September 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 8:27-38 (New Revised Standard)
27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" 28 And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. 31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Reflection
Jesus was about as far north as he would go during his ministry travels. Jesus posed a couple of questions to his disciples. Who do people say he is and who do you say he is? A generic question and then a personal question. Peter replied with the personal answer... "You are the Messiah."

The disciples were beginning to see who Jesus was and what Jesus was about. Beginning to see... there is so much more to Jesus that we don't see or understand. There is a part of me that rejoices in this concept with my own faith and a part of me that fears a misunderstanding in my own mind. I suppose the disciples had many of these same feelings.

Yes, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Yes Jesus is God... but what did I miss? I don't think that I can fully understand Jesus and what he has done in this frail flesh of mine. I can't do this on my own. I fully depend on God to reveal himself through Jesus, through the gifts and actions of the Spirit and through the Word. I can't understand God on my own. So, I look to God. I follow Jesus. I search the Word. I listen to God's Word spoken and acted out through fellow Christians. I come to the Sacraments and witness God active in the lives of all of us.

Jesus knows the mission. I know only part of the whole. It's hard to come to grips with the understanding of a love that would take God to the cross for me and all people. I could mean well, like Peter, and say all of the "right" and "churchy" things. I could act goody two shoes and church lady like, yet become a tool of Satan. A well meaning, yet unspiritual person could take it all and be twisted all ways possible. I can go to self-realization and self-denial, yet be all wrong as a disciple.

Jesus asks us to deny ourselves, our wants and our desires and give ourselves, our life and our actions over to God. Just as Jesus came in mission to save the world, he gave himself to the world. It's not about how we appear or even how we appear to act. It's about giving ourselves to God to follow God's plan in God's way and through God's will. To save your life is not up to you or me. But to give your life is the will of God. To give your life to God. That's a disciple. That's one with faith. That's one that lives for and in the will of God. In the giving comes the life. A radical life in God. A wild ride with the Spirit. But a life that makes all the difference. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to your will and your way as I live my life in and through what you have done... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 14th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hymn of the Day
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!"
Text:Edward Perronet, 1726-1792, sts. 1-4; J. Rippon, A Selection of Hymns 1787, sts. 5-6

Verse 6
Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.

Hymn by Bill Lynch

Yes, when we approach that sacred cross
we humbly knee. and stare.
We'll raise our eyes to your glory
We sing continual praise.

For, you have given each of us
a love beyond compare.
You show your grace and take us in.
We sing continual praise.

September 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch - in honor of Speedy my Father-in-law

Speedy- September 6th 2012 Celebration of Life

So many names fly through the air here:
 Speedy
 Chandler
 Dad
 Grandpa
 Dadoo
 Gackaw
 Chan Jr.
 Friend
 Neighbor


All names I have heard for my Father-in-law since 1972 when I first met Speedy while courting his oldest daughter Sue.


And names spoken from Speedy’s lips:
 Doodlebug
 Doll
 Little monkey
 Easy money

Can’t forget the animals… 
 Scardy cat (for a dog)
 Beggar
 Poor ol hound

Speedy always used names to demonstrate life.

If you notice the names he was called are all affectionate names.

Likewise the names that Speedy used for others demonstrated affection and love.

Speedy used names that demonstrated a joy for life and a love for living.

And then memories of loving actions fill the air here:
 Running through the sprinkler after a day of work in the heat…
 The Giraffe ride
 The Elephant ride
 The Horsey ride on the foot
 Lunch bucket candy and snacks
 Generous amounts of ice cream money for the kids… I mean generous.
 Flowers to his wife Pat on any and every kind of situation or event.
 Always making sure that even I got enough to eat at cook-outs.

And you can’t forget the animals:
His adopted dog Midnight and the 10% -
Speedy would make sure Midnight got his 10%
Every breakfast 3 sausage patties – 2 for Speedy and 1 for Midnight --- a generous 10%

Speedy demonstrated love in affectionate names and love in affectionate actions.

---

It was Sunday September 2nd that Pastor Lamar came to visit. Pastor visited with Speedy and family.

We briefly reflected on an article that I had just read about the “death bed” in the middle of the family room.

As we all gathered by Speedy’s side to witness the life of one great man;

The “death bed” in the middle of the room was the center yet---
 not the center of attention.

The real center of attention was the life and love that Speedy had brought into his presence on this day and the days to follow.

How many years had family and friends gathered in this room to sit and talk to Speedy, to celebrate special dates and to eat food together?

So much time in this same family room spent talking about history, movies, watching TV, and listening to Speedy reflect upon Scripture

And, one of his favorites, “The End times.”

The Family Room on this Sunday September 2nd with family and Pastor gathered.

Signs of life and signs of death, all gathered in one place.

It was flesh and spirit together.
---

The names of Speedy and the names he used hovered in the air that day.

And then in the prayer, Pastor Lamar, used the one name for Speedy that will always stick… “Child of God.”

With all of the names past, present, and future, the one name that most needs repeated is that Speedy was a Child of God.

When we hear the name Child of God we think of our humanity in the flesh and our salvation in the spirit.

We remember the Father’s Son, Jesus and his life, ministry, healing, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension.

We begin to realize the reality of God’s presence in the Family Room of life.

Yes, here in this room with the deathbed present, we witness to the life that God has graciously given us through Speedy.

A life made special through Jesus living and through Speedy’s strong and firm belief of his salvation through Jesus alone.

Pastor Lamar hit the name on the head…

The one name that mattered…

That was connected to that source of eternal life through Jesus…

“Child of God.”
---


Speedy loved to talk.

If you visited, I could imagine 80% of the time you would be listening.

Speedy’s mind was amazing to me.

God gifted Speedy with a memory and wisdom that reminded me of King Solomon.

He could talk and talk and talk.

I would sit there and listen and listen and listen and wonder how someone could retain so much information about history, wars, airplanes, ships, movies, museums and the Bible.

I just couldn’t imagine a mind able to hold so much without letting something else go.

But Speedy’s mind held it and he could talk about it.

His voice may go quiet for a while but his conversations will go on in the lives of so many people.

Life with Speedy will go on and on.
---


Life not only demonstrated in conversation but also in compassion and giving.

Speedy exhibited a giving heart.

Not just a contribution, but a gift from much deeper within.

Giving that came with the caring of the love and the names that you would hear from his lips.

Giving with the action of love behind it.

As a Child of God, Speedy lived the life that he was called to live by God.

He lived in service to his country,

In service to his many years at Armco,

And in service to his family, friends, neighbors

And even all the animals that would stray his way.

Speedy lived a life of love and compassion that God had led him to live.
---


On the evening that Speedy died…

Pastor Clark and I remained with Speedy for the family to get away for a while

This Church is blessed with wonderful pastoral leadership and love

I stayed to attend to the affairs of the necessary needs of moving his body…

Afterwards I locked the house went home.

I paused for a moment with the last section of the Journal that I hadn’t read due to all of the activity of the day.

The funnies and my favorite the Jumble puzzle.

While solving the Jumble’s four words I discovered the four words for September 6th puzzle

The first word was “Uncle”

Speedy was a caring and loving Uncle to many there that evening.

Nieces and nephews were gathered together that evening and at this moment were off eating as I attended those final needs.

The second word was “Octet”

I felt a part of Speedy’s family ---

I was the youngest by three or four years to his youngest daughter Amy.

Not the youngest in age by far but the youngest growing up in the family.

4-daughters
1-Son
1-Son-in-law
1-Wife
1-Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ

An Octet

The third word was “Liquid”

Now all of you Baptists here just settle down and hear me out…

I’m a Lutheran and Speedy and I shared so many times together in Biblical conversation.

But Speedy would always welcome me to share a beer with him.

So… on one of the evenings while Speedy lay in the bed in the Family Room

I shared with Speedy spongefulls of Odoul’s with him.

And he enjoyed it…

And I enjoyed it…

The fourth and final word was “Speedy”

How about that!

It’s as if Speedy had given me a chance to continue the conversation

A conversation of Spirit and love

But the best of all came with the Answer to the Jumble

Speedy loves his daughters

The Jumble puzzle pictured a couple of girls playing with a Barbie doll.

One girl said, “Barbie, time to get ready.”

The other girl said, “She should wear this fancy dress to the dance.”

The caption read “When Barbie would go out on a date, she’d get this.”

And the puzzle answer?

“Dolled Up”

Doll the very name Speedy would use for his wife, daughters and grand-daughters!
---


 Names
 Conversations
 Loving Actions
 Living as a Child of God


Yes, since I met Speedy I was gifted with the time to see God active in his life and living.

I was gifted with time to see love and compassion lived for another.

I was gifted to see life even in death.

A life that reaches beyond the failure of our decaying flesh
to a demonstration of life in heaven.

A life given to you and to me through Jesus.

Life that Speedy let live in and through him.
---

Speedy,
When it’s all been said and done
You lived your life for truth
You lived your life for Christ
You knew what real treasure was
You lived a life that will stand the test of time

Speedy,
You saw beyond weak flesh
You saw the gold that God saw in miry clay
You lived a sinner and a saint

Speedy,
You praised God’s name
Here in this place
And now in heaven forever

Speedy,
You’re home now
And you know that Jesus was your life

And, I’m not the only one to witness life in Speedy.

Life that lives on in the spirit of love lived.

Speedy, thanks for the gift… “Child of God” …

example of a life lived in faith… yesterday… today… tomorrow… and forever.

Thanks be to God!

August 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

13th Sunday After Pentecost 
John 6:56-69 (NRSV)
The bread of eternal life 

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father."

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Story
John came that day and saw something amazing. Something that not everyone gets to see. John was always with his wife in almost everything. But this one thing, John could not share. John's wife Martha was about to give birth to a daughter. As John witnessed the birth of his daughter he noticed that amazing moment. John saw that first deep breath of his daughter. Here was flesh and with this breath was spirit. Flesh and spirit combined in a spiritual moment of new life. Joy abounded in the delivery room with laughter. John and Martha decided that their daughters name would now be Joy.

As Joy grew in the love of John and Martha, she experienced so many new life events. Joy was baptized and confirmed. Joy stood before the congregation after having been taught the Word from the Bible, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments and the Creeds, and confessed her belief and faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. Moments of laughter and joy were to follow.

In life John noticed that these great events were crowned with joy and a deep laughter. A laughter that caused one to take in deep breaths of air and expel a spirit from within. God was with Joy, John and Martha through all the ups and downs of life and family together. The family stood firm on the side of Jesus and lived faithful lives to God's call.

John had aged and was now ill himself. John had been placed in a nursing home that could provide for all of the special needs John had in old age and failing health. It was on one evening that John was fading rapidly that Joy received a call from her mother, Martha. A call to come to the nursing home.

As John lay in his death bed, he recounted to Joy and Martha that one great event when he saw the breath of God in both of them. John witnessed to Martha's breathing through the pain of Joy's birth and saw the breath of God surround her in her pain. John also witnessed to Joy's birth and that first cry when Joy took in a deep breath that surely was a gift from God.

John continued to witness to the many joyful events of life and the sad ones as well where the Spirit of the breath of God was in all those present. As Joy and Martha heard John emphasize the wonder of spirit and life, they were to see John breath his last breath. The spirit leaving the flesh of John.

In this brief moment of time of John's long life, we witness spirit within flesh and the life God has so graciously given. We rejoice in the life of John and those many breaths that God's Spirit breathed into John's flesh sustaining life. And yet we realize that there is so much more to life than this flesh. All through life John, Joy and Martha had taken a stand with Jesus in belief and faith, knowing the special life giving breath that Jesus breathes into them as their faith grew. What a joy it was to witness this breath into flesh throughout John's earthly journey. This breath that brings comfort and joy to Martha and Joy as they mourn the death of John in the surety of the hope that only Jesus could bring in Jesus life in the flesh.

Prayer
Lord, as we live life, breath your spirit into each one of us that we boldly stand with you and you stand with us in this life in the flesh. Lead us in this earthly journey to do your will in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 6:56-69 (New Revised Standard)

56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection
This passage reflects discussions at Capernaum. Probably not all of this discussion took place in the synagogue. But Jesus laid out some very difficult words to believe. "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them."

The bread and the wine are real. When we believe, we are bound with Jesus. What kind of reaction does this bring to you? You see, Jesus was soon to be lifted up. Lifted up not to heaven first but onto a cross. There would be pain and suffering. Jesus' flesh and blood would cry out in pain for all people throughout all time. Jesus would give himself for the sin of all the people of the world throughout all time. Jesus flesh and blood was the sacrifice for our sin!

But it's so hard to distinguish the physical from the spiritual. When we only see the "flesh" in this passage we are appalled by the request to eat of the flesh. Some didn't believe in Jesus as the Son of God let alone Jesus as the Son of Man. So, here, Jesus seeks for us to take a stand. Are we with him or not? It is the spirit that gives life as Jesus put it. We partake of the spirit of Jesus in the flesh. The flesh is useless. We were created from earth and to earth we will return. Yet for a while we have the breath of God within us. We live in the flesh and live in the spirit together and God give us a purpose bound up in the life, death, suffering, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Jesus in the flesh and Jesus in the spirit. We are bound with God!

With this we take a stand! We stand with Jesus in flesh and in spirit. we are one with God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, those are difficult yet wondrous words. I stand with you for I want to be bound with you in flesh and spirit... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 6:56-69 (New Revised Standard)

56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection

I was filled with the glory of God that day. Jesus was teaching in my presence a Word that was very difficult for many to believe. You see, I am the synagogue at Capernaum. I'm like the "fly on the wall." I get to hear it all. I hear Jesus proclaim the Word. I hear the small side conversations and the whispers of all the people. I am the walls and the roof and the entire building. I am the synagogue and I heard it all.

Jesus spoke some amazing words. Words difficult to take for anyone. Even the disciples of Jesus were complaining. What is Jesus trying to do? These words will ruin all that we have followed him for these past few years. Jesus has gone off of his rocker!

But the religious leaders of the day seemed to be happy with these words of Jesus. Surely the people will understand now that this man, Jesus, is not of God!

When I put it all together. All of the words, conversations, the expressions of the people and the things that I saw that day; I begin to see what Jesus was doing. It was time for some people to "take a stand." Are you with Jesus or not? Many of the disciples left, but the ones that remained were the ones that were dedicated to Jesus. They were dedicated to God in Jesus. They laid their life on Jesus and gave it to him that day.

Jesus wants the life of the people even to this day. Jesus wants us to take a stand. Jesus wants us, today, to proclaim his saving grace and glory in God. 

Take a stand for Jesus today!

"Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

I heard and saw it all that day. I was filled with the glory of God! Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, you call us to take a stand. We too can be as the synagogue was that day. We too can see and read your Word each and every day. We too can believe and take a stand. You have the words of eternal life and we know that you are the Holy One of God... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 23rd Hymn by Bill Lynch

O Jesus, I Have Promised
Verse 1
Text: John E Bode, 1816-1874, alt.

O Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
remain forever near me, my master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway if you will be my guide.



Hymn by Bill Lynch

I stand here with you Jesus, my Master and my Friend.
For you have won the battle, defeating death and sin.
I place my hope and gladness, in all that you have done.
I stand with you Lord Jesus, you are the glorious One.

Prayer
Lord, you call us to make decisions. I choose to stand with you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Ephesians 6:10-20 (New Revised Standard)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

Reflection

Posted is a picture of my daughter Stephanie, taking a stand for something she cared deeply about. This look was a common look that Steph would take at times when she felt wronged or angry about something. The passage above is, in the end, about taking a stand. Will you stand with God?

The tools of a Roman soldier ready for battle are depicted in this passage. Perhaps Paul was using the example of someone with him guarding him while he was secured with chains in prison. Paul seeks for other Christians to stand by him in prayer as he continues to speak the mystery of the gospel to all the world. 

We find strength in God. In God alone can we receive salvation. There is a battle ground in which we exist. A battle between good and evil. We must declare our position. As Christians our position must be completely on the side of God. Being on the side of God we arm ourselves to stand against evil. So, we see in this passage a detail of that armor. 

We stand with God in truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Spirit of God. We stand in prayer and supplication at all times knowing that we are not the first nor are we the last of all the saints to persevere.

And with this armor we take a stand with God. Our choice is clear. Our armor is all the protection we will need. Our pain is real yet our resolve is unending. Thus we stand against evil forces that oppose the church. This is a struggle that goes beyond the physical and into the spiritual realm. A struggle that has been met with the power of God through Christ Jesus. A struggle that only Jesus can win and has won. In prayer and the company of Christ along with the fruits of the Spirit we stand with God to meet this struggle. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, you have given in totality all that is needed to take a stand with you. Here I stand, by your side... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 34:15-22 (New Revised Standard)

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. 20 He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken. 21 Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. 22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm by Bill Lynch

God is always present and open to hear my prayers.
The Lord turns to me and cares for all of my needs.
As I pray for help, God listens and takes action.
For my God saves those who are down and out.

Dare I turn and run from God?
If that were so, I would be lost and in trouble.
For my efforts are but a drop in the ocean,
Compared to what God can do.

So, I will stand with God forever.
Even in my darkest moments, I will trust in the Lord.
For God I live and breathe and walk this earth.
Knowing that all hope is in God alone.

Prayer
Lord, I look to you in my moments of pain and suffering and you come. You come and bless me with light and life and salvation. In you is all joy and hope... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 20th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Joshua 24: 1-2a, 14-18

1 Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: 14 "Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." 16 Then the people answered, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; 17 for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; 18 and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God."

Reflection

It was a scene from the Andy Griffith show in which a lady caught speeding was able to turn the town against Andy and get out of her ticket in Mayor's Court. The people of the town that were witnesses to the speeding were persuaded by nice talk and small gifts to favor the speeding lady and they were unable to tell the whole truth while being interviewed by the Mayor on the witness stand. They had a choice to make. They could be nice to the lady or tell it like it was. If they were nice, it seemed as if no one would be harmed and the lady would be set free. If they told it like it was, the speeding lady would be fined and released.

We face these situations where we need to either take a stand or "go with the flow." It's not as easy as it seems, depending upon the situation. In the passage above, however, we must take a stand. If we truly believe in God as the God of life and salvation, we will take a stand. God has given us plenty of reason to stand with him. Reasons available to be witnessed in Scripture and the lives of ourselves and others.

I was reminded of this upon reading a post on Facebook from the group "Luther" where they quoted some of Luther's words. "I had rather be in hell with Christ, than be in heaven without him." Luther had chosen Christ no matter what. This is the choice that Joshua posed to the people years ago. Choose God or follow false gods. This is the choice we have had throughout time. What's your choice? I choose to serve and follow the Lord. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, daily we battle illness, death, sorrow, disappointment and so many other negatives of life. Daily we also are blessed with life, love, happiness, joy and so many other positives of life. Yet we find you always there within and around us to lead and guide us through all types of situations. As we give our lives to you in service and love, hear our praises and see our choice to choose you and you alone, no matter the situation. For it is you we love... today... tomorrow... and always. --- Amen

August 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 6:51-58 (NRSV)

Christ, the true food and drink

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever."

Reflection

Real life is unending. Jesus is "real" life. Jesus is that food which we take that satisfies eternally. We don't need anything else. Real life that brings complete fulfillment once and for all.

If we hear this passage prior to the enlightenment of the cross it becomes literal and gross. But in the Light of the cross we see that Jesus' flesh refers to his human life. A life given to you and me and to all humans. God the Father gave life in the creation and the incarnation of God in Jesus. Now Jesus gives himself... his life to us.

This is real food and drink. Those who take the bread and the wine, take the body and the blood of Jesus. As believers we are surrounded by Christ and Christ is surrounded by us. This is the true or real bread from heaven. Unlike the manna, Jesus brings and sustains real life that is unending.

Now we no longer need to fear death. We live eternal life here and now. We celebrate life in Jesus. We find ourselves in Christ. We find life all around us and death is nowhere near. The decay and failure of our bodies in this world has been replaced with a new body that we can't understand. But we have all hope and joy in this promise of God in Christ Jesus. 

Real life is unending. Jesus is "REAL" life. We don't need anything else. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

I give you all glory, honor and praise for the REAL life of Christ Jesus my savior. I need nothing else... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 7th Psalm by Bill Lynch

Reference Psalm 33:12-22

Psalm
As I gaze towards heaven, Lord, I see you.
As you gaze towards this earth, you see me.
You see all the nations of the world.

Nations gathered together with one mind.
You see nations separated by hate.
You gaze at the mighty and the weak.

But we are not saved by our own might.
The weapons of war are nothing in your sight.
In our might you see weakness.

You look to those who humbly approach you.
Those who know from where salvation comes.
You see the hungry, ill, needy and those in pain.

For it's not our selfish desires that save us.
It's your love and grace that saves.
Through your Son Jesus Christ alone we come to you.

Pour out your love on us this day.
Show us how to love each other.
Lead us in your Light of day.

Prayer
Lord, we place all of our hope in you. You alone save and deliver us from sin, death and the devil. Be with us as we reflect the saving glory of your love to all you give to us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

"This has been long enough!" 

Read 1 Kings 19:4-8

Words spoken by Sue as we wait to take her mother home from the hospital. We had been waiting for over two hours for a social worker to arrive with dismissal instructions for an in-home nurse.

 It makes me wonder if God was getting upset with Elijah after he fled Jezebel. Elijah would eat and then go back to sleep. But God had something in store for Elijah. Elijah had become so depressed and tired that all he wanted to do was sleep. But God sent an angel to feed Elijah once again. God never gives up or tires it seems. God's love lasts for his children. Finally Elijah got up and ate once again and had the strength to continue on for a long time as Elijah journeys to Horeb the mount of God.

God waits for us and loves us and cares for us. Even when we are tired and depressed God is there for us. But we can depend on the food God feeds us to give us the strength and will to go on. God's food is a spiritual food that lasts forever.

"This had been long enough!" Time to go in the trust, hope and faith that God will lead me where he wants me to go.

Prayer
Lord, when I linger too long help me to get up and go and serve you. For you always care and feed me your spiritual food. I live in that trust, hope and faith that only you can supply... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

The Gift


I worked hard all week and couldn't wait for my first paycheck. It would be a time of celebration. After all for the past year and a half I had been unemployed and looking for work all of this time. Dinner out was in order since we had to cut back in the family on all luxuries. Only this one time for a while though. It would take another year to make up for all that I had lost when I wasn't working.

So out to dinner I took the family that Friday evening. The kids and my wife had a blast that evening, It was a celebration of hard work for the week past. A celebration the entire family deserved. But then my youngest daughter Kayla spoke up. Kayla was only eight years old at the time but her wisdom is now so profound. Kayla also thought we should celebrate the past year and a half when we had come together as a family and survived on the wondrous and loving acts of so many people dear to us and so many other's of whom we didn't even know that contributed to our lives. We had fun going to the splash pads with friends. We had a blast spending evening together outside playing corn hole with friends and neighbors all around us. We were given so many small jobs by people who really didn't need a small job to be done but wanted to love and care for us while we were going through some tough times.

Kayla even thanked God for keeping us close and caring for us through this entire time. Kayla realized that what we had was much more than what money could purchase. We had been in a position to accept love freely given. Love just like what God gave to us through his Son on the cross. We could never repay this at any cost.

That evening Kayla opened our eyes to something deeper than a paycheck. She opened our eyes to a faith that comes from God that gives hope and happiness. I worked hard all week and couldn't wait for my first paycheck. But it wasn't the money that counted. It was the wise words of Kayla.

Prayer
Lord, I look to you for everlasting food that doesn't spoil and always nourishes. I give you all thanks and all the glory for showing me how to depend fully on you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 6:24-35 (NRSV)

Christ, the bread of life

So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do to perform the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." So they said to him, "What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Then Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 

Reflection

These people had just been fed miraculously by Jesus at Capernaum. Jesus had fed 5000 with a few loaves of bread and a small amount of fish. Jesus had walked on water and proved that he was beyond the physical limits of this world. It sure would be hard to believe this for me. How could it be true? What's the trick? What's the meaning of all of this?

So Jesus goes deeper. He's not there at this moment to feed the ones who may be already full of food. But maybe if we stay with Jesus we won't have to work for food? No! That's not the point!

Jesus tells them that the food that lasts forever is not a result of our labor but is a gift from God. This is a different kind of food that what we humans take it to be. So we ask Jesus, "What can we do to receive this food?" How about faith Jesus implores. Well give us a sign!

Hold on! Faith is not based on sight. Hold on again! What did you just witness? A sight of feeding 5000. How many times do we miss the miracles of God coming down into our world in miraculous fashion. When God intervenes into our lives that's a miracle!

You are sick and yet we miss the blessing of God active in our lives in the skills God gives to nurses, doctors and all those involved in caring for you. How about the rain that brings forth the food we eat from the ground? What about the growth of that very food. We are surrounded by miracles everyday, yet we close our eyes to them and think only of our own selfish needs. We turn life around and upside down and focus on the negatives instead of seeing, with eyes open, the positives of life. Open our eyes and see God active in this world doing what we don't deserve and caring for us in all of our lives. There are signs a plenty!

And then there are signs that go beyond the physical world into the spiritual realm. Signs in the sacraments, in the bread and in the wine. Signs in the Word read in the Bible and the Word spoken. 

You see Jesus points us to the acceptance of all that God has blessed us with of which we could never earn through labor. We are loved by God and cared for even in the midst of sin, death, the devil and all sorts of illness and aging. God is delivering us daily through a deep love that is displayed in what Jesus has done for us on that cross years ago and even to this day. We can't earn God's favor and love through labor. We can only accept this gift, honor Jesus and serve God with grateful hearts with all our being. We come to Christ and Christ comes to us and we believe and have faith. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, you live through so many and bless our lives continually. Open my eyes and hear my proclamation of faith. You are God and only through you can I be saved. I accept this gift of life through your Son Jesus today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Read John 6:24-35

Bread
There were thousands of them that day. I was completely out numbered. One smart boy had brought me along. But I was just a snack. Then Jesus commanded that I be brought forward. I was fed to the thousands. Somehow when they gathered me together afterwards there was more of me than there was before I was fed to the thousands.

This guy Jesus has something special going for him. His words intrigued me because he spoke of bread from heaven. Bread that never runs out. Well somehow or another he made me an example of this bread from heaven that never runs out. But then he seemed to make it even more personal. He seemed to be saying that he was the Bread from heaven. After all he was born in Bethlehem, sometimes known as the "house of bread."

Was there more to this than I thought? When the crowd ate of my delights it would sustain them for a day perhaps, but Jesus was telling them that he would sustain them forever. That he was the Bread of life. The Israelites had ate some bread from heaven of sorts years ago. It was called manna, which meant what is it? But this bread would only sustain for the day and would spoil if too much were gathered or it was hoarded. Jesus, Bread was different. This Jesus Bread would leave you no longer hunger.

I think Jesus was a different kind of Bread. I gave the people nourishment for a day. But as the people got into the boats to seek Jesus he was telling them not to seek bread like me that only lasts for a day, but to seek Bread like him that is eternal.

There were thousands of them that day. I was completely out numbered. But that was me. As for Jesus... no problem.

Prayer
Jesus, I seek your Bread. I seek to hear your Word and walk in your way and live a life pleasing to you. Guide me and nourish me this day that I may serve you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 2nd Hymn by Bill Lynch

Inspiration Hymn - "Thee We Adore, O Savior"
Text: Thomas Aquinas, 1227-1274; tr. Gerard Manley Hopkins, 1844-1889

Verse 4
Jesus, by faith we see thee here below;
send us, we pray thee, what we thirst for so:
someday to gaze upon thy face in light,
blest evermore with thy full glory's sight.

Hymn by Bill Lynch
Lord, as I look you are always near me,
and you fill my sight with your Word to see.
Hear my praise as I gaze towards heaven,
may bread rise in me through you my leaven.

Prayer
Lord, as we cast our eyes towards you in heaven, may we see you close in our daily walk. For you are closer than we could imagine. Let your Spirit rise within us that we may bring glory to you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Read Ephesians 4:1-16

Reflection

So here I am growing up. Pictured with a couple of friends and a caring mother to direct and bring us into relationship with one another. This picture was pointed out to me by Peter a few weeks ago. It brings back memories of growing up.

It's time to grow up. But growing up takes time. It's time to do something that takes time. Or does it take unity to grow up into Christ? I guess it all depends on what God has in store for us. Abraham grew up through faith and followed God's will in his life, moving to places far and trusting God's direction. Moses trusted God and grew up as one of the great leaders of people throughout all time. Jacob grew up in his struggle with God. All this growing took time and in each took place at just the right time. But all had something in common. Each one grew in the unity of God and the relationship that developed between God and flesh.

God gave us Jesus in flesh that we may see and behold the relationship and unity we have with God. As we live in time we grow up through time to understand that Jesus is our relationship with God. We are baptized and called to grow up into that relationship with Jesus. We are joined together with Christ. In Communion we take the body and blood of Christ and it becomes one with our body. The bread and wine nourish our body but more importantly our soul and unity with Christ. We become one with Jesus and Jesus becomes one with us. We live out our calling and God directs our steps in location, struggles or even our communication with one another that all may grow through time and in time in a unity with one another and with God.

It's time to grow up. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord abide with me as I grow into you in the way you would choose for me to grow... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

July 31st Psalm by Bill Lynch

Read Psalm 78:23-29

Psalm
The LORD blesses me with all I need.
When I'm hungry... God feeds us
When I'm sad... God comforts us
When I'm ill... God brings healing
When I'm hurt... God sustains us
When I'm in any need... God blesses us



The LORD blesses us
The heavens open and God pours water abundantly
Water to sustain and refresh us
God blesses us in times of trouble
Through those around us... God works
When we are in any need... God blesses

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to your miraculous and constant intervention into this world. Open my eyes to your abundant blessings poured out like rain from the sky... constantly minute by minute. You are here and at work... Today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

July 22nd Just Some Personal Ramblings

Ramble On and On

It's been a while since I last entered a blog on this my Daily Reflections Blog. Daily? Sure, I've been in deep daily reflections. Reflections of the wonderful moments I spent at my Mother's death with my sister. Moments of watching Mom pass from this world to something else. Something new and wonderful. Something of an entire new way of being and living. Something I can't understand. Something spiritual and hopeful and pleasing. Something that drew the fascination of my sister, my wife and my daughter all together to glory at the wonderful love of God. A truly wonderful experience that was interrupted by this world's needs and desires within minutes of such a wonderful experience. Unneeded immediate planning that took place in the minutes, probably less than 5 after my mother's death. Emotions that were enraged by the break-in of this world into a spiritual experience. Yes, sinful emotions on my part and on the part of the need to plan. A range of emotions that passed me from one world and the closeness of God at the time into this present world and it's sinfulness in me.

How I longed to remain as long as I could in the spiritual realm that my mother had passed. Remain as long as possible. But, oh how quickly the needs of this world interrupted that special moment. I was present at my Father's death also twenty some years ago. The moment was precious and uninterrupted. It was memorable and moving. It was pleasant in the face of death. Pleasant in the hope that all Christians have for one who has been saved by Jesus Christ. Saved by Jesus' life, ministry, healing, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. Pleasant in the hope of the communion of the saints. Pleasant in the unity of all yesterday, today and those to come in the life God has blessed us with through Jesus.

But, that wasn't the case this time. This moment was interrupted. Interrupted by my sinfulness and the sinfulness of this world and those present in this world. Mourning was delayed in this instance also. I went from tears to rage. The days to follow were blessed with the presence of my grandchildren from Texas. A blessing that distracted me from mourning my mother's death. As my grandchildren and daughter left to return to Texas, I felt the mourning process resume. An unwelcome delay that brought on and possibly triggered a Crohn's flare and depression. As I mourned and recovered at the same time, I began to process my emotions and to feel the closeness of God and my Mother in worship on Sunday's. I could sense my Mother telling me to pay attention in worship. I had the feeling that she was telling me, or that I was interpreting in my own crudeness a message... "This shit is for real!" This whole "God" thing is for real. Sure, I knew this all along, but now it took on deeper meaning. Wake up and pay attention, Billy! All your reading and worship and reflection and life is a gift from God. Pay attention and live out God's call. God gives life here and now and in death. See it even in the midst of your range of emotions. See it in those special spiritual times and see it upon your return to the earthly times. This shit is for real! Live it to the fullest. Live it in communion with the saints above and live it in communion with the sinful below. Live life with all those God gives to you.

As the days passed from Mom's death, I fell behind in my Old Testament readings. Some of my close friends realize that I read through the Bible each year. This is a separate activity from the blogging that I do in these reflections. So I decided to take time to listen to what God was telling me through scripture and began spending increasing time with my Scripture reading. I delved into my past Old Testament readings in Kings and Chronicles. I ceased to blog as I read and listened and prayed to God to speak to me. God surely speaks through the Word in the Bible, in the Sacraments and in the Word spoken at worship and through so many people day by day. God speaks through creation and life in this world and in the next. I delved into conversation with God in many ways.

And God speaks. God speaks in this world and the next. As my wife struggled with the declining health of her mother and father, God speaks. As I struggled with mourning and this decay of my own body, God speaks. But God also speaks in the joys of family. The joys of my grandchildren playing... the joys of spending time with Stephanie and Sarah... the joys of working with my son, Bryan... the joys of those I work with... the joys of plays and worship at church... the joys of spending time with Sue... the joys of walking and reading... the joys of new Y classes... On and on God speaks loud and clear.

So, I've been spending time with God... the joys... the struggles... my sinfulness... and my journey on this earth with God. I'm healing. I'm healing in a wonderful way. I'm healing in the pain and the joy of life. Life both here and now and life to come.

Daily Reflections... sure, I've been deep in reflection. And soon I will be blogging and posting once again. This blog entry I choose not to email or post on Twitter or Facebook. This blog entry is just a flow of thoughts from mind to keyboard. If this blog entry finds God speaking to you... wonderful! But, if not, please be patient with me.  I'll be emailing and telling the world of all that God does in my life and in the live's of those God gives to me. Thanks to a range of emotions that take place daily, I will continue to follow Jesus each day and listen to him and complain to him and converse with him into eternity. Thanks be to God!

July 8th Story by Bill Lynch

The Father's Love


Rodney was there for the entire time. He remained at home to learn the trade of his father. Eventually the day came when Rodney's father became weak enough that he couldn't keep working. So Rodney took over the business and made sure that his father was well cared for in his old age.

Rodney loved his father deeply. As Rodney grew and became an adult, his father would teach him all of the tricks of the trade. Along with the trade, Rodney's father would also teach Rodney the tricks of life. Rodney's father was a wise, gentle and kind man, yet fierce with passion when it came to standing up for the weak and compromised. One did not wish to cross Rodney's father with selfishness or deceptive actions.

It wasn't as if Rodney's father was without fault either. His father has made mistakes of his own. His father had been selfish and deceptive also at times. This is where Rodney's father developed his fierce passion to stand against selfishness and lies. Rodney's father had seen and been part of the hurt that comes to so many people in the face of selfish actions and lies.

So Rodney grew to be a man of honor and dignity in the face of his father. Rodney recognized strong character of person when he saw it in another. Rodney was there for the entire time.

Rodney's brother Josh had left home when he completed high school. Josh followed in the ways of his father too and grew with strong moral character. Josh studied his father's trade with a group of people that studied for a lifetime. Josh studied a different kind of trade of his father's. Josh studied his father's trade of honesty and selfless acts. Josh grew into a man that gave of himself completely and stood up for the poor, ill and hurting of society. Josh was a man of action and compassion.

The day that Josh returned to town, the people couldn't believe what a change had taken place. The people were sure that Josh would return with hands of skill at the trade of his father. Yet Josh had returned with the hands of skill at the trade of his father in a far different manner than that of Rodney.

Josh followed first the skill of the love of compassion for other's of his father. Sure, Josh had the hands of the skill of the trade of his father but the order was somehow different. Rodney, by contrast developed the working hands of the trade and then the compassion of love that his father had taught.

The people understood Rodney but rejected Josh. Both men were spitting images in all ways of their father. Both men were honorable men in the image of their father. But, Rodney was accepted and Josh rejected by the townsfolk.

Rodney was there for the entire time. As Josh left town, rejected by the people, Rodney stood up and followed his brother. Both men loved the Father. Both men stood up strong in the faith of the Father. And Rodney stood strong in faith and followed Josh to the ends of the earth and beyond. All in the teaching and faith of the Father. The Father that their father had taught them to live and trust and place all of their hope and faith and life in.

Prayer
Lord, as I hear your Word, as I read your Word, as I live your Word and take it all in; teach me how to stand up in love and compassion in unselfish ways to follow you in a strong, fierce faith... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

July 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 6:1-13 (NRSV)

The Twelve sent to preach and heal 

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them." So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. 

Reflection

Jesus had returned to Nazareth. Once before Jesus was rejected, but now he had come again. Before Jesus left as just one of their own, but now Jesus returned as a Rabbi. What would the response be this time?

We seem to miss many miracles today. I think they missed the miracle in Nazareth in this passage also. Here God is among us and in this passage God is among the people in Jesus. 

But God appears as one of themselves, disguised as one of the children from home who had left and come back with knowledge and power. But this couldn't be a miracle of God's presence! This must be the act of the devil and a deception. This is no miracle in the sense that God has shown God's presence in Jesus. They missed it! And we miss is so many times in our day as well.

Jesus' sidekicks became witnesses to the miracle of God present here on this earth. Jesus sends the disciples out to extend God's presence in all the world. The disciples of that day and of this day too are sent to preach repentance, cast out evil and heal the sick. 

Don't miss it yourself. God is present on this earth this day through the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout time and space into this world and throughout heaven, as all the saints declare the awesome miracle of the love of God in Christ Jesus that saves the sinful, heals the sick and defeats all sin, death and evil. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Father, Jesus, Spirit... your presence is a miracle. As you abide with us this day send us with your power to proclaim to all the world the miracle of forgiveness, life, and love for all your creation. --- Amen

July 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Read Mark 6:1-6

Hands



In the early years we spent much time in the dirt and with the scroll. Playing in the dirt was one of my favorite things to do, but rolling the scroll was by far the best. As I rolled the scroll, eyes became as if one with the Word they gazed upon. It was as if as I rolled the scroll, my being became flesh with the Word and the entire body sprang to life.

Then as I grew older, I worked with the wood. The wood became my way of bringing life from dead wood. Wood that once had life and lost it, sprang to new life and new creation in the things that my Father and I created.

But this day was different. I was with those I had lived with all my life and the healing and new life from me was hard for them to believe. Only a few sick were healed. Why can't the believe in this flesh, this Word, this new life?

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to your Word, your Flesh, your Blood and the new life you have come to give us all that I may believe. --- Amen

July 5th Hymn by Bill Lynch

"Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand"
Text: Wilhelm A. Wexels, 1797-1866; tr. composite
Verse 1

Oh, happy day when we shall stand
amid the heav'nly throng;
and sing with hosts from ev'ry land
the new celestial song,
 the new celestial song.

"O Lord We Roll Our Eyes T'wards You"
Text: Bill Lynch

O Lord we roll our eyes t'wards you,
And see you face to face.
We sing with joy with all the saints
and praise you in this place
and praise you in this place.

This day we come to see you now,
is only through your grace.
Your love shines brightly from above,
and shines upon our face,
and shines upon our face.

We live your love in earthly life,
and seek to do your will.
We fail and sin and seek your grace,
and yet you bless us still,
and yet you bless us still.

Here now our praise in heaven above,
the Savior saved us still.
For we have seen your Kingdom here,
our life has been fulfilled,
our life has been fulfilled.

July 4th Psalm by Bill Lynch

Reference Psalm 123


Psalm by Bill Lynch


Lord, I cast my eyes towards heaven.
As I live in this decaying flesh,
I cast my eyes towards heaven.

I desire your presence.
I long to be free of pain and sorrow.
I cast my eyes towards heaven.

I realize your presence here in this place.
I hear your call to this earth.
Yet, I cast my eyes towards heaven.

You give me all I need each day.
I live in your presence day to day.
I cast my eyes towards heaven.

Yet, here you are in this earthly place.
You lead me in this life today.
I cast my eyes towards heaven.

Yet, I see heaven in your presence.
On this earth. In this pain.
I cast my eyes towards heaven.

And I realize that heaven is here.
Here with you and with the hope to come.
I cast my eyes towards heaven.

And see your love wrapped all around.
For you have cast your eyes on me.

July 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

My Granddaughter spent the evening with her Aunt Sarah, known to Kaiya as Aunt Horsey. Horsey's love demonstrated through the childhood joy of a horsey ride on the back of an adult. Kaiya is here shown in her joy and love of the presence of Horsey and the play they enjoyed that evening. In some way Kaiya in heaven with Horsey.

Read 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

The man was snatched away, kind of like the rapture. The man was taken to the presence of God. The man was blessed by God and was with God. What a wonderful thought and an awesome act of God this must have been for this person. Exciting yet fearful in the presence of God. Fearful in the sense that to be in God's presence is at the same time humbling yet exciting and wonderful that God would care that much for one person.

And then the thought of Paradise. Paradise in the sense of a park. A wonderful park like the Garden of Eden. A place of glory and mysterious. It seems that heaven is left this way for us as we read the Word in the Bible. Heaven is mysterious but the image that we paint in our minds is one of hope. Heaven it seems is deliberately blurry but the Word is detailed in our need for salvation to come into the presence of God in Heaven.

Contrast this thought with Paul's situation. We have heaven on one hand and the reality of this present world and the sins, and disease that are present with us now. The flesh brings pain and suffering. We become ill, we decay and we die. We all suffer from the thorn of depression or some illness or just the pain of aging. We desire to be released from our pain and suffering, yet must learn to live with the pain for most of our life. A pain that humbles each one of us in the presence of God.

A contrast of earthly life in the here and now and the heavenly life in the here and now and the yet to come. But we find that God has richly blessed us now in the hope of heaven. God is with us and we are in the presence of God now in our sorrow and pain and we will be in the presence of God in the glorious victory of Jesus Christ defeat of sin and death on our behalf.

God has called us to run the race as we live life on this earth. God has called us to stand tall in the presence of pain and witness God's love to all people that God gives to us each day. There is a salvation to be proclaimed through Jesus Christ that all need to hear and witness to. A salvation made plain and clear in the Word made flesh. A salvation that leads us through this life to a heavenly reward we did not attain through our own, but through the love of God in Christ Jesus.

July 2rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Stand up and Listen


Read Ezekiel 2:1-5

"So what is heaven like?" Words that I heard said to me the other day. A complex question as we live in this world. If I were to take the passage above and apply this question to it; I would say that heaven is being called by God and given God's words to say to a people that would save a people. Heaven would be the moment that the Spirit entered into me and gave me the power to carry out God's wishes and desires with strength that was beyond my own strength. Heaven would be the salvation of people in a corporate sense. God comes to us individually, for sure, but God also comes to us as a people. God loves and saves the people.

Reflect passages of the Bible and realize that we have a God that is a corporate God saving people and nations. God may come to you as an individual and the Spirit may move in and through you, but it's not for your own benefit as much as it's for the salvation of God's People.

So stand up and listen to God. Stand up not just for yourself. Stand up and may the Spirit move in and through you, not for one person alone all of the time, but perhaps for God's People some of the time too.
Stand up... and listen to God.

Prayer
Lord, if you call, I will stand and listen to your Word. If you don't call I will stand up and listen to your Word and take action by standing up for your People, by their side and to their defense in compassion and love for all you have taught through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen