February 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 13:31-35
The Lament over Jerusalem

 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’

Reflection
How much I yearned for the presence of Jesus that day. As I stood in Jerusalem; it just wasn't the same anymore. Everything had changed over the years. I remember when King David worked on the plans. Hand in hand with God, David and the Father lay out all the details. It was amazing. And then King Solomon carrying out the construction. It was a glorious day. But soon it would all come to an end. Destruction and all of the people left for another city. God, it seemed had abandoned this place. Then the rebuilding and the restoration. Not as fancy as the first time, but real nice. God was with his people. But, now... it seems God has left. Or maybe I should say God has come to his people but has left this place. Come in flesh to be with the people. But, God is in Jesus walking among the poor, the ill, the people that need him and know it.

So, here I stand, in Jerusalem... empty. Only for a while though. Soon Jesus will come and open this place up wide for all people. God will return and won't be contained by my walls or my curtains. God in Jesus and in Spirit will reign wide open before all. Yes, before and right in front of us all... right here in Jerusalem and all around the universe.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, come into the temple of my heart... tear it wide open... that all may see your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 13:31-35
The Lament over Jerusalem

 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’

Reflection
A couple of days. A short time. Today and tomorrow... but then the third day. Yes, Jesus would visit Jerusalem, but not at this moment. There was work for Jesus to do first. Jesus was curing the sick and casting out demons. This was his work for now. But the time would come soon enough that he would go to Jerusalem and suffer and die for the sins of the people of this world.

For now, the Temple in Jerusalem would remain empty of God. But soon... very soon... the Temple curtain will be torn open and God will be present forevermore. God will be open and present to all the people in Jesus Christ our Savior.

Prayer
Jesus, as your disciple send me today to do your will... for soon you will come... soon... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 20th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Philippians 3:17-4:1
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Reflection
Self-indulgence, is the evil from within. We are free through the grace of Christ, yet it's easy to abuse the freedom. Through what Christ has done for each of us we realize that our focus must be on what is heavenly. Yet in our freedom we fail and lose that focus and look to what we can see in the here and now. We fall to the temptation of earthly things and begin to live for those earthly things rather than the heavenly glory of Christ Jesus.

As Christians our life is transformed. We live for Christ rather than for our selfish desires. We are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. All of this doesn't mean that our body is bad or anything. Our body is a wonderful and glorious creation of God. But we don't worship our body. As we age and our body gives up; we know that God has a heavenly body for us. But we live in this body today in our present condition, knowing of what God has in store.

We live as imitators of Christ. Happy and anxious for all the fruits of grace that God gives. My grandchildren Bubs and Kaiya are happy to play as imitators all dressed up. May our joy be as precious as we put on Christ.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, we look to you to imitate you in all ways... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 27
Triumphant Song of Confidence

Of David.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
   whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
   of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me
   to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
   they shall stumble and fall.


Though an army encamp against me,
   my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
   yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord,
   that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the Lord
   all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
   and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
   in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
   he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up
   above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
   sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud,
   be gracious to me and answer me!
‘Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his face!’
   Your face, Lord, do I seek.
   Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
   you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
   O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me,
   the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord,
   and lead me on a level path
   because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
   for false witnesses have risen against me,
   and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
   in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
   be strong, and let your heart take courage;
   wait for the Lord!

Psalm
by Bill Lynch

Lord God, I trust in you,
   in you alone do I depend.
You are my light and salvation,
   you are my stronghold.

Maker of the universe, I praise you,
   above all creation you reign.
You grant life and love,
   you alone are Light eternal.

I long to be in your presence,
  day and night I think of you.
A day with you is everything to me,
   everything I desire.

I seek to listen to your voice,
   to know your will and your way.
I delight in your Word and Light.
   I exist to be your disciple.

Father, deliver me from all danger,
   keep me safe from sin and death.
Enemies surround me and threaten,
   my life is ever in your hands.

In the moment I know your love,
   unfailing and everlasting.
You come to me to save me,
   you are all I need.

Prayer
Jesus, Father, Spirit; you are all I need. You are the safety for life. As I follow your voice and walk your path, keep me safe in your love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 18th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
God’s Covenant with Abram

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.’ But the word of the Lord came to him, ‘This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.’ He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

 Then he said to him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.’ But he said, ‘O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?’ He said to him, ‘Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.’ He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

 When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire-pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,

Reflection
The word comes to Abram in a vision. How many people hear the word of God in visions? It seems God comes to so many in the deepest thoughts of their lives. The kingdom is promised first to Abram. The kingdom comes in front of the promise of an heir. But how can this be? God brings to Abram a promise first and his gracious acts second. The kingdom is the promise the act of the heir comes second. God reassures Abram that this is not a problem. God can handle it. And Abram believed God. A belief that brings with it a trust in what God can do. After all; look at the stars in the sky. God can do this... he can do anything.

And then something strange took place to seal the promise. Once again Abram falls into a deep sleep. God is present in the fire and the smoke. Just as will be the case so many times as this great kingdom of people that Abram will birth, witnessed in the wilderness. God in the pillar of fire and the cloud. God passes through the sacrifices that Abram brought to offer.

Jesus passes through our sin. Jesus the sacrifice for our sin and God passes through the midst of Jesus as smoke and fire. God is present in the midst of the sacrifice. God is present in the midst and brings forgiveness to all who believe. All who trust in the promise, the Word, the action of God will be saved. A kingdom as numerous as the stars in the sky.

God has made a promise. And in this promise Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise that surpasses race and geography to include all who believe.

Prayer
God of Abram, come to all your children and lead us. Show us the direction and bring us to that promised land. We are your people and you alone are our God... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

 
First Sunday in Lent 
Luke 4:1-13 (NRSV)
The temptation of Jesus 

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread." Jesus answered him, 'It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone.'" 

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, "To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." Jesus answered him, 'It is written, 
'Worship the Lord your God, 
and serve only him.' " 

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 
'He will command his angels concerning you, 
to protect you,' 
and 
'On their hands they will bear you up, 
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.' " 
Jesus answered him, 'It is said, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. 

Reflection
This is it. It's show time! This is the final rehearsal for Jesus before he starts his ministry. Will Jesus give in to his fleshly desires? Will he take the bait from the devil? How about his authority over this world... will Jesus use this power? Would Jesus give up his trust in the Father and side with the devil?

These temptations are temptations that in some form or another we give in to. Temptations and sins that we buckle under the pressure. We are sinful people. But through Jesus ministry, suffering, death and resurrection; we have been released from the sins. Jesus became sin that we may live. We are free to not sin.

As we live in the grace of what Jesus has done for us, we now are free to reject sin and live without sin. So why don't we? We want to live free of sin. There are moments when we do live without sin, but then we fail. I don't want to sin. I hate to sin. I hate sin! But, I still fail and give in to the temptation and sin. I can't stand that!

That's where Jesus comes in. He knows what the temptation is like. And he knows that we are tempted. We are set free to not sin and we are set free from the bondage of sin through Jesus. Through Jesus alone. We can't do it by ourselves. We fail... and we need a Savior. A Savior that handles sin for us. A Savior that leads us through our sin to everlasting life. A Savior that frees us from sin. 

So, now what? We live our lives in relationship with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. We live our lives knowing that we don't need to sin. We live our lives knowing that Jesus has taken on the sins and put them behind us. This frees us from the bondage of sin to live in love with God and with one another. A love that reflects the love of Jesus. A love that moves the message of what Jesus has done for our sin to all the world.

It's show time! Begin God's ministry in your life today.

Prayer
Jesus, I'm yours. I'm your disciple, I'm you servant and your my God. Use me in the ministry you would have me do... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 13th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Concerning Alms-giving

‘Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

 ‘So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Concerning Prayer

 ‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Concerning Fasting

 ‘And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Concerning Treasures

 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Reflection
Be genuine. Don't be fake or put on about yourself. Put ego aside and be a real person. A Child of God knows that God is Father, Son and Spirit. A child doesn't act like a hypocrite so why should we? Stop trying to impress someone else with sickening "Church Lady" stuff.

It's what moves you that counts in all things. Jesus Christ moves us to action. The Holy Spirit moves us to action. God the Father moves us to action. We see God's love and are moved to respond. We know God's grace through Jesus genuine life, ministry, healing, suffering, death and resurrection.

Be genuine... put behind that sickening churchy stuff intended to impress someone else with how "good" you are. It's not about you! It's about God... always. About love.

Prayer
Lord, I come to you this day, humble and in need. I need a Savior. Open my eyes to see Jesus. Open my heart to see, hear, feel and understand you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 12th Reflection by Bill Lynch

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,
‘At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
   and on a day of salvation I have helped you.’
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Reflection
Go ahead and take it. Jesus gives it to you. He gives it to you out of great and deep love for you. Take it. Jesus became your sin out of love for you. Take this life. Take this salvation. To turn and leave would be eternal separation. Take it. It was offered for you on the altar of the cross. It cost blood, suffering and separation. Take it. Take it now. You need it. You can't do anything yourself to get what Jesus offers... take it and receive it. Take it in and be blessed with eternal life with God. Yes, turn to God, repent and take this life, this body, this blood. Take and eat. Take and drink. It's for you.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, at a great price you came into this world and into my life and the lives of all to save us from sin. To you alone belongs all praise and glory for such a gift. I live in eternal thanks for what you have done... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Blow the trumpet in Zion;
   sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
   for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near—
a day of darkness and gloom,
   a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness spread upon the mountains
   a great and powerful army comes;
their like has never been from of old,
   nor will be again after them
   in ages to come.

Yet even now, says the Lord,
   return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
   rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
   for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
   and relents from punishing.
Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
   and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain-offering and a drink-offering
   for the Lord, your God?

Blow the trumpet in Zion;
   sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
   gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
   assemble the aged;
gather the children,
   even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
   and the bride her canopy.

Between the vestibule and the altar
   let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord,
   and do not make your heritage a mockery,
   a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
   “Where is their God?” ’

Reflection
It's time to come together. Come together in love with and for one another. Come together and prepare. God has given us the chance of repentance. But we must turn around and face God. We must make a decision to do this. God wants us to act and come to him. God is looking for us to come to him and repent of our sins. It's time to come together, one with another and individually to repent.

Turn and look. Turn and see. God is gracious and merciful and slow to anger. God loves you. God loves me. Turn and see! Yes! Repent... turn... see God's forgiveness... see God's love.

Prayer
Lord, you call me to turn around. To repent of my sins. I'm afraid. I know what I deserve. But when I turn I hear your word's of love and acceptance. I see a loving and caring Father. I see a loving and caring Savior. I see a loving and generous Spirit. Spare your people... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 10th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Transfiguration of Our Lord 
Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a] (NRSV)
Jesus is transfigured on the mountain 

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -- not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

( On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.)

Reflection
Boy oh boy, does this take me back! Takes me back perhaps a half century ago. That's hard to believe, at least for me. It seems like just yesterday in one sense. I was in Sidney Ohio at the time, on Washington Street. I couldn't have been but five or six, possibly four. I really don't remember my age. But I do remember a knock on that door at our house on Washington Street. I was having a dream of some sorts. Had I been to Sunday School where the teaching was on this passage? You know where you got this little piece of paper that Mrs. Elmo would fold up and put in your shirt pocket when it was time to go. Had I heard a piece of a sermon by Pastor Swinehart screaming from the pulpit on the Transfiguration? I really can't say. I was too young to remember much. But I wasn't too young to forget this dream.

I went to the door and answered the door. Standing at the door was Jesus, Moses, Elijah and some other guy that I didn't recognize. First off... how did I recognize Moses and most of all how did I recognize Elijah? I don't have a clue! I was too young to know who these guys were after all. But, somehow I recognized them in this dream. I could understand recognizing Jesus. I'm sure Mom had read and taught me so many stories about Jesus at home. I'm sure Dad probably read a book or two about Jesus to me and showed me some pictures. My parents were loving and religious and took their side of my baptism very seriously. I appreciate that so so much! At least there was one guy in the bunch I didn't recognize.

Then, in the dream, Jesus said, "Can Billy come out and play?" And, I did. I went out to play with Jesus, Moses, Elijah and another person who became my friend. That was it! I woke up! I haven't gotten this dream out of my head since. I didn't tell people about my dream for a long long time. I thought about it all of my life. I would look at those pictures of Jesus knocking on the door and wonder about them. But this was different. Jesus wasn't coming in... I was going out. Besides that their was a group of friends I was going out with. As I aged and read the stories of the Bible and went to church and Sunday School, Catechism, the passage above, along with passages of Jesus at the door, kept speaking to me.

I've come to some connection with the scripture for today. Right after the Transfiguration event, Jesus and his disciples went back into the world. Jesus went back and healed. The disciples followed Jesus out to do the work and mission planned for Jesus. Just like in the dream, the disciples were heavy with sleep. But after that, they went out into the world. They went out into the common, away from the fantastic and went into the vocation that they were called to. Perhaps that's what the dream is about?

Or perhaps, we have a message that calls all of us from the amazing sight of God in Jesus throughout all the ages to the world in which he created for us to be. Perhaps we are called to stand in awe of the wonderful, yet go to work in mission with God in the common. Perhaps... perhaps... and then again... maybe God wants me and you to ponder all of this at the door to eternity. To ponder at the door and to play on this earth in so many and wonderful ways... perhaps. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, you come to us... you definitely come to us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 5:1-11
Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Reflection
Why do we follow Jesus? He's not here to show us a big catch of fish. So, why?

In this passage we see that Jesus and Peter were already friends. Peter respected Jesus and referred to Jesus as Master. Jesus was going to do more this time. The good fishing was done at night in the deep waters. In the daytime the fishing would be done in the shallow waters. Peter and his crew had been out all night and didn't catch a thing. To continue during the day you would fish the shallow waters. Jesus had Peter go out to the deep waters.

After Jesus spoke the word of God, Jesus has Peter go to the deep waters. One could take this thought in many directions. In the deep waters the men brought in a great catch. An amazing catch of fish that wasn't the idea of an experienced fisherman. Or was it? At this moment not only had Jesus made friends with Peter, but they were so amazed that James and John decided to follow Jesus as well.

It's not so much different today. Jesus comes to you and to me. Jesus comes to us and we become friends. We commune together. We lean on Jesus. Then Jesus takes us to deep waters. We go deep into the Word or we go deep into some situation and Jesus amazes us.

Our response? How can you help to not fall before Jesus and say, "Why me?" I'm sinful... I'm not worthy... I'm a nobody. Why do you choose me? But Jesus does choose you. Jesus did come to you. You are special in his eyes and he wants you with him always.

Our response? We fear this attention. We are awed by such heavenly power in our lives. We hear Jesus call and his comforting words. "Do not be afraid." We are obedient to the call. How else could we respond to God? How else could we respond to such a wonderful attention and love.

Why do we follow Jesus? Now, you tell me...

Prayer
Jesus, your love calls us out to deep water. You are my friend and you take me deep. You show me a love I can't understand. You chose me for something. You chose me a simple person and you show me love. As I follow you obediently, teach me, use me and send me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Corinthians 15:1-11
The Resurrection of Christ

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Reflection
Jesus lived, taught, healed, suffered, died, rose and appeared again to all people. He comes to us. God comes to us from heaven in flesh and spirit. God comes to us as Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God comes to us and appears to us. Yes, even you and I! God comes to us and saves us.

This is a graceful act. God didn't need to come to us, but God did! Jesus appears to all of us before our eyes and in the presence of one another. Just think of the ways God has come to you. Really think about it and jot down those ways on a notepad. Give thanks that God comes to us. Witness to all the world how God has come to you. Proclaim it to all you meet that they too may come to believe in Jesus gift of salvation.

What a joy!

Prayer
Jesus, you continue to come to each person in flesh and in spirit. Place the words in our mouths that proclaim the glory of your saving grace to those you give to us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 138
Thanksgiving and Praise

Of David.
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
   before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down towards your holy temple
   and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
   for you have exalted your name and your word
   above everything.
On the day I called, you answered me,
   you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
   for they have heard the words of your mouth.
They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
   for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
   but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
   you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
   and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me;
   your steadfast love, O Lord, endures for ever.
   Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Psalm
by Bill Lynch

Lord, each day I come to you,
   and you faithfully hear my voice.
You listen to my cry for help,
   you give me rest and strength.
You are almighty and wonderful,
   for you are great and listen.

Lord, you act and show your love,
   you reach out to me and act.
How many times I don't deserve,
   but you come to me and heal.
You are wonderful in power and glory,
   and above all creation.

Lord, you give protection from harm,
   and bring victory to the oppressed.
Your purpose is steadfast and trustworthy,
   and your love is unchanging.
I love to spring into action for you,
   for I place all my trust, hope and faith in you.

Prayer
Trustworthy, faithful, wonderful Father, I give you all the glory and honor and praise. You are all I need. You are my beginning and end. I rest in you alone... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 6:1-8
A Vision of God in the Temple

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’
The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!’

 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: ‘Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.’ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’

Reflection
When you contrast the way an earthly king died to the glory of our King in heaven, they just seem to be opposites. King Uzziah died a leper, a man that held God's holiness in contempt. Then Isaiah sees in a vision the hem of God's robe in the temple. Isaiah doesn't even need to see much more of God than his hem to know the holiness of God. Such the contrast to seeing King Uzziah during his reign.

Then the seraphs proclaim the holiness of God. Isaiah was humbled in the sight of this glory and majesty and realized his place. From the altar of the sacrifice came a seraph to Isaiah with a coal to touch his lips. Oh how Isaiah now wanted to proclaim God's message to all the people. His sin was forgiven! Send me!

Is it so much different for us today? Jesus was sacrificed on the altar of the cross for our sin. If you could imagine kneeling at the base of the cross and looking at Jesus in pain. We would feel the fire of passion and the fire of sin all combined into a mix of emotions and love right before our eyes and deep inside of our hearts. Jesus taking on our sin and perhaps a drop of blood touching our lips with a message to proclaim the glory of God. Our sin is blotted out. Our guilt has departed. Will you go to all the world? Yes! Yes! Send me! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you reach back into time and fulfill scripture. You come into the presence and touch the lives and hearts and lips of your children with love. May we boldly go this day to live out that love for you and for one another. Keep us in your care as we follow you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

4th Sunday After Epiphany 
Luke 4:21-30 (NRSV)
The prophet Jesus not accepted 

Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Reflection
Robert asked Ted, "So, what can you do for me?" Ted wasn't sure where Robert was coming from. Robert and Ted worked together twenty-three years ago. They worked side by side for about a year and a half. This was the first time that Ted had seen Robert since then.

Robert decided years ago to stay put in his job. It was the right decision to make for Robert. Robert had a young wife and a couple of young children to raise. Robert had lived a great life these past twenty some years. Ted had an opportunity to move along to another job that was more challenge and more pay. Ted decided to take the chance and moved. The new job included more pay. Ted had a wife at the time that was ready to move. Ted's wife wanted and liked to travel. Ted's career move was just the ticket for travel. Ted ended up moving eight times over those twenty years or so. Both Ted and his wife were happy.

But it bothered Ted that the first question after lunch with Robert was, "So, what can you do for me?" They had just gone over their lives for the past twenty years and both were happy with the decisions they had made that time long ago. The biggest difference being that now Ted was accepting a job as CEO of a local company in town. Ted had influence and money. Robert had happiness and family.

As they departed from lunch, Robert was angry with Ted. Ted didn't offer Robert an answer to the question. Ted had freely offered to help so many people over the years but never expected Robert to value their friendship and past acquaintance as a means to get ahead or to make more money. Robert left mad at Ted and Ted left disappointed.

Prayer
Jesus, you reach way beyond your roots to those you created. You created all life and your love extends to all people, past, present and future. Your love goes to all types of people. Help me to accept this and love you as you accept me. Jesus, when you are disappointed in me, guide and direct me onto the path you would have me take. And when I'm mad at you, open my eyes to your infinite love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down
Author: Charles Wesley (1747)
Tune: HYFRYDOL


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.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning,
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

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.

Text
Bill Lynch

Open eyes and ears and voices,
as we come to witness your love.
Jesus your deep love so pierces,
hearts and lives of those you love.
Show us how to love each other,
move our feet and hands as one.
For we seek you as a dear brother,
Savior, King and Glorious One.

Unify our message Father,
as we sing about your Son.
May we see our sister, brother,
warmed in love beneath the sun.
Build our faith that we may live,
lives as you alone would desire.
In your love as you came to give,
may that love burn in us like fire.

Prayer
Jesus, you are patient and kind. Your love never ends. As we learn of the depths of your love, receive our lives into you that we may love you and one another... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 4:21-30

Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

Reflection
We could see this whole thing taking place. They came out of the temple that day right below us. Jesus had just said something about us from a time long ago. A time when we just floated around and didn't shower any water on the people. It was a time that Elijah came to a widow to live for a while. I don't think we let loose of any rain for around three and one-half years. The land was parched and dry and the people were really suffering below us. God came and acted with Elijah and this widow of that time. We could see it all from above just like now.

So this time we see these people carrying Jesus out of the temple. They are ready to pitch Jesus off a cliff! I guess these people didn't want to listen to Jesus. This time was going to be a little different though. We were about to let go of some water. Jesus' ministry was in the early stages. Jesus would become the Savior of all people. No, not just the Jews... but all people. And we were about to let go of some life giving water that would wash so many people who came to believe.

Water unlike the waters of Noah's time. This water would not eliminate people. This water we were about to let go of would bring people to God. This water we were about to let go of would be a gift from God. Not only water. Water and God's Word. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit all given to all the people. Water and Word and a Promise that would be freely given and that would draw people into a close relationship with God and with one another.

By the way; as we watched from above, they weren't able to throw Jesus over. He passed right through them and onto a ministry that would change the world. We could see this whole thing taking place. We were about to let go of some water.

Prayer
Jesus, stop me in my tracks when I fail to hear your word. Stop me in my tracks when I come close to tossing you aside. Stop me in my tracks and show me your will and your way. Wash me clean... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen