December 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 1:68-79

‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
   for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty saviour for us
   in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
   that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
   and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
   to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
   before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
   by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
   the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
   to guide our feet into the way of peace.’

Reflection
Return Horn of salvation!
  You are strong and mighty.
Jesus, you are the hope of all people.
   Your people wait for you.
God of power and might,
   You acted through Jesus.
You showed all people your love.
   You came into this world in flesh.
You walked among your people.
  You spoke the Word that created all.
Your grace is like the rising sun.
  Fresh warmth you give to the face of your people.
Endowed with the Spirit we serve you alone.
  You are all we need.
Come, Lord Jesus come again!
  Fulfill your promise to eternity.

Prayer
We look, we wait, we listen, we hope and we wait. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Malachi 3:1-4
The Coming Messenger

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Reflection
"I'm ready to go when you are." A phrase many times shouted to me. It always seems that I'm doing something. This time I was watching the Bengals play. But we needed to go to the grocery and shop for food. The pantry was bare. So, I wasn't prepared at that moment. I wasn't prepared in mind or physically. I didn't want to leave. I was comfortable and watching the football game and I didn't have my shoes on. I wasn't prepared to leave but I had to leave anyway. So I prepared myself.

This passage speaks of a messenger sent to prepare the way of one who will suddenly come to the temple and will make things clean and pure, so that a proper offering can be made that pleases God. How can you not help but think of John the Baptist and Jesus after reading this passage? Are you prepared? Get ready!
He is coming. Things will be purified.

Purification isn't easy either. The Fuller would bleach cloth to make it clean. The Refiner sits over the silver until the impurities are burnt away and removes those impurities until the surface reflects the Refiner's face. Can't you see Jesus washing our sins away? Can't you see Jesus burning out our impurities until he can see his face in us?

"I'm ready to go when you are."

Prayer
Lord, as I hear the words to prepare myself, I also look forward to the pain of the preparation you will make of me. The sting of bleach and the heat of the fire to make me like you. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

1st Sunday of Advent 
Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."

Reflection
It was all so wrong. It just didn't seem fair. How could God let this happen to any people, no matter if they believed or not. The tornado had swept through the neighborhood with a vengeance. The tornado seemed to pick and choose houses. Hit a house and skip a house, hit two houses in a row and jump across the street to a row of four houses and then skip a house. Sadly one of my elderly neighbors, Ben, was killed by a two by four as he hid in his basement. Several neighbors were hurt, a few broken bones and many of them were cut.

After the tornado passed, I went out into the street to see what had happened and survey the damage. My house was, for the most part, missed. There was some damage from debris and the roof and shingles were torn up, but that was about it. I turned to see the destruction and ran to my neighbor's houses to see if anyone was hurt and to help them. I had my cell phone and called 911 but rescue was coming down the street as I was tapping the numbers into my phone.

The firefighters were amazing. They had practiced and were ready for just such a disaster. The only way I was called upon to help was to account for how many people lived in which houses. It was the Fire Chief that corralled me and kept me captive for this information. Of course I knew most of the information but not all of it. Luckily another neighbor from down the street came and helped with those neighbors that I didn't personally know that he did know.

After all had been accounted for and the injured treated or taken to the hospital and Ben's family notified; it felt as if a load of emotion was dropped upon me. As I sat in my family room and recalled the events of that day, it dawned upon me that God wasn't in the storm; God was in the rescue. God was in the healing. God was the one that made things right after a random weather event. God didn't pick and choose people to punish with death, injury and loss. God came to those who needed healing. And God came to save. God was in the rescue.

Those words just kept flooding my mind. I thought of the coming of Jesus to a lost and broken world. God was in the rescue, the salvation, the healing. God was keeping his promise that even after we mess it all up, he will come. Israel had messed it up in the worship of idols. King after king came into rule with only a few good ones and for the most part they lead the people away from God. Likewise in my life, I sin and run from God. I make a mess of things on my own. But God comes to me in the Holy Spirit and the Word of the Bible and through Jesus to rescue me from myself, sin, death and the devil. God came to save. God is in the rescue and the healing!

