I am in him- through the breaking of my life- my clay pot-
through my response and acts to all God has done for me in my life-
through the preparation for the worst- God brings victory through
Jesus suffering, death and resurrection. And God brings me out of the
bondage of sin to a new life in him. Never to be destroyed again- the
clay pot never needs to b
e broken again- because the sacrifice of Jesus is presented once and
for all ? But there is more! ? Yes there is way more ? now I live my
life free from the threat of sin- and work in God?s Kingdom with all
the redeemed! What a great thing that is! ? What a relief it brings?It
doesn?t mean that I won?t sin- but it does mean that I have a way out-
I must resist the temptations of sin- and that?s really hard to do-
but I can also go on and work for God in the here and now- thinking
about his teachings- following his voice- responding to his call ? day
after day after day ? ?Can y?all give me some help!? ? I can?t wait to
work with y?all in His Kingdom!

Prayer- Lord, be with me and all people as we respond to the wondrous
gifts you have given- I ready along with all y?alls to work in Your
Kingdom this day. ? Amen

March 2nd People Reflection

Thursday 3/2/2006
Matthew 9.1-17-This is Kingdom Come!
Leviticus 3-4-In this way the priest makes atonement for him on
account of his sin and he?s forgiven.
Proverbs 20-Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better
than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.
2 Esdras 1.38-40-And now , father, look with pride and see the people
coming from the east?
Psalm 25.1-10-I offer you my heart. LORD God, and I trust you.
Romans 3.21-31-God sent Christ to be our sacrifice.
Psalm 119.9-16-I worship you with all of my heart.

?They are paying a lot to leave that truck set out there.?- A lady in
a screened porch above Sarah?s apartment talking to me about a U-Haul
truck that has been setting in the parking lot. It did seem like a
waste. Seems you would want to turn it in right away. But I don?t know
all the circumstances and really can?t make a judgement. There may be
a good reason. It really is none of my business. Jesus came into this
world to solve the problem of people wasting their lives. Busy trying
to save themselves and always falling short. He came to those people
on the fringes. I?m on the fringe. And I need Jesus to save me. It?s
my only hope. I have let myself do nothing in the parking lot for too
long. Jesus is Kingdom Come?now ? right here and right now- Jesus
comes to me each day- talks to me- leads me and guides me- I can?t
just be wasted in the parking lot doing nothing- I can?t waste my life
in constant grief over sin- Jesus gave his life for my sin so that I
could move from the
parking lot and into his Kingdom of life- and become active in a
spontaneous ? joyous way- allowing me to drink from his chalice of
saving knowledge that through his death comes life and salvation and
love and joy and happiness and suffering for a cause worth suffering
for- I must move from the parking lot and feel the glance of my Father
watching me move ? feel the pride of my Father seeing his child in
action- I must move from the parking lot and offer my heart to God ?
offer all of my trust in his great providence- I must move from the
parking lot and worship God with all of my heart because of Christ my
sacrifice. ? ?They are paying a lot to leave that truck set out
there.?- I think it?s time to move along in the Kingdom.

Prayer-Lord- lead me this day- out of the parking lot and into your
Kingdom- I?m ready to go! -- Amen

March 1st People Reflection

Wednesday 3/1/2006
Matthew 8.14-34- Are you ready to rough it?
Leviticus 1-2-Present all your offerings with salt.
Proverbs 19-Grow a wise heart-you?ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear
head-you?ll find a good life.
2 Esdras 1.24-37-I gathered you as a hen gathers her chicks under her
wings.
Matthew 6.1-6,16-21-When you pray, go into a room alone and close the
door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in
private, and he will reward you.
Romans 1.13-20-The good news tells how God accepts everyone who has
faith, but only those who have faith.
Psalm 119.1-8-I don?t ever want to stray from your laws.

?One smart fellow he felt smart. Two smart fellows, they both felt
smart. Three smart fellows, they all three felt smart.? ? Fun with
Sarah and a tongue twister. You end up saying something you don?t want
to say. Unless you can really concentrate on the words. I think that
Jesus want us to really concentrate on the Word- with a capital W- And
when we do concentrate on the Word- I must be ready to rough it. It?s
not always going to be easy. Sometimes I?m going to be twisted up a
little. But I can rest assured that Jesus will be right there with me-
all along the way- giving me a wise heart and a clear head just at the
times I need them. He will also be with me when I go alone and pray in
private. And Jesus accepts me-as I am- even when I twist my tongue
around a little- and knowing all this ? I don?t want to stray. ?One
smart fellow he felt smart. Two smart fellows, they both felt smart.
Three smart fellows, they all three felt smart.?- I?m ready to rough
it now.

Prayer-Lord, I will concentrate on you this day. -- Amen