Large Letters

Galatians 6:[1-6]7-16

[1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. 4 All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor's work, will become a cause for pride. 5 For all must carry their own loads. 6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.]

7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. 8 If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. 11 See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Reflection

So there I was for all the world to see. I was there from the hand of Paul. Bold and beautiful for all the world to see. I was there in a form that proclaimed something wonderful that everyone should know. Yes, there I was on record to proclaim a new creation. Yes, I was there for all to see and proclaim a new creation. A creation that came from the deadly cross of Christ. The deadly cross of Christ which now stood bold and beautiful to new life and salvation. I was only there to point to the Father, Son and Spirit in salvation.

Yes, I was bold and beautiful. God was there to turn death into a new creation of life. There I was from the hand of Paul, the large letters that I am.

Thanks be to God!

Music
Chris Tomlin - "I Will Boast"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwDMMVsbCkI

Prayer

Lord, take my tongue, take my fingers, take my mind and my soul. Make me large and make me bold and make me beautiful. Make me into a new creation that boldly proclaims to all the world your saving power. Today, tomorrow and forever... --- Amen

August 2nd Reflection

Ephesians 4:1-16 (NRSV)
​Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said,
"When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people."
(When it says, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.

Reflection
Yes, we are One. We are One together and we are One apart. For in our Oneness we are in Christ.

We are not One like some thing is one. We are not boring or even all the same.

We are One in our unity in Christ but so different one from another.

This is the beauty of the Church of God. There is variety and application of all sorts of blessings through our One Lord.

Christ draws us together in the unity of the cross and in the fulfillment of the resurrection. All of our unique skills, abilities, callings and blessings, work together for One. That's with a capital O for the Oneness of God.

Even as we peer into the mystery of the trinity... God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit all different yet all One; we can see the workings of God in the life of the Church in this world that is leading to that glorious Church eternal.

What a glorious day for each and for all when the baptized realize the beauty of each special life, each child of God that will be part of the ONE.

Thanks be to God!

Music

Prayer
Lord, lead us in faith and works to the ONE you would have each of us be in you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 1st Reflection

Psalm 78:23-29
​Yet he commanded the skies above,
and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained down on them manna to eat,
and gave them the grain of heaven.
Mortals ate of the bread of angels;
he sent them food in abundance.
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
and by his power he led out the south wind;
he rained flesh upon them like dust,
winged birds like the sand of the seas;
he let them fall within their camp,
all around their dwellings.
And they ate and were well filled,
for he gave them what they craved.

Reflection
Oh the manna and the quail. How abundantly does our God rain down upon us blessing.

Lord, give us this day our daily bread.
Yes, our daily bread; all that we need to live this life on earth and all the we need to live life in eternity.

God gives us not only what we need to sustain our bodies, such as food and clothing and the money necessary to our needs. God also blesses us with livelihood and friends and family of all types.

God provides for all of our needs. God even gives us graciously, salvation. Salvation from sin, death and the devil.

Oh... the manna and the quail.

And how God rains down all of this on all people. Not just some of the people but all of the people.

See how this blessing was provided to all the Israelites in the wilderness. Those that followed in God's commands and those who didn't.

Our God is a God of abundant grace and blessing to all.

Now what? How do you respond to such blessing?

Clear your doubt for a moment and reach out in the same love God has shown to you and to  all the people in your life with abundant and gracious blessing.

Not so easy? Not at all! Think of blessing those you hate! Think of blessing and providence for those you can't stand!

Yes, if we are to respond, we are to open our minds and our wills and our ways to all the people.

After all... isn't that what God has done for you?

Thanks be to God!

Music
I Am The Bread Of Live~Suzanne Toolan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuxJ8bcHTbQ

Prayer
Lord, how we hunger for the "bread of angels." As you rain down upon us the gracious bread and wine and as we partake of your body and blood; may we go forth fully fed to serve and love in abundance all you those given to us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

April 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.
 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Reflection
Mary only saw the stone rolled away! What did she assume? She ran to tell the disciples. It wasn't until later that Mary looked into the tomb to see. Was this her first time looking into the tomb? Did she take a peek inside before running to the disciples? Or did Mary just assume that since the stone was rolled away that Jesus was gone?

I don't know and can't tell from reading this passage. But I can relate to Mary and what she felt and did. Many times in my life the stone has been in the way of my seeing and understanding the call and message that Jesus has for my life. Many times I see the stone rolled away and forget about my encounter with Jesus and run to tell someone else what I assume to be the message.