In the next few weeks and months to follow, I decided that I wanted to be part of the rescue and the healing. I wanted to be the hands that God could use to help my neighbor's recover. I wanted to be the heart and voice of rescue and healing and I wanted God to use me day after day. Daily in prayer I came to God and time after time a word was spoken to do this or do that or drink coffee and talk to this person or that person and just to be there.

As I did these things and kept in prayer, I noticed a change in myself. I was healing and being rescued by the very people I was going to. It became a two way street in our neighborhood with a God that was treating and healing and saving all of us together in community with one another with God at the center.

God wasn't in the storm... God was in the rescue.

Prayer
Lord, this season of Advent, we think and we wait, we listen and we live in the hope of your rescue. You rescue after the storm. You are with us in the storm, before the storm and after the storm. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 21:25-36

The Coming of the Son of Man

 ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Reflection
This passage begins in chaos. I think of God hovering over the seas of chaos at the beginning of creation and how he brought order to all things. Here it seems as if the chaos of the seas is spilling over the shores onto the earth. Sure, we see this literally to this day in hurricanes and storms and all sorts of natural events that occur in this world, but this passage seems to even go beyond the literal to the spiritual. Our lives contain the sinfulness of chaos that spills over too. We deal with all kinds of events that cause us to stop and think about spiritual well being. And God cares for us in the physical sense and the spiritual sense of being.

God cares enough that he sent his Son into our world and our hearts. We can anticipate Jesus' coming into our world as he has done in the past, as he does in the present through the Holy Spirit and as he will do triumphantly in the end times. We can anticipate these events and remember these events and live these events in the hope and confidence of a Savior that heals all wounds and wipes away all tears as our redemption draws near.

What about this Second Advent? As we begin an Advent season this year, we also look towards that Second Advent that Jesus speaks of in this passage. In all the trees, only the fig tree is chosen here in this example. The fig tree was a common tree of the area. Think of all the people on this earth. Most of us are "common" people. We aren't rich or powerful or people that hold all the prestige that only a few people can hold. Most of us are "common" people. Jesus chooses the common tree to announce the coming joy of summer. And Jesus came into this world as a common child to announce salvation for all. Jesus walked the common life and announced the coming kingdom that goes way beyond the kingdom that the powerful and rich would have on this earth. Jesus announces his coming into our hearts and into the future.

Yes, in the common people such as you and I, Jesus comes into this world, into our hearts and into our futures. Jesus comes with healing and salvation and teaches us how to love and live together in peace. It's a path and a prediction that is reliable and fascinating and joyful and exciting to live with and into.

There will be suffering and tears, but just wait! Just wait! The healing comes in the salvation from our Savior and King. Watch and wait! Watch and wait! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, we look, we listen, we watch and we wait. You are coming soon! Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 30th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Luke 21:25-36

The Coming of the Son of Man

 ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch

 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

Reflection
So, here I am, like I always am. When spring comes, I come to life. I can't wait for spring to get here. So at the first sign of spring I get busy and show my leaves. It's a gift God gave to me right from the start. It's like I'm the rooster of the tree farm. I get up early in the spring and show all the other various kinds of trees that spring is here!

I always point all of the other trees to the hope of spring and summer. It's a hope of new life to come. It's a beautiful season when life returns in full to all of the trees. Spring is a little like the coming of Jesus. We made it through those horrible times of winter and now God comes to this earth and shines the warmth and Light upon all, that new life comes to them. You have to believe in this new Life, because it comes freely. I didn't do anything to bring this new Light and Warmth to this earth, it just came to me out of love for me.

To all of my human friends out there; listen to Jesus, when you see him coming on the clouds, after the winter time of events he told you about, then look forward in hope. Be alert for this and keep praying. Soon your winter will be over and you will stand in the light of the Son of Man.

Prayer
Lord, may I not fall asleep, but keep alert to the signs that happen all around me each day. For, as I listen to your voice, I seek to sprout the fruit you would have me sprout, just at the moment you choose. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 29th Reflection by Bill Lynch

The King shall come when morning dawns
Author: John Brownlie (1907)
I
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light triumphant breaks;
When beauty gilds the eastern hills,
And life to joy awakes.
II
Not as of old, a little child
To bear, and fight, and die,
But crowned with glory like the sun,
That lights that morning sky.
III
O, brighter than the rising morn,
When He, victorious rose,
And left the lonesome place of death,
Despite the rage of foes;—
IV
O, brighter than that glorious morn,
Shall this fair morning be,
When Christ, our King, in beauty comes,
And we His face shall see.
V
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And earth’s dark night is past;—
O, haste the rising of that morn,
That day that aye shall last.
VI
And let the endless bliss begin,
By weary saints foretold,
When right shall triumph over wrong,
And truth shall be extolled.
VII
The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light and beauty brings;—
Hail! Christ the Lord; Thy people pray
Come quickly, King of kings.

Hymn

Author: Bill Lynch

That day the sun begins to rise,

all creatures of this earth,

will move and rise from slumber then,

and see the day of new birth.

As your glorious plan unfolds,

they'll lift their eyes to the skies,

they will see the Son of Man

in glory before their eyes.

His power will be so awesome,

they'll know that redemption's near,

as they stand and raise their heads,

heavens joyful song to hear.

Glory to the King and Savior,

praise is sung through all the earth.

For Jesus comes upon the clouds,

with bright white light a shining.

Prayer

We read of your coming, Lord Jesus and prepare ourselves. For you are the King of all your people. The day will be a glorious day when we see you face to face. Fill us with your love and may we live that love for one another, until that day that you arrive, we'll live our lives with you and look to that day when you arrive in the clouds and in the light. Come, Lord Jesus, come... today... tomorrow... and forever --- Amen

November 28th Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Reflection
This is a picture of my Mom who died on June 22nd of this year, my daughter Stephanie and my grandchildren Bubs (face hidden by Kaiya's hair) and Kaiya, who live in Texas.

How we love to see one another and have fellowship. When we are apart and communication is only by letter, email, skype or telephone; we can communicate, but there is something missing in that personal contact in person. So, we pray for those we are away from and hold them before God for their well being. But there is still that desire for face to face contact.

So since we love one another, our focus in prayer turns to the coming of Jesus. We look forward to this day and we encourage fellow believers to stand strong in faith. We encourage those who do not believe to turn and see and accept the love Jesus freely offers. But, just think... as we wait in anticipation of seeing one another face to face how awesome that day will be when we see Jesus face to face.

Prayer
Lord, as I wait in hope to see those I love face to face, I look forward to seeing you come again. Come Lord Jesus come... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 27th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 25:1-10
Prayer for Guidance and for Deliverance

Of David.
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
   do not let me be put to shame;
   do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
   let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
   teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
   for you are the God of my salvation;
   for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
   for they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
   according to your steadfast love remember me,
   for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord;
   therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
   and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
   for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Psalm
By Bill Lynch

I turn around and run to you O Lord,
 for you are my salvation.
In the deepest of the night I cry out,
 and seek your guidance in life.

You, O Lord are all I need
 and You lift up my soul.
You are trustful as I wait
 and live in faithful watch.

Your goodness shines through the night,
 as I recall my sin and repent.
Teach me Your will and Your way
 and lead me to do Your will.

Prayer
Lord, I live and wait and listen for your voice. As you speak and show me your will and your way, may I come to know you more and more... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Jeremiah 33:14-16
The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David

 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Reflection
"I miss her." Words spoken about Arlene Klafter that I heard yesterday. Good memories of a wonderful lady that had stuck in the mind.

Along with memories we live with the hope of the future. The passage today has a look back and a look forward. Thinking of King David and how powerful Israel was at his time and comparing this to living in the exile of Babylon; Jeremiah looks to the future.

When we are in a "pinch" we seem to look forward to the future. If we didn't look forward we would dwell on the present and become stuck on ourselves and the present situation. We can look back to see where we have been and learn from our past. We can consider our present situation, but we also must look forward in the hope of salvation. I think this is the message God was giving Jeremiah at the time. A Word of hope at a time of despair. God promises a Branch from David that will execute justice and righteousness... Jesus the Messiah.

Righteousness is something always attributed to the Messiah. And the people of God are the recipients of this righteousness. What a wonderful promise. What a wonderful and loving God. A God that speaks and promises that awesome Light of hope while we are in the midst of separation and despair. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I look forward to Jesus' coming into this world. May your kingdom come as always... in the past with Jesus walk on this earth... in the present with Jesus place in my heart... and in the future when Jesus returns. You are my promise and my King... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Christ the King 
John 18:33-37 (NRSV)
The kingdom of Christ 

Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Reflection
I could hear her voice in the distance. It was such an exciting day for me. Saturdays were always a fun day.  I always love going to Murphy's Store. There were several floors to explore, from clothing, to tools and stuff like Daddy used, to my favorite department of toys. First I had to come down several flights of stairs. That elevator gave me the creeps. The elevator had a funny smell to it and the big people in it would always try to start a conversation or just assume that I was lost and try to find Mom for me.

Through a room full of furniture and beds as far as my eyes could see and then down another flight of stairs, I went. Finally I arrived on the ground floor where all of the candy and peanuts were. But, I had one more flight of stairs to go, towards the basement where all of the toys were. Just as I started getting into looking at all of those toys, I heard Mom's voice in the distance. I wasn't ready to go home yet! I was just started. As I heard Mom's voice close in, I wandered up and down the aisles away from her voice, peeking at more of the toys and imagining what fun I could have with all of them.

Finally Mom caught me. She stopped calling for me and just appeared out of nowhere. Boy, was she mad at me! She scolded me and told me that she knew I could hear her voice. But I was entranced by the toys. I had better things to do than follow her voice back to her. I was pretending about every toy I saw.

That's when Mom told me that Dad had cut his finger pretty bad in the shop and needed to go to the hospital to have it looked at. You see, we only had one car. Mom had been caught by the clerk in the clothing department with a phone call from Dad. We needed to go right away.

So off we sped to the hospital with Dad. Dad had actually cut his finger off! He placed it in a bag of ice and the doctor at the hospital was able to save Dad's finger somehow. I just kept thinking of that movie Frankenstein the whole time at the hospital and wondered if the doctor knew how to put someone together like that.

On the way home, I got a lecture. I was told how important it was to listen for voices and respond. I was told that there were times that I needed to listen to the voices of certain people and come to them. As I thought it over, I knew that I was wrong. I knew that I had been caught up in my own pretending and fun that I was running from Mom's voice. I apologized and promised Mom and Dad that I would come to the call of their voices. I realized that I could always depend on them for anything and everything.

That Sunday in church, the only thing I remember was a few words that Jesus had said one time years ago. 

Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

Sounded pretty familiar to me.

Prayer
Jesus, sometimes I hear your voice, but I'm so wrapped up in my own world, my own selfishness, my own way that I don't listen. Sometimes I even hide in the Garden from the call of your voice. Forgive me. As I hear your voice, I know the truth you have. I know the truth of love and life you have freely given to me. As I listen to your voice and follow you, may the love you have shown to me radiate through me into all the world that your voice may be heard everywhere... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 18:33-37

 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’

Reflection
If Jesus is truth, why? If Jesus is truth, how? But, that's getting ahead of myself. In this passage the Jews have brought a charge before Jesus. A charge that Jesus claims he is king. But king of what is the question submitted to Jesus by Pilate. The Jews charged Jesus with claiming that he was the Messiah. Is Jesus the King of the Jews?

Jesus' kingdom is not over bodies of people but over the spirits of all mankind. Jesus kingdom is not a political kingdom but a spiritual kingdom. Jesus does not need to rule the earth. Jesus rules the hearts, minds and souls of his followers in love. Jesus speaks of a different kind of kingdom here that is hard, if not impossible, for us to fully grasp the meaning.

Jesus speaks of a kingdom filled with truth. But what is God's truth and why would God bring truth to this world?

Jesus was sent into this world to bear witness to the truth of God. God loves us so deeply that God gives all of himself to us in the life, ministry, healing, witness, teaching, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return of Jesus. Jesus comes to us so deeply that we have faith and know of his presence in our lives and the lives of his people. Jesus comes to us individually and corporately. Jesus comes into our hearts and the heart of the Church. God comes to us in the love of Jesus. This is God's truth. God has done this because he loves us! This is the why and the how of the truth of God.

This Truth of God, this Jesus, this Love, is impossible for anyone to fully understand, but it is something that is easy to believe in and declare as an absolute realism of life. God has come to us and is King of our lives. Reflect back on life and you can witness the coming of Jesus into your life as a disciple of Jesus. Or just look around and see God active on this earth in the love and giving unexpected and undeserved. God is present all around you. Acknowledge the presence of Jesus and your eyes will open. What you once took as belief and faith will turn into the surety of the Truth. God comes to you in the love of Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
God, I don't understand a love that deep, but I can see it. I can witness to your love. I can praise you as my King... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 18:33-37

 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’

Reflection
I'm the voice of Jesus. No, I'm not the truth that Jesus uses me to convey to the world, I'm the voice. I'm part of Jesus' neck. I am the vocal chords that make sound come from Jesus. I use breath and air to make sounds of varying frequencies that combine to communicate words, ideas and thoughts.

I'm the voice of Jesus. Air moving in and through me. I've always suspected that earthly air moves in and the breath of the Holy Spirit moves out in truth and love. I'm the voice of Jesus. Together with the Spirit of Jesus, I communicate an everlasting important message to all the world.

Pilate was speaking one day of a kingship. But Jesus was using me to tell of a kingship that didn't need worldly power to make that kingship important. Jesus used me to tell of a kingship that had no need or even depended on worldly power. Jesus spoke of a Spiritual power which was of Truth and love. Pilate couldn't understand this type of kingship.

I'm the voice of Jesus. Those who know Jesus hear his voice and listen. It's because of what I said before. Jesus came to this earth and breathed in the earthly air of this world, but the air that came through me and spoke of truth and love changed to air exhaled of the Holy Spirit.

I'm the voice of Jesus. I'm sure if you are his disciple the same will happen to you. Let that earthly air come in and when you speak of the Truth of Jesus, the air exhaled will be of the Holy Spirit speaking in and through you too.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you alone are the one true King. You alone came into this world to save all of us lost people from sin, death, ourselves and the devil. You have given life eternal. Lead all people to come to you and witness to the Truth in love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 22nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
Author: Walter C. Smith (1867)
Tune: ST. DENIO


1 Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, your great name we praise.

2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting nor wasting, you rule day and night;
your justice like mountains high soaring above,
your clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

3 Life-giving Creator of both great and small,
of all life the maker, the true life of all;
we blossom, then wither like leaves on the tree,
but you are forever, who was and will be.

4 We worship before you, great Father of light,
while angels adore you, all veiling their sight;
our praises we render, O Father, to you,
whom only the splendor of light hides from view.

Hymn
by Bill Lynch

As Daniel dreams of beasts from this earthly sea,
we lift our gaze heav'n ward and see hope in thee.
Your throne is encompassed by order and praise.
We fall on our knees and our eyes we do raise.

The Ancient of days did sit on this throne,
whose garments were white as new fallen snow.
The hair on his head looked like wool bright white.
His throne lit up with blazing fire as light.

Behold in the clouds appeared one as man.
The nations and kingdoms sang to the man.
His kingdom's forever and ever more.
This man is the man we've come to adore.

Prayer
Lord, you can bring some visions that astonish and annoy us. As we wake from dreams and see you in all glory, teach us to love you and your way. Your wisdom is beyond anything we can begin to understand, but your love is so awesome we run to you and take hold of you and proclaim that love to all you give to us. Open our minds and hearts to see the hope that you give in this everlasting life you have given to us this day. All honor, glory and power are yours today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Revelation 1:4b-8

 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Look! He is coming with the clouds;
   every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
   and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen.

 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Reflection
This is a photo that I took this fall. It reminds me of this passage. A passage that is so complete. Considering the unique meaning of the number seven being complete. We have a blessing from perhaps Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father. Some believe that the seven spirits being the complete spirits signify the Holy Spirit.

We see a vision of the coming of Jesus on the clouds returning. This is where the picture comes in. With this picture I am reminded of the beauty of the coming of Jesus in the first place. The beauty of the roses reminds me of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, both have come to this earth to dwell with us. God became flesh and in all beauty of love and life came to save us from our sinful self, death and the devil. The Holy Spirit was sent to lead and guide us as the Church lives and grows and carries out the call given by God to tell that story of Jesus, to live that love of Jesus and to be God's people in this present world.

And the beauty of the clouds above and behind the roses, reminds me of the hope we have in this passage. One day Jesus will return to settle things. Return as a "Rose" on the clouds in that wonderful glory. What a beautiful sight this will be. A sight much more beautiful than this picture. The rose will pale in contrast to the beauty of Jesus return for his people. All complete... Alpha and Omega... Seven... dominion for ever and ever. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you give us eternal hope in all that you have done. It's awesome to be yours and I look for your return. But until then I know of your presence here and now, for you have said you are with us always. May I serve you in the love you have placed in me and do your will... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 20th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 93
The Majesty of God’s Rule

The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;
   the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.
He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
   your throne is established from of old;
   you are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
   the floods have lifted up their voice;
   the floods lift up their roaring.
More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters,
   more majestic than the waves of the sea,
   majestic on high is the Lord!

Your decrees are very sure;
   holiness befits your house,
   O Lord, for evermore.

Psalm
by Bill Lynch

God rules over all the earth!
Over sea and sky and plane and mountain.
God is majestic and wonderful in all his works!

You, O Lord, give breath to the newborn.
You, O Lord, heal and make new.
You, O Lord, lay abundance before us.

How I believe in your creation.
You created all that exists.
You set me in your creation in love.

God rules over all the earth!
Creation relies upon all you have done.
Hear the created joyfully proclaim you majesty!

Prayer
Lord, you are King of the Universe and King of my heart. Rule in me today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Judgement before the Ancient One

As I watched,
thrones were set in place,
   and an Ancient One took his throne;
his clothing was white as snow,
   and the hair of his head like pure wool;
his throne was fiery flames,
   and its wheels were burning fire.
A stream of fire issued
   and flowed out from his presence.
A thousand thousand served him,
   and ten thousand times ten thousand stood attending him.
The court sat in judgement,
   and the books were opened. As I watched in the night visions,
I saw one like a human being
   coming with the clouds of heaven.
And he came to the Ancient One
   and was presented before him.
To him was given dominion
   and glory and kingship,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
   should serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
   that shall not pass away,
and his kingship is one
   that shall never be destroyed.

Reflection
"That great mansion beyond was for Duke Ellington." This was a description of Duke's place in heaven as part of a joke last night that I heard at a Jazz Concert at church. It was wonderful music and a great time. This thought brings us to think about heaven and the glory and wonder of it all.

Today's passage brings us in a vision to the throne of God. Placed before God on his throne, prepared for the judgment. We are taken to the scene surrounded by the clouds where one in the likeness of humans comes and is taken to the throne before the "Ancient of Days."

I love the vision but... what? One could take this several directions in meaning. As you can see a few verses were skipped from above. A couple interpretations takes the meaning to be involved with kingdoms of that day in Daniels time, sort of. The kingdoms involved are up for debate according to differing scholars. Another interpretation takes you to just four kingdoms of mankind, followed by kingdoms that come after them, and then followed by another period of time with a different kingdom of governments.

This last kingdom is given to the Son of man. A person of divine origin that is eternal. I like this thought. In the end we see Jesus as he referred to himself... "The Son of man." I may not be able to understand those verses left out of the passage above, but I can place all of my faith, hope and love in Jesus my Savior and Lord. What a wonderful vision given to Daniel. What a wonderful hope and Truth given to all people! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you speak to us in so many ways. I heard your Word in music, sacrament, calling, the word spoken, prayer, sacrament and now in visions. You present yourself to us in ways that we have come to appreciate and love. As we are called out into the world this day, whisper into our ears what you would have us do... shout if you need to... that we may please you and bring glory to your name... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 18th Reflection by Bill Lynch

25th Sunday After Pentecost 
Mark 13:1-8 (NRSV)
The end and the coming of the Son 

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!" Then Jesus asked him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down."

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?" Then Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Reflection
John was working diligently on his car that Saturday afternoon. The alternator had gone out. As John was removing the alternator he came upon a stubborn bolt that just didn't want to break loose. No matter what he tried he just wasn't getting anywhere. So, he called his good friend Mark, to see if he had any great ideas. This was a great opportunity for Mark to come over and visit John, so Mark said he would be over in about fifteen minutes.

When Mark arrived, John greeted him with a can of beer. As the two friends talked to one another standing in front of the car, the conversation moved to a problem that Mark was facing. Mark's daughter, Jenny, had become sick the past few weeks. As tests were run and doctor visits piled up, they came to find out that Jenny had fell victim to some bad food at the pep rally and picked up salmonella. It just wasn't that easy to recover from, but since Jenny was young after about six weeks she recovered.

Mark related to John how worried he had become. Mark told John that it seemed that nothing else in this world mattered but his relationship and love for Jenny. There was a time that Mark felt so helpless that he knew he was suffering from depression. As time passed Jenny began to grow stronger and Mark began to feel better. Mark found out that some things just don't matter at these times. It seems that Mark's world was falling apart, until he realized the priorities in life were his love of Jenny.

As the conversation went on and on from one topic to another, the lubricant that Mark initially sprayed on the stubborn bolt did it's work. Beers downed and conversation continuing Mark told John to try the bolt once again. It broke loose and before you know it the alternator was out and the new one installed.

It seemed as if all was good now. John's car was back and running and better than this, a friendship and a love for one another's life problems were moving forward all because of a new dependence and a new trust in some new priorities of life. It's not about the things of this life but rather about the love of one another and relationships involved with that love.

John looked at Mark as the conversation grew deeper into their love of God and said, "Dare we think that when our world's seem to be falling apart at times, they could be put back together through what Jesus has done for us on that cross?"

Time for a couple of beers on the lawn chairs in front of the car, as the conversation continued between a couple of friends that cared about one another.

Prayer
Lord, each morning, afternoon, evening or whatever time of day it occurs, we come to you in conversation as we live in this fallen world. Things fall apart, storms come, illnesses invade ourselves and those we love. Death comes and we mourn. It's all falling apart many times. But you are always there and always stop and talk to your disciples to give us insight, direction and love that lasts into eternity. Thank you my friend, my Savior and my God... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 13:1-8
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’

 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Reflection
Jesus delves into prophecy. It seems a prophecy in a couple of ways. The fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and Jesus' return in glory. And when this passage is read, it's easy for me to see it in a couple of ways also. First as Jesus speaking to the people of the day in the events of the day and secondly as Jesus speaking to me in the events of my time. Think of how this would be applied to people throughout time up to today. Would they hear Jesus speaking only to those of his day? Would they hear Jesus speaking directly to them of their day? Would they hear Jesus speaking throughout all time?

Jesus tells us to listen to him. Jesus uses prophecy not to speculate future events but rather to speak to us about current events. Jesus speaks to us to watch out for the deceptive messages we may hear and believe. People will say many things contrary to the truth and we will be enticed to believe in these people and the events they speculate will happen. It's all topics of current events that we hear and read of day after day. Many of these topics could be taken to be signs of the end. But perhaps these signs are only the beginning.

Jesus looked upon the temple as something that would not last. The temple, with it's large stones and stable foundation was not something that would last. Jesus saw beyond the physical and into the spiritual realm of what this wonderful temple was intended to be. The temple is so much more that large stone and gold adornment. If the temple fails in serving the gospel, call of God or the spiritual realm of the needs of all; then it will fail and fall apart.

We do this today. We are amazed at the events of the day and the progress of technology, medicine or so many other things. Even all of this progress will not save us as Jesus can save us. It all falls apart in the end. It all is destined for the garbage pile in the end.

Oh to repent and turn to God. Oh to see and believe the gracious gift we can call our own through Jesus. This is what matters. The temples, the gadgets, the houses, cars and so many other "things" hold little meaning if we don't take notice of the meaning of the wonderful gift of life freely offered to us in Jesus.

We may gather things all of our life. But these things will only be the beginning of troubles. There will be nations fighting nations and many horrific weather events, but that's only the beginning. But thanks be to God that those who have turned to Jesus for life, need not fret those things. For Jesus has given us a hope that outlasts all of it.... all of it... throughout all time and beyond all things.

Prayer
Jesus, I have things, no doubt. But may I never place these things that will fall apart above what I have in you. My things will fall apart, I will get sick and I will suffer, but I always will have you. You surpass it all... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 16th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 13:1-8
The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’

 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Reflection
I have to admit, I was big for a stone. I overheard a measurement as I was being put in place that I was around thirty foot wide. I brought stability and strength when combined with the other stones put in place as together we formed the temple of God. As the temple, we were to display the glory of God. I think we did this very thing in a wonderful and glorious way. But we weren't all there was about God. I knew this after years of witnessing God's presence inside the temple. I realized that God couldn't be contained within the wall of this temple of stone, even if you consider all of the precious metals contained all around us stones here.

So when Jesus said there would be a day that all of us stones would be thrown down, I didn't doubt his words one bit. I know the power of God even in my life. God's power goes way beyond the movement and adornment of large stones like myself. God's power goes way beyond this place, this earth and reaches beyond anything that any of us could ever imagine.

But God's power does not go beyond what Jesus could imagine. Jesus knows what it takes to create. Jesus knows the depths of God's love for his creation. Jesus knows God. Jesus is God. So when I heard the words of Jesus, I listened. Don't you think you should listen too?

Prayer
Lord, I will listen to your voice. You are my Shepherd, my Leader, my God and my Savior. Help me to understand what you have to say and to follow you in the way that pleases you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

November 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Who are these like stars appearing
Translator: Frances Elizabeth Cox; Author: Heinrich Theobald Schenk (1719)
Tune: ALL SAINTS (Darmstadt)


1 Who are these like stars appearing,
These before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
Who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! hark, they sing,
Praising loud their heavenly King.
2 Who are these of dazzling brightness,
These in God's own truth arrayed,
Clad in robes of purest whiteness,
Robes whose lustre ne'er shall fade,
Ne'er be touched by time's rude hand?
Whence come all this glorious band?
3 These are they who have contended
For their Saviour's honor long,
Wrestling on till life was ended,
Following not the sinful throng;
These, who well the fight sustained,
Triumph through the Lamb have gained.
4 These are they whose hearts were riven,
Sore with woe and anguish tried,
Who in prayer full oft have striven
With the God they glorified;
Now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.
5 These like priests have watched and waited,
Offering up to Christ their will;
Soul and body consecrated,
Day and night to serve him still:
Now in God's most holy place
Blest they stand before His face.
6 Lo, the Lamb Himself now feeds them
On Mount Zion's pastures fair;
From His central throne He leads them
By the living fountains there;
Lamb and Shepherd, Good Supreme,
Free He gives the cooling stream.
Amen.

The Hymnal: Published by the authority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., 1895

8.7.8.7.7.7

Hymn text Bill Lynch

Michael arise before us now.

Creation cries painfully.

Wipe all the tears from every brow.

Names recorded in the book

Deliver us to God now.

Arise from sleep we now look

Some will rise to shame and contempt.

Others shine like brightest stars.

The stars lead many to repent.

See the brightest love so far,

Jesus our eternal King.

Hear our voices ever sing.

Prayer

Lord, we look to that day when you will return to us. We look to that fulfillment of your Kingdom. We look and listen for the resurrection of all your people in the hope and joy your gracious salvation has provided... today... tomorrow and into eternity. --- Amen