November 14th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 10:11-25

 And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, ‘he sat down at the right hand of God’, and since then has been waiting ‘until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.’ For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
‘This is the covenant that I will make with them
   after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
   and I will write them on their minds’,
he also adds,
‘I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.’
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

A Call to Persevere

 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Reflection
I attended a wonderful Concert around the theme of the Psalms at Christ the King Lutheran Church in West Chester. My daughter attends this church and sings in the choir. This picture reminds me of the reading in that it seemed to me that the very nature of God was open and present all around the altar of God that afternoon. Jesus had opened the curtain for a direct look into the eyes of God through those writing the psalms and in this case those singing and presenting the psalms to us through music.

In this passage, I take comfort in that Jesus is already present and sitting on the throne. Jesus has already made the offering of himself for my salvation. Everything that opposes Jesus and his will and his way has been defeated. God will remember the sins of his people no more. Jesus offering is all that is needed... nothing more. And all I need to do is accept this gracious gift and act of God. Accept what has already been completed and done.

I am called to enter into the presence of God. I can enter before God due to the faith, hope and love I have come to believe and depend upon through what Jesus has already done for me. This is a joy available to all people throughout all time. A joy available through the Holy Spirit's call to each one of us and the gifts he has given to us as we respond to the love of God.

We now have free access to God opened to us at the crucifixion of Jesus on that cross that comes to all before and after this single saving act of God for his creation and rescues us from our fallen nature. God became flesh and opened to us his presence and with his own blood saved us. So now we can come into God's presence with a true and faithful heart, assured of what Jesus has done in our stead. We can come forth in the faith that our deeds and good works by one and all are in the hope and certainty a response to what Jesus has shown and done for us.

Prayer
Lord, you give me the confidence I need to serve in your name, knowing that all you have done permits me to be open to you and see your wonderful glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 13th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 16
Song of Trust and Security in God

A Miktam of David.
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
   I have no good apart from you.’

As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
   in whom is all my delight.

Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
   their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
   or take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
   you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
   I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
   in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
   because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
   my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
   or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
   In your presence there is fullness of joy;
   in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm
 by Bill Lynch

I place all of my trust in you O Lord.
You are my Light and my salvation.
Your fellowship is my constant desire.
Praise for you is constantly on my lips.

You are all I need each day.
You provide for my body and spirit.
I can feel you at the very center of my being.
In you I depend and trust in faith.

You have come to me in my sin.
You rescue me and show my the path of life.
Day by day I will call upon you.
Night by night I will rest in your steps.

Prayer
Lord, I reach out to you and fall into your welcoming arms. You run to me and rescue me from myself. As I move about this day may I please you in what I do and say through love to those you give to me. --- Amen

November 12th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Daniel 12:1-3
The Resurrection of the Dead

‘At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Reflection
"And even though he was dead, he requested a cheeseburger."

This was my wife Sue recounting a dream her sister, Amy,  told her about her Dad. I'm not sure if I got the statement exactly correct but it's close to what I remember. Sue's father died this past September and dreams seem to be easy to come as memories flood into our minds.

It's only three verses, but after a little bit of research on my part... Wow! Only three is enough!

Michael is the patron angel of the Jews. Daniel sees a couple of angels by a stream and wants to know how long until the end. The answer is three and a half years, maybe 1,290 days or maybe 1,335 days. For my part... who knows?

Seems something is really wrong here at this time. Perhaps it even carries on to this day. I'm sure it does. There has been something really wrong for some time now. A couple of things I take from this passage that bring great comfort. There will be a resurrection. And considering this is an Old Testament passage, this brings great comfort that God would reveal to Daniel that vision.

The evil of this world will cause many people to be tricked or even to consciously make the decision to believe that God has not saved us. Sin will cause selfish desires to control the lives of so many. People will choose to run from God. People have chosen this path knowingly for years. But, God comes to them and continues to offer the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sin.

Yet, others will come to believe and know that God has saved. They will endure this age and die in this sinful world knowing the hope of a resurrection to everlasting life. Is this passage about the people who have endured the persecution during the time of tribulation? Is this passage only for those present during the war when Gentile nations come together to conquer Jerusalem? Is this passage for a smaller group of Jewish people faithful to God and the law with their names recorded in the book? Is this passage for those faithful saints recorded as members in the new kingdom of God?

I think the point is that there will be a resurrection of all people. Those who have returned to dust of the earth will arise from sleep. They shall awaken to new life. Those who proclaim God as their salvation alone will shine like the stars, but those who have run from God and deny God's salvation will arise to shame and everlasting contempt.

For me, I'll be glad to take that cheeseburger and live everlasting life in the Light of Jesus Christ, my only path to salvation! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you reveal yourself throughout all time. I can't get it on my own. I don't even come close to knowing the truth you set before me, but I'll still continue to listen carefully for your voice in your Word. I'll especially listen to the Word you have given and passed to me through the inspiration of so many in the Bible. I'll listen for your Word spoken through those you give to me. I'll look at your Word acted out in the sacraments. And I'll continue to respond to your Word in my daily life. Be with me in my confusion and lead me to that wonderful day of resurrection to shine like the stars. --- Amen

November 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch

24th Sunday After Pentecost 
Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)
A widow's generosity 

As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

Reflection
I had grown old through the ages. Now approaching 75 years of age, I could relate to the maple tree that was planted on the day of my birth. Years since childhood, I grew up in this house and now reside in the house of my childhood. It's just me now. My wife passed away years ago. My children have left the house to move on to bigger and better things. It's just me and my maple wood tree out the window there.

I saw years of growth by this tree. Years of leaves coming and going. But some splits have come on the wood. There is rot and insect damage. The tree has become a threat to the house now. The neighbors and friends and family have told me that this old maple tree needs to come down.

But I can't help but to think of the life of this maple tree. The winters weathered and the summers endured. This tree has given it's all throughout life to me. So as we took the tree down we made sure that every single twig, branch and log could be used for firewood. Yes, it was great firewood that year that it was so cold that the power went out. That firewood saved me that cold winter.

The maple tree gave all to me. From birth to old age. That maple tree even saved me during that cold winter nights when the power was out.

And then I stopped one evening and thought about what or even who gives all out of love throughout our lives for us. Suddenly that maple tree took on the shape of a cross in my mind and Jesus appeared standing beside the cross. My maple tree had shown me the salvation of all people. My maple tree displayed high above the earth the one person that gave all out of love to all people. Jesus gave his all to save each and all of us. All out of love. Jesus gave all for the love of others. The maple tree gave all for the love of me. I shall give all, even in my old age, for the love of those God gives to me.

Wow! Who would of thought of the love from a maple tree planted 75 years ago at my birth. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to the numerous opportunities to give all my love to you and to those you give to me this day... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 10th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 12:38-44

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

The Widow’s Offering

 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Reflection
Jesus could attract the crowds that was sure. People came to hear his wisdom. The scribes of the day did not seem to care for Jesus. I think the general consensus was to get rid of Jesus. Still there is something intriguing about a guy that is not in awe of the religious leaders of the day but rather comments on  the actions of an extremely poor widow.

Jesus had a view of what was going on. Sure, there were those with money that could easily contribute. That wasn't what grabbed Jesus attention. You see, it wasn't the religious leaders with power or the rich with power of the day that caught Jesus' attention. It was the widow lady with only a couple of coins.

The lady gave all she had. Could it be that God the Father was teaching God the Son a lesson through this widow lady? "Look, Son, I've sent you to give it all. See this widow? She just gave all she had. You will do likewise. You will teach this to your disciples and all the world." We're not talking about a couple of money coins here, we're talking about the love of God.

God loves his people with all he has. And we too are to love God with all we have as well as love each other with all the love we have. It's a tall order. An order that only Jesus could fully carry out. But through what Jesus has done, we too are now free to give our all to God and one another. Free to give it up without fear. Free to give our love because God loved us.

Prayer
I think I give it all, only to find I didn't. Lord Jesus, I know that you came to give it all. I know that you will present me before the throne as your disciple. But, I need your forgiveness. I need the freedom to go back at it once again and give all my love. Give my love even in the midst of my failure with the hope and assurance that I can start all over at it again tomorrow. Lord, lead me and guide me and grow me into what you would have me be... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 9th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 12:38-44

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

The Widow’s Offering

 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Reflection
I didn't have one bit of value in God's Kingdom and the same went for my partner. Even here on earth I only carried the smallest of value for purchasing. But in another respect, my partner and me had all the value in heaven and earth. We were all there was to be and all that needed to be for our owner.

She approached one of the trumpet shaped chests and tossed me and my partner in. A couple pieces of copper, each one of us the smallest copper coin around. But Jesus was impressed with what this lady had done. You see, we were all she had. This lady gave all to the treasury.

God sent Jesus to give his all as well. Jesus gave his life and shed his blood so that all people would be saved. As well, all humans should give all to God for what they have received from God. Humans received all from God and all is given in return. Not out of any need to earn God's love, but because of God's love and salvation. In giving all to God and to one another, we show the love that God has for us through Jesus. Don't give out of the abundance, but give rather due to the abundance.

That day we were only worth about a penny. But that day we were worth all the love in the world that this lady showed for God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
It's a hard lesson. It's a simple lesson. As I part with my all, Lord, may I emulate your love for you and for those you give to me this day... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 8th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.

Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.

Finish then thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee:
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Words: Charles Wesley, 1747

Hymn by Bill Lynch

Jesus Christ you are my Savior,
let me see you face to face.
Hear me sing of your favor,
as I enter into this place.
You are all I need to live for,
as I follow in your love.
May I show love to all neighbors,
as I live life in your love.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I love you. Teach me the love you have for me and all people that I may give of myself as you gave yourself for me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 9:24-28

For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgement, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Reflection
This is my grand-daughter, Kaiya. She lost a tooth yesterday. I can remember having to go to my Dad and have a baby tooth removed that was about to fall out. It was a fearful thing to do for a young child. But after Dad was done, I was relieved. Kaiya, I heard, cried a little at first and then laughed about it after the tooth was removed. In some ways this passage for today teaches us about having to go before God. Jesus gave himself for us and presented himself as the sacrifice for our sin before God in our stead. What a relief we can glory in for the loving and gracious act of Jesus offering himself as the sacrifice for our sin.

Jesus entered for you and me into the presence of God. Through Christ we will be accepted when we come into this wonderful temple. Jesus is there to support us for salvation. Before the High Priest came into the Holy Place with an offering of blood not his own on our behalf. But now we have Jesus that comes before God with an offering of his blood for our salvation. Sin was put away once and for all for all of us. Jesus without blemish is our sacrifice. Jesus is our one and only High Priest. All offered before God for our sake. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you teach us to offer ourselves gladly for one another. May I boldly go in the stead of one of my neighbors and offer myself for them to live out the joy and happiness of life this day. As I offer myself to another please receive my offering of myself to you and your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 146

Praise for God’s Help


Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
   I will sing praises to my God all my life long.


Do not put your trust in princes,
   in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
   on that very day their plans perish.


Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
   whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
   the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed;
   who gives food to the hungry.


The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
   the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
   he upholds the orphan and the widow,
   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.


The Lord will reign for ever,
   your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm Reflection by Bill Lynch

Who qualifies for life?
Why is there life?
How did God select me to live?

Surely it's not because I deserve life.
Surely life is for God.
I didn't bring forth anything to live.

But, just the same, God brings life.
God brings me into being.
God decided that he wants me.

Yet, I spoil this life God gives.
I turn from God.
But God chooses to save me.

I will praise God with all of my being.
For God has chosen me and called me.
God has loved me with life.

I will praise God for he is mighty.
God can create and destroy.
God can rebuild and save.

God is lord over all that exists.
Praise God for his love of the needy.
Praise God for everything!

Prayer
Lord, as I turn and look inward, praise streams outward towards you and all you have done in my life. You alone have chosen to save me with your gracious act of love through Jesus Christ. You are my Savior, my King and my God. Hear my praise, love and thanksgiving... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Kings 17:8-16

The Widow of Zarephath

 Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.’ As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ But she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

Reflection
"Let's go ahead and buy the gallon. We won't be back here for some time." This was a conversation I heard while waiting behind a couple to pick up a half-gallon of fresh apple cider at Hidden Valley, a local fruit farm.

Elijah was sent to the widow of Zarephath and the woman had her faith tested. The widow apparently worshiped Yahweh, but was a Gentile. This wasn't a selfish act of Elijah, but rather a demonstration and test of faith. The widow had faith that God would provide, even in her obvious need. And God did provide. The widow as well as her household ate for many days.

Think of the witness this woman provided to Elijah, God and all of her friends and neighbors. The jar of meal was not emptied neither did the jug of oil fail. It seems to me that when I am in need, I am tested. When in need of healing or stressed financially or stressed period, I don't always emulate the faith that this widow demonstrated. But look at the results of her faith. It shows that God is sincere in the love he has for each one of us. It's not like it was a reward for faith, but more of a confirmation that if I listen to God and am faithful, his Word will stand now and forever.

So, if I believe and have faith that what Jesus has done for the forgiveness of sin, I can live a new life in the faith that my sin has been accounted for in the life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus for my sin and the sin of all the world. I can live as the widow with the confidence that I am taken care of and witness this wonderful new life to all my neighbors and friends in boldness. God offers this new life at the risk of losing your old life. I now trust in God rather than the little water and oil and the few sticks I can gather. I trust in God and experience the abundance of God's love in my life.

So do I buy the gallon of cider or the half gallon? I guess it all depends. Either way God has provided the abundance and the fruit of life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, teach me to have faith in your Word, in your will and in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

23rd Sunday After Pentecost 
Mark 12:28-34 (NRSV)
Two commandments: love God and neighbor 

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,' - this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Reflection
Here's a guy with a question. He brings the question with sincerity. At the time commandments were divided into 'weighty' and 'light'. You could imagine the debate that went on between people as to what category a sin was placed within. Surely you wouldn't want a sin you had committed placed into the 'weighty' category!

It could be too that the question was wrapped around moral issues and those that are ritual issues. What commandment would be more important?

Jesus brings the question to the point by first referring to the creed of Israel. God is God, so love God with all you have. That's my paraphrase, but this would be a creed that would be repeated twice daily by the scribe asking the question. A creed worn in phylacteries or nailed to the doorposts of houses. The second commandment is to love one another.

Jesus brought the question to order. A tall order at that. There were no conditions involved like love God when you are being blessed, but maybe not so much when you are suffering. Or love another person you like but you don't have to worry about the person that has been mean or nasty to you. No, there they are together. The commandments to 'love'. Period! No conditions.

You may have noticed that my blog writings have been far from 'daily' reflections. They have been choppy at best over the past summer. It has been one of those times for me. Two parents have died and I have struggled with pesky kidney stones and infections that just wouldn't go away. I have noticed that even though I have not been able to write reflections daily, I have been able to sit and read God's Word, to pray for other's and myself and to worship, for the most part, regularly. In this I have been blessed. But even through the emotional and physical pain, I have been aware of the presence, the constant presence, of God. There were times when I was sure that God had no reason to be present, but I felt the presence through Word, Sacrament and the love of other people, some that I know as friends and some that are people that came into my lives through the situations that I have been placed in these past few months.

You could sum it all up with the commandments that Jesus referred to the scribe in this passage. These past few months I have been experiencing the blessing of the love of God and the love of another as I too have loved God and loved those that God has placed in my life.

The thought of a commandment taking place in a negative context as something I have failed to do is turned around here by Jesus. Jesus encourages love. When our defenses go up about our situation in life we can look for the opening that leads us to 'love' and run through that hole in the line. So many by our side that have gone before us and are in front of us are showing love by fending off the negative aspects of our situation to open that hole that permits us to run towards that goal of love for God and love for one another.

Yes, there will be times that we will be called to block for another while they run. And block we will do out of the love of God and the love of one another. And we will shout with joy and thanksgiving "Run where they ain't." (Woody Hayes). All for each other in the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I love you. Teach me to love those you give to me each day. Teach me to run through the holes and to make the holes for another as I love you and love another... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 10:35-45

The Request of James and John

 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ And he said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?’ They replied, ‘We are able.’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’

 When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, ‘You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.’

The Cup
I hated being The Cup at first. When Jesus spoke of me to other people, I felt so bad about what I was and what I represented. Jesus mind and Spirit were filled with the plan that the Father had sent him to fulfill. I was one of the worst parts of that plan. I was all the overwhelming suffering and pain that Jesus was about to endure before the very people he had created years ago.

I hated being The Cup! Jesus' disciple just couldn't see that I was in front of Jesus and themselves also, before anyone would see the glory. These disciples wanted to sit at Jesus right and left. Didn't they realize that a couple of other guys would sit at Jesus right and left first. Well, not exactly sit, but rather hang. The fulfillment of God's plan of salvation for all people passed through The Cup first. The pain and agony of crucifixion on the cross.

But that was then and this is now. Now, as The Cup, I am honored by the love and passion that Jesus showed in the face of suffering and death and the shedding of his blood for the love of the world and all people. After Jesus resurrection, I changed. Sure, I still was part of the pain, suffering and blood shed. But I was also a reminder of salvation and Jesus act and the container of Jesus blood on that precious loving moment that Jesus died to save all people. Salvation and the relationship of God was now both very personal and uniquely corporate. God saved us each and all.

Now this is all remembered by me, The Cup, the container of that awesome blood of Christ. The container that pours forth the contents to all the believers of the world and is multiplied in many ways. Taken in by another container and spread throughout the believers body. As I give up my contents, the blood of Christ goes out into the world in the believers heart and soul to once again be given up in love for another.

What an honor now it is to suffer with Jesus on his left and his right all for the love of the world that all may know of the salvation of God available to each and to all. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, help me to take responsibility for my actions. As I turn to you each day, I think of The Cup and the change that took place. Change me at my very heart and fill me with your blood that I may live my life for you and all you would have me do... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 18th Reflection by Bill Lynch

"O Savior, Precious Savior"
by Francis R. Havergal, 1836-1879
Second verse
O Bringer of salvation,
Who wondrously has wrought
Thyself the revelation
Of love beyond our thought,
We worship Thee, we bless Thee,
To Thee, O Christ, we sing;
We praise Thee and confess Thee,
Our holy Lord and King.









Hymn by Bill Lynch

You are the only Savior.
Lord hear me and change me
I repent and seek favor.
I find you coming to me,
Running with open arms.
I run and hug and love you,
As you keep me from harm.
I worship and adore you.

Prayer
Lord, hear me I pray and forgive me my sins. You alone can only save me from sin, death, the devil and myself. I need you to change me into what you would have me be. Open my mind, heart and soul to hear your Word and Way that I may do your will... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 5:1-10

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honour, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son,
   today I have begotten you’;
as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
   according to the order of Melchizedek.’

 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Reflection
Do you ever notice how dogs are completely comfortable living in their own skin. A dog seems to always be a dog. In this comfort of living fully in the flesh, the dog is free to love in unique and wonderful ways that only that particular dog could live. The dog's I've had have all been unique in their love for me. They live from who they are and where they are. What if the world were full of humans that lived fully in their own flesh? Free to love one another in each one's own unique way.

The High Priest is appointed for the people of the day to bring the offerings to God and deal with the sins of the people. The High Priest is chosen among the people and needs to be able to know the weaknesses and failures of the people, the priest needs to know the sins.

Sounds like Jesus to me now. Jesus goes before God with my sins and represents me in the flesh. The Father sent Jesus as God in flesh to represent me and take on my sin in order to offer prayers, supplications, loud cries and tears to save me from the death and damnation that I justly deserve.

Jesus lived in the flesh. Jesus lived fully in the flesh. Jesus knows me. Jesus knows every inch of me. But, Jesus was perfect. In Jesus' perfection in the flesh and spirit, he enters for me into the holy of holy places before God on my behalf. Jesus is the only one in the flesh who need do this now because of Jesus' perfection. Jesus is now my eternal High Priest.

In this eternal salvation from Jesus, I learn from Jesus and follow him believing and obedient to God's will and way. This frees me to live my life "fully" in the flesh. I am free to be human to the max! As I live in this flesh of mine, I can live through anything and everything, because I know that Jesus life, ministry, healing, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension was for me to live in eternal salvation. Eternal salvation starting here and now. Eternal salvation while I'm even in the flesh.

As I live my life fully in the flesh, might it be possible that God would work in and through me to reach out to other's in the flesh that they may come to Jesus and know what a fabulous action Jesus took as he lived in the flesh? Might other's begin to believe and see the eternal salvation that we can obtain only through our great High Priest, Jesus. All as we live life fully in the flesh! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I live my life, may I be a testimony of your love and salvation, as I live fully in the flesh. May those you give to me see that you alone are my Great High Priest that they too can come to you and experience that eternal salvation... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 16th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 90:12-17

So teach us to count our days
   that we may gain a wise heart.


Turn, O Lord! How long?
   Have compassion on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
   so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
   and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be manifest to your servants,
   and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us,
   and prosper for us the work of our hands—
   O prosper the work of our hands!

Psalm by Bill Lynch

Lord, I need to change.
  Teach me your wisdom that I may follow you.
Lord, I need to change.
   Hear my confession as I repent of my sin.
Lord, I need to change.
   Have pity on me and save me as only you can.

Lord, I need to change.
   Bring me to the joy that is only in you.
Lord, I need to change.
   Give me the knowledge of the works you desire.
Lord, I need to change.
   Work in and through me day after day.

Lord, I need to change...

Prayer
Lord, change me into what you would have me be. As I turn to you and rely on your salvation, lead me in your will and your way that I may glorify you in all I do and say... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15


Seek the Lord and live,
   or he will break out against the house of Joseph like fire,
   and it will devour Bethel, with no one to quench it.
Ah, you that turn justice to wormwood,
   and bring righteousness to the ground!


They hate the one who reproves in the gate,
   and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
Therefore, because you trample on the poor
   and take from them levies of grain,
you have built houses of hewn stone,
   but you shall not live in them;
you have planted pleasant vineyards,
   but you shall not drink their wine.
For I know how many are your transgressions,
   and how great are your sins—
you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe,
   and push aside the needy in the gate.
Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time;
   for it is an evil time.


Seek good and not evil,
   that you may live;
and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you,
   just as you have said.
Hate evil and love good,
   and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,
   will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Reflection
"I knew it!" An awful realization had come to pass. An act that could easily be predicted. A person not willing to take responsibility for their own hurtful actions. A person that willingly takes advantage of other's.

When you speak truth and draw out the actions of someone taking advantage of another person, you may become the accused. People refuse to take responsibility for the wrong deeds taken against another person that is helpless to defend themselves. It's a social wrong that is committed when advantage is taken over another due to age or inability to care for oneself. When an able bodied person takes advantage of a weaker person an act of injustice is done.

Responsibility for one's actions are a must. But what if a person refuses to take that responsibility and continues to take advantage of another's finances or age? This is sin. A return to God needs to take place. But the transgressor may choose to let the call to repentance go unheeded. A judgment will take place. A judgment will occur to the one that refuses to repent and take responsibility for the sin they have committed.

For the one's hurt by the sin, there is hope. The result of sin never seems to take place against one person only. There will be a blessing for the assaulted people. Finally in the face of blatant refusal, the person or person's hurt by the offender can rest assured that God will judge the offender.

People do things that hurt others. People do things and don't take responsibility for their actions. But thanks be to God for those that recognize their actions, take responsibility and turn to God and those hurt with humble hearts and willing action to seek forgiveness.

In the meantime... we live with one another... we do what we need to do... we stand for truth and act out in love that God has shown us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Lord, as I live my life, help me as I take responsibility for my actions and turn to you and to my neighbor in repentance. Lead me to stand for truth and take action to defend those that can't defend themselves against those that may take advantage of another and not accept responsibility for their actions. Make me bold to stand with you when needed. For you I seek the love of Christ in all that I do. Even when it's difficult. --- Amen

October 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Beautiful Savior
Text: Gesangbuch, Munster, 1677; tr. Joseph A. Seiss, 1823-1904

Verse 1
Beautiful Savior, King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love thee, truly I's serve thee,
light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Hymn by Bill Lynch

God you are awesome, now and forever.
Your grace is eternal through Christ.
Yes, I do believe. Yes, I love and trust.
You are my Savior and my Lord.





Prayer
Lord, as I stop to listen and absorb your Word, hear my praise and thanks for all you have created... yesterday... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12

God Has Spoken by His Son

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Exaltation through Abasement

 Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere,
‘What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
   or mortals, that you care for them?
You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;
   you have crowned them with glory and honour,
   subjecting all things under their feet.’
Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,
‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
   in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’

Reflection
As the rising sun reveals itself slowly over the mountains of Tennessee, in the picture above, so too God reveals himself to us in various forms. Creation is just one of those forms in which God reveals himself. God has revealed himself in Christ Jesus most importantly of all. This passage takes us above and beyond and through creation and time to that awesome moment of God in Jesus revealed.

God reveals himself in flesh. God reveals himself in Jesus Christ. Jesus is heir to the universe. Jesus created the universe. Jesus sustains the universe. Jesus is the fulfillment of creation in his perfect glory. In Jesus we see the end from the beginning. God brings himself to all mankind in the beginning to grant eternal life in the end. Our salvation was worked out through Jesus Christ from the beginning, even when we are at the end.

We have Jesus, who began as a man and was made lower than the angels for a while on this earth. But now Jesus is a man exalted above all things on heaven and earth. Jesus suffered and died and rose again and became the fleshly result of our salvation. Jesus is the head of all salvation for what he did on this earth for us.  Therefore in the midst of the congregation and all people Jesus reveals himself as God to all people.

God reveals himself to us in the suffering and death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see the dimensions of the salvation you graciously gave all people that you may be revealed in my life to those throughout time and space. --- Amen

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