But then also many times I go back to that tomb. I go back to the place that the stone is rolled away. I go back to death and the dead of my spirit and find Jesus. How did the stone roll away? It was Jesus. It was Jesus that rolled the stone of death from my heart to expose himself in life to me and to call me and stop me and make me lay down. Jesus stops me and shows himself to me and fills me with his Spirit that I may rise to new life in him. That I may hear his call. That I may respond to what God has chosen for me to do in this new life... in this resurrected life... in this life only made possible because Jesus chose to love me and to love all people enough to roll that stone of death away and expose all creation to a new and resurrected life.

Hear the voice of the Teacher call out your name to live the resurrected life in and through him.

Christ has risen!
He has risen indeed!
Alleluia!

Music
IN CHRIST ALONE by Adie Camp & Geoff Moore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OFwy93NfNs

Prayer
Lord as I see the stone rolled away. As I witness the empty tomb. As I remember the curtain torn in two. As I see you exposed in life to all the world... may I proclaim your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 1:9-15
 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’

Reflection
"...he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending..."

Sounds so much like the curtain torn apart at Jesus crucifixion! In Jesus baptism we already have God in the form of flesh with us, and now we have God in Spirit descending upon this world onto Jesus. God in flesh, God in Spirit, God in Creation... all at one in the world God created. God has become one with what God created  in the beginning. Through the baptism of Jesus we have a completion of God among the created.

Yet also as the curtain to the Holy of Holies was torn at Jesus death on the cross; the creation becomes open to heaven. Humanity and earth are open to God. A completion and a defeat of sin, death and the devil. And God is pleased.

Yes, God is pleased, not due to any action I have taken or ever could have taken. Rather, God is pleased because now what God has created, God has saved and made one with God.

But here in this passage of Scripture; Jesus receives the Spirit and is thrown into the wilderness for a long time to deal with Satan. If it were I dealing with Satan, I would lose the battle. But, thanks be to God, Jesus dealt with Satan in my place and defeated sin, death and Satan. All out of love for me, for you and for all people.

And in this is the kingdom of God... near... believe it!

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVIU_K2nBVY

When Jesus comes to be baptized

Prayer
Lord, thank you for this gift of love. Love that carries me to my death in baptism to new life in you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Peter 3:18-22
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight people, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

Reflection
"He descended into hell." Or, maybe you prefer to hear it put "He descended to the dead."

Christ suffered for our sins to have this privilege. A privilege? Well maybe more a mission or God's plan. God loves us so much that God suffers for our sins and comes to us even in our death. God comes to us in our sin. God comes to us in this fallen world and in our fallen lives to save us. Yes, Jesus was put to death in order to gain the privilege, the opportunity, complete the mission, of making proclamation to all the spirits in prison and to proclaim a life that brings a huge change... a new life... to all of us who are dead.

In and through our baptism we are claimed and named Children of God. We are chosen and called and brought up in a new life. We come out of the water in death to new life in Christ. We open our eyes and our spirits to hear Jesus proclaim to us something new and something different. Jesus died and rose that we too may die and rise to new life in Christ.

Think about it... just think about that awhile... "He descended into hell... He descended to the dead." For me, for you, for all, past, present and future.

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfB5wn1egZw
Here is our King - David Crowder Band
Prayer
Lord, give me pause... real silent pause... to think about how you descended into hell... descended to the dead. May I realize that that was for me. Yes, dear Lord, you wait patiently.... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 18th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
‘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.
 ‘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.
 ‘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.
 ‘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
Face it and be humble. Humility is a trait to be desired. Having hope in something other than yourself is a great place to start.

You are a child of God. God loves you. Both of these statements are true. But they are also true of all humanity. God created all that exists. All we have is a gift from God. The good, the bad, all of it is a gift from God. How can the bad be a gift from God? When you fast it hurts. You are weakened in one sense but strengthened in another sense. You realize what gifts God has given you and you appreciate God's presence in those gifts and in your life that much more.

So, today. as we remember the words... remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. Let us feel the grit of the pain that came shortly after the celebration of the palms on Palm Sunday as we rejoiced in Jesus trip into Jerusalem those many years ago. And let us remember the sacrifice that Jesus paid for all humanity. All of us... not one is left out in this sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross.

Yes, we feel the grit and see the dark ash of palm leaves mixed with that same baptismal oil and a different kind of cross is placed upon our forehead. A black cross that reminds us of death and pain yet salvation and love.

That's how the bad can be a gift from God! What God has done for you and for me and for all the people of this earth yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever has changed from bad, to good and gracious love. Not through what we have done. But through what God has done.

So we seek to know God. We seek out God with thankful yet penitent hearts. We remember yet we live out the hope. We wander in the desert knowing the hope of God will be before our eyes.

Even as we feel that mixture of the ashes of joyous palm leaves and the oil. Let the grit upon our foreheads become the oil of our baptism in eternal life through Jesus our Savior.

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rR_Rdb1CTE
Chris Tomlin - I Lift My Hands

Prayer
Lord, as I remember let me live out the hope you have prepared for me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 16th 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
Now is the time. Today is the day. Accept the grace of God through Jesus. For Jesus became sin for you and for me. Jesus, who did not sin, became the sin that you and I had been born into and have become all wrapped up in, to give his life, in our place. Jesus became my bloody and ugly sin. Jesus took on my sin and your sin so that we could live forgiven in this world and the world to come.

Yes, through Jesus we have eternal life in our one life here in this place, to continue life with Jesus in eternity. So the time is now. The time is today. The place for eternity is here. Whatever may come our way we can live out salvation through God's gracious act in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Through death we come to life and through life we can live to die.

It won't be easy. We will still suffer. We will face many hardships but whatever we face we know that in salvation we live forever in the hope of Christ and the promise of life. Yes in this contrast we may have nothing but have everything.

So live your eternal life here and now. Proclaim Christ and his glory to all the world. Show the love of Jesus as you live out your eternal life beginning now. Boldly live life in service to God knowing the grace of Jesus dwells in you and frees you to proclaim this gift offered to all people.

Now is the time. Today is the day. Accept the grace of God through Jesus.

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSjHCn4JCDU
Jesus Messiah - Chris tomlin

Prayer
Lord, as I live out this eternal life you have given to me, may I show your glory to all those you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 9:2-9
 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Reflection
Have you seen the bright light shine through the candle? Perhaps the candle was inside a container with decorative colors. Have you seen the bright light of the candle shine through all of the colors of the candle container?

Have you ever sat in the dark and watched the light of the candle? That light appears, and is, very bright in the midst of the darkness.

Have you been to the homeless shelter and heard the stories told by the homeless and seen the bright light shine through the one speaking? Have you been to the prison and heard the dreams of a prisoner and seen the bright light shine through the prisoner? Have you been to visit someone in the hospital and heard the hope of healing and then seen the bright light shine through that very same person speaking as they lay in the hospital bed?

Have you seen the bright light shine through the one working at the food pantry? Have you seen the bright light shine through that person delivery Thanksgiving Baskets to the needy? Have you seen the bright light shine through the one serving at the soup kitchen? Have you seen the bright light shine through the one teaching?

Have you seen the bright light of Jesus at your door with Moses and Elijah and someone else? Have you heard the voice of Jesus invite you outside to play?

Have you ever thought of the light of Jesus shining through you? Shining through your flaws and sinfulness to make a beautiful array of colors to those who you see Jesus in you from the inside out?

We may not have seen a transfiguration like Peter. We may not have seen the Light of Jesus in the midst of the cloud as the Israelites witnessed in the desert.

But we can see the bright light of Jesus shine through so many people in our world today.

Look around and you will see the Light of Jesus shining. Look around and you will see the Light of Jesus making the flaws of this world beautiful. Look around and you will see the bright Light of Jesus making something wonderful from the inside out of a friend, a stranger, a fellow disciple.

Just look around and you will see the Light of the Transfiguration.

Look to the saving and gracious Light of Jesus and you will see life... eternal life. Life that only God could grant through Jesus.

Just look and see!

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2QzIPx59I0
"Shine Through Me" Music by Rev. Michael Gott

Prayer
Lord, as I look to you each day, may your Light shine through me in all that I do and say... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 29
A Psalm of David.

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
   ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
   worship the Lord in holy splendour.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
   the God of glory thunders,
   the Lord, over mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
   the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
   the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
   and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
   the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
   and strips the forest bare;
   and in his temple all say, ‘Glory!’

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
   the Lord sits enthroned as king for ever.
May the Lord give strength to his people!
   May the Lord bless his people with peace!

Reflection
The voice of the Lord... How do I hear the voice of the Lord? Have I ever heard the voice of the Lord? When have I heard the voice of the Lord?

The psalmist speaks often about the voice of the Lord. Even part of this entire blog-site is based upon... How do you hear God speaking to you? How do you hear the voice of the Lord?

The voice of the Lord has spoken to me in the words of Scripture. Perhaps more clearly the Word of Scripture. The Word made flesh. I hear the voice of the Lord speak to me in the sacraments of Baptism and Communion. I hear the voice of the Lord speak to me in the words of so many people in congregations and churches where God is present through the Pastors, the Lay people, and in so many and various ways. I hear the voice of the Lord speak to me in plays, in puppets, in music, in the reading of scripture, in the homeless, in the prisoners I meet, in those people who are the lowliest of society the voice of the Lord speaks to me. I hear the voice of the Lord speak to me in the quiet and contemplative moments alone in nature. I hear the voice of the Lord speak to me in the mighty winds and in thunder and the roar of the ocean.

How many ways do you hear the voice of the Lord?

But it there seems to need to be a time to stop it all. To stop it all and reflect on the voice of the Lord and to listen carefully to the message God has graciously given to each of us and uniquely given to each of us in the voice of the Lord. We must pause and ponder and reflect and hear the calling, the direction, the instruction and the action or no action that God wants us to heed.

Yes, even at the baptism of Jesus, we hear the voice of the Lord call out to all the people. A voice that stops us in our tracks and a voice that calls us to stop and listen.

Yes Lord! Jesus is your Son! Yes Lord! Jesus is your Chosen! Yes Lord! Jesus is our Savior!

As I hear your voice oh Lord... hear my voice of praise and thanksgiving.

The voice of the Lord. Stop... look... listen... hear and understand what it is God is causing you to see... deep within.

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y
Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns

Prayer
Lord, give me pause to hear your voice and heed your call and do your will... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Genesis 1:1-5
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Reflection
Something out of nothing. A formless void. Try to picture a formless void, something without contents and empty and at the same time formless. I can't even grasp it in my own mind. On top of it all this formless void was darkness. And then God sends a wind to sweep over the face of the waters and gives this formless void light.

There is something to this wind and light that is special. Both come from God and the wind sweeps over the waters and the light separates itself from the darkness that brings a contrast between dark and light, morning and evening.

How can I not help to think of my baptism. In the formless void of the dark waters of my baptism; God brings forth something new. Something newly created that involve God's Word, water, and as I rise out of the waters of baptism, new light and new life. And in this rising from the darkness of the water is my first day. Your first day. The first day of life having been reborn out of the darkness. I rise all wet and with the new life only God can give. The first day...

And in this passage comes to mind baptism, water, and God the Creator, God the Light of the world in Jesus and God the Holy Spirit in the wind; all coming together to create a new life in the baptism of individuals and the baptism of this world and all that exists.

Listen...

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q_FTRNTDbU
Born Again by Third Day

Prayer
Lord, as I rise this day, may I recall my baptism and the life you so freely give to me to be in your presence. May I feel the Light of your grace as I rise from death to new life in you and may this be the first day of new life serving you and those you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Reflection
Imagine a time and a place before there was time and space. You can't! I can't! I don't know who can? But in this passage I have to think deep and think of this time and this space. Something I can't think of.

And then just the Word... Logos... God's voice or command or promise. All in the beginning. Rather "a" beginning. A beginning that brought forth life just from God's Word or Logos. And everything... everything I can imagine comes into being and life. All time and space comes forth from the Word of God and sheds Light into all that I can fathom and even the things I can't fathom.

And this Light... this Word... this Logos... this Jesus... this Savior is born into this world and into the hearts of all those who believe. All there before I can even imagine anything or even there before I can't imagine nothing. All there before I can do anything about it even. All life through Jesus who came into what he created just for you and for me and for all life... Jesus became flesh full of grace and truth.

"What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."

Just think of it... or don't think of it... whichever... just believe!

"And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth."

Thanks be to God!

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiA_fVoqe04
The Word Became Flesh

Prayer
Word... Light... Jesus... you have come to me and to all the world. Let your light shine in the darkness of this world to proclaim life... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

Reflection
Last night my grand-daughter Kaiya was in bed with me watching a movie I had recorded, "The Nativity." Of course, I fell asleep but when I woke up I kicked my knee up into the air and my knee blocked Kaiya's view of the TV. She immediately yelled, "Peepaw! Put you knee down! I want to see Jesus!" I looked at the TV and the scene was just at the moment of Jesus birth and Kaiya didn't want to miss seeing Jesus.

What Kaiya said to me reminded me of what a church friend of mine, Herb Neve, said one time in response to a question that I had asked all of the Saturday Morning Men's Group about what would be the first request they might have when they were in heaven. Herb loudly and boldly stated... "I want to see Jesus!"

So as I reflect on the passage of Scripture above, I come to the same conclusion... "I want to see Jesus!" I imagine that the shepherds may have had the same words upon their lips as well... "I want to see Jesus!" And that they did! Was this Jesus, this Savior, this Messiah all that they expected to see? I don't know. But when the angels come and praise God in your face and in your heart; I'm sure it lends credence that this Jesus came into this world just as God had planned. In a manger and to some of the poorest people around. Yes... Jesus came homeless and poor. Jesus came to those just like you and me and Kaiya and Herb. Jesus came into this world for all the people that "Want to see Jesus."

So clear the way... take a look... it's not only me... it's not only Kaiya... it's not only Herb... there are so many more... that want to see Jesus. For Jesus has come to you and to me and to all the world. Jesus has come so that all may see the Savior... this evening... this night.... and in this time and this place.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come... "I want to see Jesus!"

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4h_A815YYg&feature=youtu.be
Video of Kaiya getting to take the Baby Jesus up to the altar to place in the manger on Christmas Eve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus

Prayer
Lord, you have made yourself present to all and for all to see. Come into the lives of all your people and show us your will and your way for us in this time and this place. Yes, Lord, I want to see Jesus!... today... tomorrow... and forever .--- Amen

December 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Titus 2:11-14
 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Reflection
It's been a rough Advent season for me. I've been ill with Crohn's disease and sick most of the time. The disease draws me down and into myself. It seems all the strength I can muster is to just get up and move about a little from day to day. And then you have the tests. Tests that began right after Thanksgiving. Tests that brought forth more tests. Tests that result in changes to medications that take time for the body to adjust to and accept. Tests that bring on procedures and recovery time. It's been a rough Advent season for me. A time to wait. A time of weakness. A time to depend on those around me. A time to wait on the Lord to work in me and through me and in those God gives wonderful gifts of healing to administer solutions. A time of prayer and following the doctor's orders even when at times it nothing seems to be working.

But that's how grace works. Grace works through the tough times. Grace comes even in the midst of this world's illness, death, suffering and pain. Grace comes to us in the times that we need it the most. Grace comes even in death. Yes, especially in death grace comes. For the grace of God in Christ Jesus came through the gift of a Savior and we wait. Grace comes in the baby and in the cross. Grace comes in the birth and in the death of Jesus. Grace comes to us in the One "...who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds."

It been a rough Advent season for me... but in and through it all... is a "blessed hope and a manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ."

It's been a rough Advent season for me but a blessed and grace filled season too.

" For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all..."

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5KFggYRMdU
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Carrie Underwood

Prayer
Lord of all life... you have come... you are here... you fill me with hope and grace to live the life you have given me in your life and death and resurrection. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way;
the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
   “Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight” ’,
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’

Reflection
Sending a messenger ahead... It's hard for me to imagine that 25 years ago today almost to this same time, my brother, Jim, and I sat with Dad and watched him die. It's more like everything just slowed down and stopped. But, in another sense, I had the feeling that even though the body stopped there was something great and new and a continuation happening all at the same time. Something that Dad tried when still active days earlier, I think to describe through hand signals and blinking eyes and motions but still something that I don't think any of us would be able to imagine or place into word.

Dad had always been the messenger sent ahead for my life. He was an example of how to live, how to work, how to change, how to give of yourself to those in need. He was a messenger sent ahead for me any way I look at it.

So, 25 years have passed? Sometimes that seems like a long time and sometimes it seems like yesterday. Years pass but his presence has always remained in my mind and in my heart. I have thought so many times about lessons and skills he graciously gave me to use as I live my life in this here and now.

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness. And people came to the wilderness to hear what John had to say. John lived the life of one from the wilderness as well. John didn't try to be anything that God didn't want John to be. John was John to the core. And John knew that he was a messenger. A messenger with a purpose and truth to tell.

Through the power of God, John brought people to realize repentance and forgiveness and the washing of the water of baptism in their lives. John brought people to prepare to hear the message... even more to live the message... even to follow the message and see God's coming.

John was the messenger to something that we can't fully understand, we can't full believe, we can't fully put into words. John was the messenger that did the best he could with God acting through and in him to point to what I don't think any of us would be able to imagine or place into word.

Sounds kind of like what my dad was trying to blink, motion, tell to me and my brother and all the world 25 years ago.

God IS coming. God IS coming to you. God will knock your socks off with what is in store next!

"He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’"

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_OB7d-B1Vw

Prayer
Lord, use me to proclaim what I can't explain or put into words, that all may come to you and see your grace and your glory. I point to you as your messenger... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

2 Peter 3:8-15a
 But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.

 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
 Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him,

Reflection
We want to hurry up for something to happen and take place and then we wish it hadn't gone by so quickly. We are tied into this sense of time so much that we get confused. As a child it seems as if it will take forever for Christmas Day to arrive. As an adult the years seem to pass by quickly. We see our children grow. At various stages of their growth time seems to fly and at other stages we think perhaps they will not grow up at all. Time is always on our minds. How much time do I need to get ready for work? What is the travel time from here to there? How long is this meeting going to last? Why am I always either too early or too late? What happened to all the time as we mourn the loss of a family member or friend?  What a waste of time!

Yet, when I read this passage; it seems that time is not any priority in the eyes of God. Time stands still or doesn't even exist it seems as I reflect. And with time goes all of the elements of our surrounding as well. What is this world or this place or this way of being that God draws us into without the sense of time in it?

It's no wonder that the passage speaks of God's coming like a thief in the night... you don't have any sense of time.

So, what about waiting? How do you wait on God without a sense of time in your life? How do you wait for something to happen or take place without a sense of time? Can we speed God's return by waiting? Can we do anything about this waiting?

The passage suggests to me that we wait and not worry about the time. We wait and work and follow God through leading lives of holiness and faithfulness and godliness. We wait in the trust and hope that God's return is sure. We wait in this realm of time we have been given without worry about when, but while focusing on the promise that God will return. We wait in peace and patience assured that God will save us and will have that everlasting relationship with us in the heavenly realm of eternal love.

So, even though I struggle with time in the here and now... I attempt... I hope... I wait... for God to come again... in whatever time God chooses.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq62ggQKYJY

Prayer
I look... I wait... I check my watch... but most important of all, dear Lord, I wait for your promise is sure... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
To the leader. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.
Lord, you were favourable to your land;
   you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
   you pardoned all their sin.
          Selah
Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
   for he will speak peace to his people,
   to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
   that his glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
   righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
   and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good,
   and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
   and will make a path for his steps.

Reflection
God looks upon us and our lives and is loving anyway. In grace God has forgiven our sin. As we recognize and smell, yes the stench of our sin, we become aware of our separation from God. We suffer the destruction that our sin causes to us and to those around us. I don't even think we know the depth of the effects of our sin beyond ourselves, let alone what our sin has done to those around us.

So, we turn to God and repent. We turn to God and seek favor. We turn to God and seek the grace of forgiveness. In some very small way it's like going to Mom or Dad and telling them of something we have done that was against their wishes. We swallow pride and knowing the difference between good and bad and right and wrong we go to tell our offense.

And just like a Mom or Dad wishing to see only good for the child, there is forgiveness and love. Sometimes it's not easy love though. Sometimes there is a lesson to be learned and it's a tough road. Sometimes we never forget our offense or sin, but in the eyes of the Parent we are forgiven and given another chance. But first and probably always, we need to swallow our pride. We need to realize that sin is something we can't fix by any kind of "do good" actions. Sin can only be forgiven.

And then the release. A release not from the impact of the sin but a release from the eternal punishment that we deserve because of our sin. A release that could only be obtained by pain through Christ... through God... through our Savior taking our sin upon himself and loving us to death to lead us to everlasting life with him and through him.

And that's where it happens! That's the place of steadfast love meeting faithfulness. Steadfast love in the love of God through Jesus. Faithfulness in a God that never leaves the Children.

And our joyous response of steadfast love and faithfulness to a God that would save us from the fires of hell that we deserve and take us to be with God in eternity.

Yes...
"The Lord will give what is good,
   and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
   and will make a path for his steps."

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfo-toNbaTM

Prayer
Lord, I turn to you this day with my sin in mind. I bring my sin before you and confess what I have done and what I have left undone. Forgive me and pour our your love upon me. As I forgive those who have wronged me, pour out your love on them and myself and all your people seeking your forgiveness and grace... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 40:1-11
Comfort, O comfort my people,
   says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
   and cry to her
that she has served her term,
   that her penalty is paid,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
   double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:
‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
   make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be lifted up,
   and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
   and the rough places a plain.
Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
   and all people shall see it together,
   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

A voice says, ‘Cry out!’
   And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’
All people are grass,
   their constancy is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
   when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
   surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades;
   but the word of our God will stand for ever.
Get you up to a high mountain,
   O Zion, herald of good tidings;
lift up your voice with strength,
   O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,
   lift it up, do not fear;
say to the cities of Judah,
   ‘Here is your God!’
See, the Lord God comes with might,
   and his arm rules for him;
his reward is with him,
   and his recompense before him.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd;
   he will gather the lambs in his arms,
and carry them in his bosom,
   and gently lead the mother sheep.

Reflection
I recall trips to Tennessee and North Carolina from Ohio. The drive would progress through slightly rolling hills that would increase in height to mountains. As you approach the mountains sometimes it seemed as if your vision was blocked directly by the mountain. But, oh, once you reached the peak of the mountain how the scenery changed and became as beautiful as all of God's creation spread before you and beneath you. It was as if you could now see clearly.

Likewise on the return trip from the mountainous areas, the coming down from the mountain peaks and into the rolling hills seemed to open up the landscape and provide a beautiful freedom of the valley and the surrounding scenery. Especially the farm lands of Ohio where the bounty of all of God's creation sprung forth with life and food for body and soul. It was as if you could now see clearly.

Once again in this passage of scripture above I am reminded of what remains the same even in the midst of contrast.

"The grass withers, the flower fades;

   but the word of our God will stand for ever."

We can rejoice daily upon the mountain top and proclaim the Word of the Lord given to us in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. We can tell all of the world with outstretched arms what God has given to us in the life of Jesus. Even in the midst of sin, death and the devil; we are free to proclaim the life God gives to all creation.

And, yes, we can rejoice daily through the wide open and rolling hills, the beauty of how God feeds us in the common bread and body of Christ to all the world. A God that will lead us and guide us through the winding hills of life. 

The one thing that remains the same throughout, from the mountain peak to the valley floor is that Jesus walks right along with us guiding us and giving us the hope of a promise of life and eternal time with God. Time with all those past, present and future when everything will be put in order.

Just as God's Chosen would have been reminded in this passage of wandering in the desert or returning from exile; we too can be reminded of our own journey here on earth. God's Word is with us always... even when we can't see God... even in the midst of our sin... even in the midst of death... even as we mourn... even in the midst of illness and forever in the presence of the joy and hope of Jesus life, ministry, healing, suffering, death, resurrection and return. God's Word will stand for ever.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hONtxzbUMhA

Prayer

Lord, as I watch for you in everyday life, open my eyes in the valley to see you and open my mouth on the mountain top to proclaim your steadfast promise of everlasting life as you come to each and to all... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen 

November 30th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 13:24-37
 ‘But in those days, after that suffering,
the sun will be darkened,
   and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven,
   and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in clouds” with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
 ‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
 ‘But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’

Reflection
So many things change and become different. So many things to watch for and to take caution. So many signs to make each of us aware of something in the present and the future.

Even the mundane things in life such as driving. We look in the mirrors to watch the drivers around, beside and behind. We look to our "blind" spot and are wary of what may be hidden. We watch through the windshield for signs of something that may happen and cause us to take immediate action. So many things change and become different, even as we drive along the road.

Likewise in life, so many things change our plans and our goals. Things change and we need to take different directions. Perhaps a loss of work causes us to switch careers. A loss of a loved one changes our thoughts for a lifetime. Even direction from God through changes in life, perhaps may cause us to get up and go much like Abram got up and left his home to journey to where God had chosen to lead. So many things change and become different, even as we live our lives in the here and now.

I think the passage of scripture above is Jesus speaking to us about change. Huge change and small change and all change perhaps. A preparation that things will change in this world and not only in this world but within each one of us. Jesus is coming. What? I'm sure some would say that Jesus is here! Even the disciples and followers of the day would have probably thought that all the coming business was over. Jesus was with them... Jesus was there!

But I think that even with Jesus here physically... he may well be also coming too. Jesus is coming all in the midst of change. A change in my heart and in your heart. Jesus is coming in a change in my soul and your soul. Jesus is coming into the midst of my life and your life. Jesus is surely coming. We need to look in the mirrors. We need to look through the windshield. We need to look for the signs and be ready. Jesus is coming to the world and to creation and to you and to me. Yes, Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming and will have an eternal impact on all of us. Jesus is coming, has come and will come again. Jesus is coming personally and corporately and for all creation. Yes! Jesus is coming!

The one thing that doesn't change that makes this statement of Jesus, without a doubt, the Truth, is just a few words in the passage above.

"Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Here Jesus tells us of the change. Here Jesus tells us what won't change. Jesus words... the Word of God... will not change. Everything else may change. We won't know the time or the hour but we will know the Truth. The Truth in the Word made flesh in Jesus. We can rest assured and plan for Jesus' coming.

Yes, Jesus is coming! Don't fear! Jesus is coming! Coming to you to lead you and guide you and teach you and heal you and save you from your sinful self. Jesus is coming to save you from sin, death and the devil. Jesus is coming to you and to all the people.

I look forward to Jesus' coming to me and for all. I look to the clouds. I look to the mirrors. I look through the windshield of life all around and wait in hopeful and excited anticipation for Jesus to come. Jesus word will not change... but everything else surely will!

But for now... we watch in joy... we listen and hear the call... we use the gifts God has graciously given us... we change into what God would have us be for here and now... and... we wait for Jesus to come!

In joy... in hope... in great anticipation... I look daily, hourly and each minute for Jesus to come!

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Video/Music
Peace be to you and grace from Him
Who freed us from our sin Who loved us all, and shed his blood
That we might saved be.
Sing holy, holy to our Lord
The Lord almighty God Who was and is, and is to come
Sing holy, holy Lord.
Rejoice in heaven,
all ye that dwell therein
Rejoice on earth, ye saints below 
For Christ is coming,
Is coming soon
For Christ is coming soon.
E'en so Lord Jesus quickly come
And night shall be no more
They need no light, no lamp, nor sun

For Christ will be their All!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCut48BRwEs

Prayer
Lord, your words will not pass away! Use me to do your will as I wait in hopefulness for your coming... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 29th Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Corinthians 1:3-9
 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reflection
Thanks
Grace Given in Christ Jesus
Enrichment
Spiritual gifts
Waiting for the revealing of Jesus
Strength
God is faithful
Calling

A greeting and two sentences... Is that what I see above in this passage? It seems to be, as I double check. Then I look at the list of words and phrases that jump out to me and think of how much the Holy Spirit inspired such a few words.

Word... rather. Word that comes, no really springs to life, in the lives of the called people of God throughout all places and throughout all time. Word that becomes active in the Church. Word that comes into a dark and sinful world in the form of human flesh. Word that gives all life... even to death... to restore and refresh and renew and create everlasting springs of water that overflow in the love and life of God in Jesus and in Spirit and in Church to all things.

Word that calls us back into a relationship that we walked away from. Word that draws us together even in the midst of our sin. Word that unites.

A greeting and two sentences full...

Full of... Thanks
Full of... Grace Given in Christ Jesus
Full of... Enrichment
Full of... Spiritual gifts
Full of... Waiting for the revealing of Jesus
Full of... Strength
Full of... God is faithful
Full of...Calling

Full of the Word made flesh... Full of Jesus!

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Video 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyQcS8f4KGM

Prayer
Lord, you have filled me with thanks, grace, enrichment, gifts, strength, faithfulness and given me a calling. Guide me and all your people as we await the revealing of Jesus... inside... outside... above... and all around and within each and everyone of us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 27th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
   so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
as when fire kindles brushwood
   and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
   so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
   you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard,
   no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
   who works for those who wait for him.
You meet those who gladly do right,
   those who remember you in your ways.
But you were angry, and we sinned;
   because you hid yourself we transgressed.
We have all become like one who is unclean,
   and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.
We all fade like a leaf,
   and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
There is no one who calls on your name,
   or attempts to take hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us,
   and have delivered us into the hand of our iniquity.
Yet, O Lord, you are our Father;
   we are the clay, and you are our potter;
   we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord,
   and do not remember iniquity for ever.
   Now consider, we are all your people.

Reflection
It's true. God comes to each and every one of us in mighty ways. Ways that we even refuse to acknowledge or recognize. God has come to us in creation and science and life and death. God has come to us in the midst of our filth, sin, illness, murder, lies and even in the midst of our running away from God.

Look to the skies in the evening and to the hills during sunrise. Think about in wonder how all that is around you, above you, beneath you and inside of you came into being. Think of life and feel the power of a God that brings to life all things. Recall those times you have witnessed the power and authority of so many things in life. The volcano, the earthquake, the snowfall and the rain and sunshine. Ponder the growth of food and trees and all vegetation. Stare at in amazement at the various forms of animal life. Go to an aquarium or dive to see what life is hidden in the sea. Explore what God has granted life to above the sea. Is there life in this universe? Of course!

But then, God comes to us. God comes to a Chosen People to reveal life and power and grace to all the peoples. God comes to all of us and chooses to grant life through the life of Jesus from the midst of a manger to a poor couple and a people that are not of the Chosen People and to the people that are the Chosen People. Yes, it's true, God tears open the heavens and always comes down. Comes down in Jesus to save me and you and all creation.

All just at the right moment in time as we sin and turn from God, God tears heaven open out of love to save us. We couldn't... we can't do anything about this action of God's love. It's a love given to us despite our efforts to please God. It's a love that bursts into our inner lives when we need God the most. It's a love that gives all to bring life from death.

As we turn to face this love... look... see... hear... use whatever senses and whatever abilities you have been given and give thanks to God for bursting forth from heaven to enter into your inner most being. Then let that love tear you open wide. Open wide to share that same love God has given to you with your neighbor and all those God gives to you each day. Share God's love not out of a sense of accomplishment but out of a sense of devotion and love to all that God has done for you... done for you... when you needed it the most. How else could you respond to such grace freely given?

Now consider... we are all God's people.

Thanks be to God!

Song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSav2_WtHAA

Prayer
Lord, as I turn to you and you open yourself to me. May I see your glory. May I know your presence. How I need you to come near. How I need your presence. How I need you in my life. How I need you! Forgive my sin and come Lord Jesus come. Come into my innermost being and let your love flow through me to all you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen