April 30th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.

Reflection
Imagine the gathering of the people before the priest. This was the Feast of Tabernacles, a joyous occasion of late summer early autumn when Israel would gather to celebrate with thanksgiving the blessings that God has given with the harvest.

We gather to live in booths under God's protection and blessing that he graciously gives to his people. This was a great time when all nations came together with Israel in celebration of God.

The priest blesses us with the same words that God had instructed Moses to use when the priests would bless the people. A blessing we still hear in churches today before the sending. "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us." Wow! What a blessing. Can't you feel the warm glow of God upon your face while you stand before the priest and receive this blessing?

In this blessing we pray that God's saving power be known to all people. We pray that God would use us to make his saving power known. We have been richly blessed and respond with joy and thanksgiving as a people. Our joy goes beyond our individual lives to the corporate life of the "peoples." We are a part of something greater than ourselves and we are happy about this. We are happy that God would save "peoples."

In this blessing we respond as "peoples" in song and praise and honor to God for his saving grace.

"May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him."

Prayer
Lord, your face warms the face of your people and we respond in song and praise. You are our God and you have richly blessed your people... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 29th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Acts 16:9-15

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.

Reflection
Lydia's heart was opened to listen to Paul. She opened her heart and was baptized. Lydia and her household were baptized. God had called Paul and his companions to a different place and they followed that call to Macedonia. Paul had been given a message and was called to take that message to a place. At that place, Lydia would listen.

Yesterday, I was taken to a place by my daughter to open my heart and listen. I went to Christ the King Lutheran Church in West Chester Ohio to hear a concert by Bradley Sowash. Bradley Sowash is a concert jazz pianist and has been a guest on the PBS Show "Piano Guy." Similar to Lydia, I wasn't sure what I was in for, nor was I sure I even wanted to attend. Go, I did. I opened my heart to listen to Bradley Sowash.

How glad I was for this gift from God. I witnessed a gifted man, with imagination and skill in making music, bring a vision to life through each unique piece. I heard a honeybee in the fields. I heard the combined music of jazz and classical music from heaven. I went sailing on a boat. I went to a seaside and witnessed all of the hustle and bustle of the market and the action by the sea. Bradley Sowash, with his gift of creative thinking, mixed with the piano, created a vision through sound.

I think Paul was gifted in this same manner, when he spoke about Jesus. Paul was given a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus appeared to Paul and Paul's life was changed. This was a turning moment and a test by fire for Paul. Paul would change quickly and become an apostle for Jesus. With imagination and skill in speaking, Paul took the message of salvation through Jesus to those places that God would direct him to go. Paul, like Bradley Sowash, used the gifts that God had given him to speak a message and paint a picture of salvation. What did Lydia need to do?

Open her heart and listen. Lydia along with her household opened up and listened. Listened and received an unexpected gift of love and salvation. Jesus gives each of us unique gifts. As we use these gifts to the glory of God, may the hearts of those we meet in those places that God sends us be opened to hear a unique message of blessing and salvation through Jesus.

Prayer
Lord, when I listen, I am surprised and overjoyed with the message you present. Use me and the gifts you have given me to tell the message you have for me to tell to those you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 13:31-35

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Reflection
He said I was new, but I really was not new at all. At least at the heart of myself, I was not new. I'm not sure why I didn't make the list of the big ten, but I guess now it really didn't matter. I was at the heart of the big ten all along. Every one of the big ten was based in some way on me.

The Father demonstrated me by sending his Son into this world as flesh and blood. The Son lived a life that showed me to all the world. Now, at this time, the Son was about to follow through with the hardest part about me. The Son was soon to be separated by everyone and walk alone. I would pretty much be all that he had while the Son suffers and dies.

This part of me was new. Jesus loved his disciples and he loved all the people of this world. Jesus came in love for people to save them from eternal death. Jesus was about to pay that price the evening that he gave me to his disciples and all the world.

Jesus not only gave me to the people but he lived me into reality with his life. Now it's time for all people to live me.

Prayer
Lord, you have sent your Son to this world in love. Your love from before time that lasts beyond time. Love for each and all of us. Jesus demonstrated your love for us. I love you and seek to live out the love you have given to me as I love you and those you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 13:31-35

When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Reflection
Judas had just departed from the table to go betray Jesus. To be glorified, Jesus was going to be separated from his disciples. Not merely separated, but the journey to the cross and Jesus' suffering and death would be a lonely undertaking. Only Jesus could bare our sin. Only Jesus was capable of paying the price. Jesus would be capable of showing such love that would be able to save all people throughout all time.

