October 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the          heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm by Bill Lynch


Lord, you are the great I AM, the One and Only!
God, you created myself and those around me.
You, created the universe and all that exists.
You are more than what I can see but also all I can't see or perceive.
I see in the eyes of a baby the life you have given.
I ponder in the eyes of one near death the greatness of your glory.
As I meditate on sky, earth and sea, I'm amazed at the endless life displayed.
Then as I sense the presence of the heavenly chorus, I stop in wonder.
Why dear Lord, do you care and love me?
Why do you show all mankind your grace?
Lord, you are the great I AM, the One and Only!

Prayer
Lord, as I stop to consider all the love you have given through Jesus; I'm astounded and humbled that you would consider me. But you did! I give thanks for all you have done. I rejoice to work with you in your kingdom to do your will in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Genesis 2:18-24 (New Revised Standard)

18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." 24 Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Reflection
"Grandma is behind the tombstone "Mallot." It was easy to find the upright stone from the roadway in the cemetery. Behind the large tombstone lay a flat stone with the names of Sue's grandmother and grandfather. We jumped from the car and went to the grave site. Memories flooded from Sue as I listened and recalled the brief memories I had of her grandma's life.

The woman... made for the man... his queen. Both man and woman made in the image of God. Made in the glory of God. All creatures were of the ground, but woman was from man. How precious woman becomes in creation.

God caused man to go into a deep sleep. A sleep as a covering or a veil for what God was about to do. Something wonderful and glorious was about to occur from the hand of God.

What a wonderful creation God has given to all of us. As I read this passage I picture God with a gleam and joy creating a love for all life. I see a God that has great joy in life. Then I also see a God that knows of the possibility of human failure and continues to create life out of man's failure to bring death from life. God knows and has an answer... Jesus Christ... God in human form. The Holy Spirit... God to human as a wonderful gift of guidance. God the Father, source of the plan of life. Yes God loves us and cares for us. God gives life and love and truth and grace.

As the woman is precious to the man... humankind is precious to God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I stop and take pause to hear your word of creation and life, may I also love and care for the life you surround me with this day and love the lives you have brought into my life as you have loved me. You are life, truth and grace... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Numbers 11:4-6; 10-16; 24-29 (New Revised Standard)


4 The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at."

10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. 11 So Moses said to the Lord, "Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, "Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child,' to the land that you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, "Give us meat to eat!' 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me. 15 If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once—if I have found favor in your sight—and do not let me see my misery." 16 So the Lord said to Moses, "Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them take their place there with you.

24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. 25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again. 26 Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." 28 And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!" 29 But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"

Reflection
"There is nothing around here to eat!"

A complaint commonly heard in my household. Even after going to the grocery store. There is something to eat, not just what the person complaining wants to eat. But this passage goes beyond something to eat, as the Israelites complained to Moses. This passage reaches much deeper.

Moses was a great leader. God had gifted Moses with the gift of administration. The people had become complainers. The rabble had incited the people to complain. Moses was overburdened.

Yes Moses was a great leader and gifted by God. But, enough is enough. This was too much. So God blessed other elders to open their eyes to the teachings and ways of Moses. Moses used his God given gifts, and now, the seventy elders would learn from Moses. They would learn from Moses his skill of administration and the application of that skill. God spreads the gifts around in order that one person can teach many.

Moses the great teacher of administration. A teacher in need and able to recognize his weakness and how much he depended upon God. May the Spirit of God rise up within the leaders past, present and future that all may see God in them.

Prayer
Lord, help me to recognize the gifts you have given to me. Show me how to use those gifts to glorify you and teach me how to teach others the same... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Prediction of the passion 

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

Reflection

So we start the last journey south towards Jerusalem in this passage. Jesus had now ended the ministry in Galilee. Jesus was closing in on the final moments of his ministry on this earth with these disciples present with him now. It was time to do some teaching. Time to come to an understanding. This was a huge moment in Jesus' call from the Father to fulfill. So Jesus was instructing the disciples of his passion and the cross. 

This message of the passion and the cross didn't match with what the disciples had in their minds of power. Some disciples were privileged to witness the transfiguration. A heavenly sight of the leaders of the faith. Just to be present made one feel chosen. So, to be with Jesus surely meant great things were to come. But Jesus was telling them of something else. Jesus was speaking of suffering and death. The noise of the first gave way to the victory of the resurrection. It's hard to get past such a change in the future from a glorious reunion with God in the transfiguration to suffering and death. You can't get beyond this abrupt change to even hear that Jesus said he will rise again.

So pride got in the way. Let's not pay any attention to this message Jesus has and let's see who will be first in the kingdom. Jesus hears of this argument and teaches a lesson that will be acted out at the last supper in the washing of feet and acted out in the days to follow in Jesus suffering and death on the cross.

We are to give our lives to God. Jesus gave his life and was resurrected to a new life that was granted to all people through Jesus' act. God acts in and through Jesus. God acts in and through each of us when we give our life to God. As a child trusts in the parents that they will be cared for and loved, so too can we trust in God to be cared for and loved. Even and especially children without parents or in any need, God cares for and loves. Each of us come to God in this way. As forgotten children torn from our parents due to our sinful nature we come to God and God runs to us. We give our life to God and God leads and guides us to everlasting life. Our life was once destined to death in the garbage heap but now that we were last of all, God takes us in as first of all and shows us all the love we will ever need now and into eternity.

That's the love Jesus was showing and demonstrating and giving, not only to his disciples, but to all people throughout all time. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, I take pause to hear your message of salvation. May I be so honored for you to give me the words to say to another that they too may hear your words through me and receive salvation today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (New Revised Standard)

18 It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. 19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!" 20 But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.

Reflection

"You were half asleep when you tried to take those pills!" 

Words spoken to me when late in the night I stumbled to the medicine shelf to find some pain pills for a kidney stone that was bothering me. My wife, Sue, knows to watch over me when I get up in the middle of the night. I don't watch closely what I am doing and the pain overtakes my brain in deciding what is the correct thing to do. Sue, makes sure the dosage is correct before I take the pills. Sue, also gets upset with me and warns me out of love.

In this passage we read of plots against Jeremiah. Jeremiah didn't know that the people were leading him to the slaughter by their schemes. So, Jeremiah turns to God and depends on God because, Jeremiah has committed his life to God.

This is how we must act when confused. We turn to God and listen to God's Word and will and way. We can turn to Scripture, to a Christian friend and even listen carefully to hear God speaking through other people. We listen to God and depend on the love God speaks through the Word of the Bible and the Word of the Church and the words of Christian friends and groups. We pray and discern God's will for us. It's important to take the time to follow God's command in your life through the love God has shown us through Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, I turn to you in the decisions of life and look for your guidance and love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 16th Reflection by Bill Lynch

16th Sunday After Pentecost 
Mark 8:27-38 (NRSV)
Peter's confession of faith 

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?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

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. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 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."

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. 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. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 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 Story
The team had heard the coach so many times talk about working together as a team. This time during half-time the coach asked for so much more. Coach James had learned lately that his life was about to take on a huge change. The coach really knew about this all along, but now was the time to come forward with the news. The coaches wife, Sally, was sick with cancer. Coach knew a couple of years ago that the time he would need to care for his wife would escalate to the point that Coach would have to give up his way of living and work full time caring for Sally. In some ways, Coach would have to give himself completely to his wife.

During the half-time talk, Coach told the team about how Jesus gave his life completely for all people. Jesus knew what he had to do and when Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer and die at the hands of the religious leaders of the day, the people, and the government; his disciples refused to listen and were in denial of all that Jesus had to say during that moment. Jesus knew that to gain life you must forfeit life.

It was with this in mind that the team discovered one of the most valuable lessons ever. They were behind at half-time 28-3. A change needed to occur during the second half of this game. The team was a team gifted with talent, but the talent was an individual type of talent. The quarterback was good but tried to do it all by himself. The receivers and the line and so many others on this team had great talent but nothing came together. Coach told the guys that it was time to give it up. Give up themselves to one another. Instead of playing for the glory of pulling the team to a win, to instead give it up for one another. And with this the second half was to start.

A change took place that second half. In the huddle the quarterback, Joe, told the guys let's give it up for one another. No one plays for himself. We intend to give ourselves up for the other. So when Joe handed off the ball to Pete the running back, he gave it up for Pete. When Brian needed to block for Pete he gave it up. All on the team began to give the ball up, the block up, the pass up, the run up and even the kick and snap up for the other guy. They gave their lives to each other in some respect.

As this new attitude took on shape, the team began to work different than ever before. No longer did it seem that one person had to carry another person in the play. All were carrying each other. All were giving it up for one another. They began to move the ball and drive for scores. The defense began to hold the opposing team to three downs and out. All gave it up for the other and they came back to win the game.

After the game the crowd, the coach and the team were all united one with another in this attitude of giving it up for one another. In the coming week the community came together around Coach James and gave it up for Sally and all of the care she needed. They were united in the love that Jesus was speaking of when he told his disciples the awful mission that he was about to go through on his approach to the cross. A love that gives up life to gain life. A complete change in attitude. A work of God.

Prayer
Lord, show me the times and help me to recognize all the ways this week that I can give it up in the love you have shown to all people in the way you gave it up... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

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