And it's this type of love Jesus wants us to show for one another. A new commandment for us to love one another. If we want to see this type of love alive, we can look to the life of Jesus. This love is defined by Jesus and is an honest love... a sometimes brutally honest love that demands faith, passion and action.

In this love we will know one another. Contrast this love with the phony love shown by many that are really our human perversions of establishing influence and manipulation of another person. Jesus love does not manipulate us like the love used to gain control of another person. Jesus' love leads us to the cross and demands for us to decide in faith if we believe. And if we do believe the proof is in our response to that love. Does our response show that same love towards God and towards one another? That's how we will be known as Jesus disciples. We will live the love of Jesus on our sleeves open for all the world to see, not for our own gain or recognition, but rather to the glory of what God has done through Jesus.

Prayer
Father, you have shown great love to all people through Jesus. You have demonstrated that love and brought it right to us. May we believe at the foot of the cross and live the love you show in Jesus with our neighbors... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Revelation 21:1-6

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.

Reflection
Some day... some where... things are very different. That tumultuous sea will be no more. Reminds me of the waters in the first chapter of Genesis. The basis for creation over which darkness covered the face of the waters. The deep deep waters and then God brought on the light. Or may it be Light, as in the Light of Christ?

I have heard some refer to the sea in Revelation as evil. So in the end, evil is no more. The Light overcomes all evil. Those dark, deep waters are gone and the Light of God shines brightly in this new city. In this city God dwells with his people. God cares for and loves all of his people in the grace of his presence with us. How we long for this to be true.

In some sense we have started this journey. God has given his presence in flesh in the form of Jesus. God has given his presence in spirit in the form of the Holy Spirit. We have begun this journey here and now. But, oh, the hope of what is to come. It is this hope we live our lives day by day. We know God has given us a purpose to live this life together. We are called to proclaim God's saving grace to all the world in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. God offers life to all people and we are called to proclaim the glory of this gift given.

A gift of life in the presence of God. Life... not death... not tears... not crying... not thirsting for something else. God calls us to life! Right over that gurgling sea of evil present in this world this day; God calls us to life. And we live to God's glory in love for God and one another. We live in many ways and many forms.

So, we thirst for God and God quenches that thirst forever. God quenches that thirst with pure, clean, wonderful water of love and life.

Prayer
Lord, I sin. Forgive my sin. Even over the waters of evil, I know of your call to life. Life each morning in the grace of the life of Jesus. Flesh and spirit have come to this earth in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Use each of your children to live the life you have called for each to live. May we proclaim clearly, boldly and to all the world the life you give... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the Lord!

Reflection
Praise the Lord! How can we do anything else? What if we were to wake in the morning to hear a bunch of birds complaining about how rough life is for them. Instead of the music of birds singing; what if we heard the birds chirping to one another that the worms are just too hard to find anymore. God has let them down. The economy is bad and people just don't put out seed anymore like they used to. What if we heard the birds complaining about housing and nests and what work it was. Maybe they would complain about the heat or the cold and blame it all on God.

That's not how it is and that's not what you would expect to hear in the morning instead of singing birds. But what about what the birds hear when we rise in the morning. They hear us complain about those very same things. I'll bet those birds just roll their eyes and sing, "Those people just don't get it! It's not about them! Life is about what God wants his created to do!"

God wants us to praise him. And rightly so! What more could we ask for in all of life? We have all that we need and more. We have been given God himself in Jesus and in the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and to save us from ourselves. Our response is to... Praise the Lord! Sing it! Say it! Live it! Love it! Praise the Lord!

Let's rise this day and make a song for the birds and for God to hear above all things. Praise the Lord!

Prayer
Praise the Lord! You are awesome and wonderful and powerful and creative beyond imagination. I hear your laughter and feel your love each morning and through the day. Hear my praise and thanks for life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Acts 11:1-18

Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”

Reflection
Peter, hanging out with the uncircumcised! How could this be? Yet, Jesus did this at times also. In this case the apostles were gaining some recognition since Jesus' resurrection. This just may be enough to cause an issue with new Christian Jewish people.

But this vision and what occurred afterwards were convincing truth to the acts of God accepting the uncircumcised into the kingdom. There was the same outpouring of the Holy Spirit on these Gentiles as there was earlier with the Jews. The Holy Spirit of God was guiding Peter and the apostles to open their minds to accept the Gentiles as people saved by God through Jesus Christ.

In Jewish Christian eyes the acceptance of the Gentiles was an amazing act of grace from God. But, from my eyes as a Gentile, it always has been an amazing act of grace from God, no matter who you are. Aren't we all silenced and kneel in awe of God's loving grace?

Prayer
Father, I give you thanks that you sent Jesus into this world to save me. I give you thanks that you sent the Holy Spirit to claim me. I believe. Grow my faith and lead me in the way you wish for me to go... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Acts 9:36-43

Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Reflection
Miracles do happen. Miracles happen in the presence of Jesus. Miracles happen in the presence of God. It's easy to forget that we live in a time of the resurrected Jesus. It seems as if, since we don't see Jesus physically in a form that we have predetermined, that we come to believe that Jesus is not present. But, when we consider that God gave his Spirit to us and Jesus blew his breath on us and told us that he is in us and we are in him, that Jesus is really present.

When we look deeper than this first level of consciousness, we realize that Jesus is present. Then once we realize God's presence we tend to see God present all over the place and in many forms and ways. We realize that Jesus is present and miracles happen in the presence of Jesus.

So, miracles happen all of the time. Why does the grass grow? Sure there is science involved, but there is much more in addition to science. How does a wound heal? God gave the body a unique ability to heal. Where did that ability come from? If you think about it, you could go on and on. You realize that God's presence in itself is a miracle. Whenever God is present we have a miracle.

In this passage we have a risen and resurrected Lord Jesus present with Peter. Peter has seen this once before. It's not about Peter. It's about the resurrection and healing that God has given to each of us through his Son, Jesus. When Jesus came into this world and lived and died and rose again; a wonderful energy came into this world in flesh. God's touch was surely present in creation. But that was also the touch of Jesus love and the breath of life in the Spirit. So when Jesus came into this world a power of everlasting love and a power of healing came with it. Peter tapped into this power and Dorcas was healed and brought to life. Dorcas was known for her life of good works and charity. More of that miraculous power of love brought into this world in and through the actions of Jesus.

Prayer
Lord, blow your Spirit into this world that your energy of love and compassion may spread this day through me and through those all over this creation. Your presence is a miracle. We look to you alone and give you all the praise and honor and glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 12th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 21:1-19

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Reflection
He came in such a quiet way that day. He walked on the beach and gathered from the fringes some old dry wood that had been setting along the shore of the lake for a long time. Wood that had washed up long ago and set and dried in the heat of the sun for months. It wasn't much wood.

He was so quiet. He lit the wood and I sprang to life. I provided the warmth he needed for this early morning. He spent an hour or so talking to his Father during this predawn time. He was intense in his prayer and quiet time. I warmed him with my heat and he bowed on his knees and prayed. There were long times of silence. Then that was over. He had brought with him some bread and somehow he got some fish and began to cook. My heat not only warmed this man but now my heat warmed and cooked the fish.

Then I heard him shout out to a boat out on the lake. After he shouted there was a brief moment in time until a man came running ashore from the boat. He ran to him and hugged him like I've never seen a hug before. Then the rest of the men drug a huge net full of fish to shore.

That's when things really changed for me. Up to this time I provided heat and helped cook, or so I thought. This man, who I discovered through conversation was named Jesus. It was his hands and some wood that brought me to life. There was something more going on here that just some fuel, some air, and a source of ignition. It was as if I had a purpose greater than heating and cooking. I was created from the hand of this Jesus. I was brought to life for a greater purpose.

As Jesus spoke with a man named Peter, I could feel my energy moving from the hands of Jesus action of my ignition through the voice of Jesus and into this man named Peter. I was becoming a flame inside of this man named Peter that would never ever ever go out. This wasn't something that I was doing. This was something being done in and through me for the sake of all the world.

What a wonderful purpose I now had. A purpose beyond just heating and cooking. A purpose given to me by Jesus. A purpose that would go out from me and multiply to many many people throughout all time. It wouldn't be that many days later when I would multiply this purpose and spread like small tongues of fire to so many people. Each of these people would discover a greater purpose in their lives as well. A purpose that would set the world on fire with the passion and love of this man Jesus.

He came in such a quiet way that day. He walked on the beach and gathered from the fringes some old dry wood that had been setting along the shore of the lake for a long time. Yes, this Jesus came to me and he comes to you. This Jesus will place a fire of love, forgiveness, compassion, strength and salvation, deep inside. A fire that will not be put out. All in such a quiet way through some wood gathered with his own hands all for you.

Prayer
Lord; thanks for the fire. Thanks for the warmth it brings. May your fire of love spread from me into the world this day that all may know your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 21:1-19

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”

Reflection
This passage always makes me want to have some fish and bread for breakfast. It seems that Jesus is always feeding me in some way. Here Jesus is ready on the shore with some fish on the fire to feed his disciples.

Jesus' disciples appear to be in one of those states of mind that only a fishing trip could alleviate. If it were me and I liked to fish I could hear myself saying, "Ah, to hell with it guys, let's go fishing. Maybe that will get our minds off of it all." The disciples go back to what they are most familiar with. The days of following Jesus appear to be gone. The disciples lack any kind of direction or purpose in life now. They don't know what to do with themselves.

So, the disciples go fishing for the night. It appears that they have lost their touch at the craft they know the best because they don't catch any fish. A guy from the shore is making a breakfast of fish and bread calls out to cast the net on the other side of the boat. The disciples do it and catch a net full of fish. Peter recognizes Jesus and swims to Jesus.

It strikes me that Jesus was already preparing to feed the disciples. Jesus feeds me in so many ways. In the Lord's Prayer we pray "Give us today our daily bread." God gives us all we need to live this life. All we need, not just food, but all we need. In this passage Jesus is giving so much more that just some fish and bread. Jesus shows Peter love and forgiveness and acceptance. Jesus takes us in and forgives our sins and feeds us some fish, his own life and his own Spirit. We are given family, friends, income, clothing, housing, food, Scripture, laughter and so much more. We are blessed continually throughout the day with Daily Bread. Yet we seem to concentrate, not on our blessings, but on what we don't have.

How much happier I would be and you would be as well, if we just forgot about what we don't have and rejoiced and named minute by minute what blessings we do have. What a change in attitude and a change in life we would experience. Might it be possible that we too could experience the wonderful joy of a small breakfast on the shore with a few fish and some Bread and conversation that leads us to eternal life with Jesus, our Lord and Savior?

This passage always makes me want to have some fish and bread for breakfast.

Prayer
Father, today I will turn to you and acknowledge your blessings and all you give to me. Today I look forward to being fed some fish and some of your heavenly Bread. Today and in this moment I give you all glory, honor and praise... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 10th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Revelation 5:11-14

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Reflection
I love the book of Revelation. I love to think of and imagine all of the imagery. It's like God gave us the freedom to think outside of everything. We are given the freedom to see visions of God's awesome power and strength. We are given the freedom to imagine God beyond what we have ever thought of before. Revelation brings out the child in me and I feel like I'm playing as a little child, using imagination, with God.

It all focuses on Jesus as our Savior. So, I get to play with Jesus in a way. I get to show honor and praise to Jesus my King, my Savior, my Ruler, my God. Think of all the creatures in earth for starters. Think of every creature singing. Run that vision through your head awhile. It's fabulous! Think of all of the different ways God could be praised by each different creature that God has created. Now, have some fun and think of the creatures in heaven singing to God. You can make some creatures up here because we don't even know what creatures may look like or even sound like in heaven. For that matter, do we even know all the creatures on earth?

Just thinking this way gives a glorious hope and satisfaction of belief in the resurrected Savior of all life given to us in Jesus. So, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"

I love the book of Revelation! I love Jesus!

Prayer
God and Lamb, I give you all the glory and honor and praise. You are God and yet you are the Lamb, the sacrifice for my sin. Forgive my selfishness and forgive my sin. I turn all of my grief, anger, and sorrow to you and place all of that "stuff" at the cross. There you came as my Lamb, you suffered, you died in my sin. There you offer the grace of salvation. Help me to put all of those doubts and pain of my sin right there with you. Recieve the sins of those that have sinned against me at that foot of the cross as well. For you alone can take away the sin of the world. You alone can take away my sin and leave it in that tomb. You alone raise from the death of my sin to new life. And then you grant that new life, free from sin, to me. You grant a new and changed life, free from the baggage of the sin and you free me to live a resurrected life with you here and now. A life that permits me to go free and love you, praise you, and sing to you all the glory and honor and praise. You free me to live a new life in love to you and in love to those you guide me to each day. Hear dear Lamb, hear Almighty Father, hear Holy Spirit my song of praise... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 9th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 30

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name.

For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity, “I shall never be moved.”

By your favor, O Lord, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cried, and to the Lord I made supplication:

“What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?

Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!”

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Reflection
O Lord and my God,
   you come to me in the midst of despair.
Father, you search me out and send your Son.
   When I'm at the lowest point you are there.

In illness and with death in sight,
   you come to me and sit by my side.
Jesus, you come to comfort and be with me,
   you lead and guide me and blessing abounds.

I live my life, eternally giving thanks,
   for all you have done.
For, I know that I need a Savior.
   I need you Lord Jesus.

I come through illness and pain.
   I live in the hope of resurrection.
For I have seen your face in the times,
   times of good and times I'm low.

Jesus, your death and resurrection,
   bring hope and life to all.
I praise you in the morning,
   and think of you all day long.

Glory to God the Father, Son and Spirit.
   Thankfulness springs forth from within.
You are my hope and salvation.
   You are my God!

Prayer
Lord, you come to me when I'm afraid, when I'm ill, when I'm in any distress. You come and rescue me from sin, death and the devil. You come to save me from my sinful self. You come to offer resurrected life as I live this life. You come to show the way to eternal life beginning here and now this moment. I give you all the glory and praise for what you have done. I could never save myself. I need a Savior. Be with me this day that I may serve you in your kingdom and honor you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 8th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Acts 9:1-6

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Reflection
Saul was motivated. Saul was motivated by his past as a Roman citizen brought up as a Hebrew. Saul was educated as a Pharisee and a devout Jew. This movement of a new order in religion led by believers of Jesus Christ must be crushed.

Passionate Saul was met on the road by an even more passionate God. Saul was met by Jesus Christ. Saul is a living example of the far reaches Jesus has into the love of all people. Jesus came to Saul and Saul's testimony on it's own is enough proof for all people through all time that Jesus has died and has risen and lives in the resurrection.

This movement called the Way was for real. Jesus had come to it's toughest opponent and Saul's life was turned 180 degrees to following Jesus. Yes, we all will be told what to do. Jesus comes to all people in love, with salvation and everlasting life. Jesus comes and we change. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord; you knock us down and show your great Light each day. As we live this life with you, may your love shine brightly into the hearts and minds and souls of all people, that they too may see your resurrected glory and believe... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Reflection
It was the most beautiful and fascinating thing I had ever experienced. It was just for a brief moment. It was for only a second, but it was for a second that lasts to eternity. It's so hard to explain the feeling. I'm not sure I can even begin to tell you. I know that I must tell you. It happened one week and then a week later it happened again.

Jesus came to visit his disciples. The first time I was even locked. The second time I was shut, but I'm not sure if the lock was applied. Jesus came to me. As Jesus approached, he walked up to me and this is where things were all different. So different! Instead of Jesus grabbing my handle, he walked up to me and THROUGH me! How about that! For just a moment in time Jesus and I were one. Jesus was in me and I was in him. I don't know how this could happen, but it did. And the feeling of it was amazing! Jesus came to me and was with me in such a close way. Jesus was with me and in me in the closest way possible.

My wooden structure somewhat embarrassed me at that moment. It was only days before that Jesus hung from another wooden structure until death. Jesus was able to look beyond the core of my wooden being and the pain I had caused him to glorify the wood in me and become one with me. How could he do this? Why would Jesus ever care about me to become one with me, especially after the cross fiasco. But Jesus did!

As Jesus entered the room, after passing in and through me, I witnessed Jesus do the same with his disciples present that evening. The first evening one of the disciples named Thomas was missing. I don't blame Thomas for wanting to experience this emotion, feeling, happening, occasion, or whatever it was, first hand. So the next week, Jesus did it all again. He passed through me and into his disciples.

Oh how things changed for me and for all the world. My wood... my wood in the cross and my wood in the door became a symbol of life. Jesus would come to the wood of the doors of so many of his disciples lives and pass through the door of their hearts. Jesus would pass through the door of the heart and come alive in the actions and faith and belief of disciples that day and forever.

You see, Jesus breathes on creation and the Holy Spirit comes to life and fills the room, the hearts, the lives and all the contents with God's deep love. A love that cherishes all creation and especially God's Children. A Love that saves and brings life. Jesus did not breathe his last on that wooden cross. It was more like he breathed a new beginning. A new chance for all of us. A chance to believe in God and live.

Yes, that evening and so many moments to come; the physical and the spiritual worlds united into a powerful force of love and life. It was the most beautiful and fascinating thing I had ever experienced. It was just for a brief moment. It was for only a second, but it was for a second that lasts to eternity.

Prayer
Lord; open wide the door of my heart. Pass right through it and breathe the Spirit of life into me, that I may love you, serve you and be your disciple... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 20:19-31

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Reflection
We tend to shut ourselves in at times. Sometimes we shut ourselves in most of the time. We hide behind locked doors in fear of what may happen if we come out into the open. We hide; and in our stubborn way lock ourselves away from the rest of the world.

We tend to shut ourselves in at times. We know we are sinful and retreat inside the locked doors. We know that we are selfish and stay away. We can lock ourselves in so tight that nobody can get to us. Or, so we think.

Jesus died on that cross for a sinful, stubborn people just like me. Jesus died on that cross in order to draw me out from behind the locked doors of selfish pride, sinfulness and fear that I have so carefully barricaded myself in. Jesus died on that cross in order to draw me out. It wasn't an easy act either. It cost Jesus much pain and suffering. It caused Jesus to die in my sin.

We tend to shut ourselves in at times. All of us do it. But, thanks be to a resurrected Jesus, our God and Savior, that he is able to penetrate those locked doors and come to us. I fall in Jesus' presence and give thanks and praise that he rescued me from my own tomb of sin, death and the devil. Jesus came into my locked up place and showed me that even though he suffered and died, he is alive and well. Jesus came into my locked up place and showed me that he loves me no matter what. Jesus came into my locked up place and showed me that he alone is my Savior and he wants me to fully believe in all that God has done... for me... for you... and for the world.

 Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

Prayer
Father; you have shown to all the world a love that penetrates the physical and opens the realm of all the spiritual, in love and salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Jesus has saved the world. Penetrate the locked doors that I hide behind and draw me out into the resurrected Light of Jesus... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Revelation 1:4-8

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Reflection
A post resurrection encounter with Jesus. We continue to have these encounters with Jesus. If we but even look a small amount, we know that Jesus has risen and lives. Jesus, who gave his blood, gave his life to free us from our sins, lives eternally. Jesus comes to us and stays with us through all. Yes, Jesus is alive and guiding us in our lives.

Through God's Holy Spirit we encounter God daily. We awake to the glory of a new day to serve in the love that Jesus has taught all people by what he has done and still does to this day. We are blessed with Jesus presence and walk each moment with him. For some the Easter Service is a moment in time to come to church. For most it is church every moment of life. We live in union with the risen Savior along with the Holy Spirit we live our lives moment by moment. We don't come to church to unite with God for an hour, we come to Church to praise and worship our Lord, our Savior, our God. We go from a place reunited with the Children of God in a common purpose and live in unity with God each second.

Look! Jesus is coming! The resurrected Savior of all. Jesus is coming to live each moment of life with you and will lead and guide you along the way. A post resurrection encounter with Jesus... all day long!

Prayer
Lord; I sing praise to you, in the morning, while fishing, during breakfast, in the factory, in conversation with friends, at lunch, in the evening with family... all day long... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 118:14-29

The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.

There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death.

Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.
I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Reflection
Even though man tried to kill and destroy,
   Jesus resolve was eternal love.
Even though we caused you to suffer and die,
   Jesus love was eternal love.

You sent your Son that all may live,
   and I saw my sin upon that cross.
I witnessed the death of my sin,
   in love so deep and eternal.

Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, my God,
   you saved me from separation eternal.
You came and sought me and found me,
   you came and saved me in love.

I will always praise the name of God,
   for you alone bring victory.
You make the day and fill it with blessing,
   you show me how to live in love.

Praise to the Father, Son and Spirit,
   eternal God of all.
You create and renew all life each day,
   and show the world your love.

Prayer
Father; your name is exalted above all names. Your love is true love. Teach me to love like you and live like you that I may serve you all my days... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Acts 5:27-32

When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Reflection
We clearly see what God has done. God exalted Jesus and made Jesus a Leader and a Savior. Contrast this with what we... yes we... have done to Jesus. We killed Jesus by hanging him on a tree. Our sin killed Jesus. Yet God exalted Jesus above and beyond our sin and made Jesus our Leader and Savior. Jesus, our Savior that brought forgiveness of sins.

From the punishment that we deserved going out of the Garden of Eden to salvation from God. We left the Garden in a hopeless state. We were condemned to die. Yet God's love was so great that Jesus died for our action that brought death to Jesus. The cross, the tomb and even the wait, didn't stop God's love for us in Jesus. Jesus saves us!

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia!

Prayer
Yes! Yes, it's true! Jesus is alive. Jesus is alive and well and lives in and through us. You draw your people to believe in you. You come in love to show us a better way. Guide me through this day in the hope and joy of your resurrection that I too may serve in love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen