February 9th - Reflection

Hebrews 12:7-13 (NRSV)
Discipline and healing
Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

Reflection
We've been seeing passages about healing this week. Sometimes healing makes us think that everything will be better for now and always. But to get to healing, you must have gone through some suffering. Without the suffering we would not realize the joy of healing. Without the struggle, we would not realize the joy of relief. Without the lessons taught by our parents when we were errant, we would not have learned to obey those things that may bring harm to us. All this is out of love. We feel the pain, we struggle and wrestle with ourselves and God in order that we may learn and understand our selfishness, our pride, our illness and our need for a Savior.

God teaches us that we need a Savior and that Savior, God will supply. Only God can save us. So with sorrow, pain, and suffering, comes joy in the morning as we witness the resurrection of Jesus who defeated sin, death and the devil on that Friday cross. And now Jesus sits in glory with the Father and the Spirit comes to us to lead us and guide us and take us through this life we live.

It may hurt at times, but there is joy. Joy beyond belief. We are learning a lesson. A great and wonderful lesson. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, teach me and show me the lesson you have planned for me today... tomorrow... and forever. I am yours. --- Amen

February 8th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 3:7-12 (NRSV)
Jesus heals many people
Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.

Reflection
What if we all tried to touch Jesus to be healed? We all need healing after all. I don't think the physical aspect of all people touching Jesus to be healed would work. All of these people with who knows what kind of diseases trying to touch Jesus. The crowd was overwhelming in this passage, almost all of Palestine was present in the end. Jesus had to consider his physical well being in this case. He had so much more to do and it wouldn't be helpful to be crushed in the crowd. Apparently in this passage the boat was not used for a pulpit as another passage points out. It seems this boat was to protect Jesus from the crowds. So, what if we all tried to touch Jesus to  be healed?

But, then again, Jesus made it possible for each of us to touch him and for he to touch us. In Jesus' healing act of salvation our touching of Jesus becomes a mute point. Jesus has touched each of our lives with healing and forgiveness. And as Jesus touches us, we touch him. In his touch we are healed. It's not about how we reach out greedily to be healed that saves us, it's how Jesus lovingly gave his life for each one of us, that we are touched and healed eternally. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, your touch is both personal and corporate. Not only have you touched my heart and my life you have touched the lives of all people. As I follow you this day, show me that touch of love that I may touch those you give to me with your loving grace... today... tomorrow... and forever.

February 7th Reflection by Bill Lynch

2 Kings 8:1-6 (NRSV)
The Shunammite widow's land restored Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Get up and go with your household, and settle wherever you can; for the Lord has called for a famine, and it will come on the land for seven years." So the woman got up and did according to the word of the man of God; she went with her household and settled in the land of the Philistines seven years. At the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she set out to appeal to the king for her house and her land. Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, "Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done." While he was telling the king how Elisha had restored a dead person to life, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. Gehazi said, "My lord king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life." When the king questioned the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, "Restore all that was hers, together with all the revenue of the fields from the day that she left the land until now."

Reflection
Protection from harm and restoration for this woman and her household. We all look for protection from bad times but we all don't have the advantage of a warning from a prophet. We also don't seem to get to take advantage of restoration of all that we had before the hard times occurred.

But what draws me into this story is the trust this woman had in God. She trusted her household and herself to be taken care of in some down years. We too can place our trust in God. We know that God will take care of us even as God takes care of the lives of all creatures. All we have belongs to God and restoration is the work of the Savior in our lives each day.

It's a gracious act to restore. As we trust God for our own restoration we look beyond the tough years to a future with hope. Our journey not only looks to the future with hope but also to the present with the joy and love of going through the good times and the bad times knowing that God will bring us through. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Father, give me the trust of the Shunammite woman to live life to the fullest of what you have planned for me that all I do and say may bring you glory and honor... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37 (NRSV)
Elisha raises the Shunammite child
One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, "Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us."

One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, "Call the Shunammite woman." When he had called her, she stood before him. He said to him, "Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?" She answered, "I live among my own people." He said, "What then may be done for her?" Gehazi answered, "Well, she has no son, and her husband is old." He said, "Call her." When he had called her, she stood at the door. He said, "At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son." She replied, "No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant."


The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, in due time, as Elisha had declared to her. ...

When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and closed the door on the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. Then he got up on the bed and lay upon the child, putting his mouth upon his mouth, his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands; and while he lay bent over him, the flesh of the child became warm. He got down, walked once to and fro in the room, then got up again and bent over him; the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, "Call the Shunammite woman." So he called her. When she came to him, he said, "Take your son." She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground; then she took her son and left.

Reflection
This passage displays people helping people. The Shunammite woman helped Elisha in giving him a place to stay. Elisha didn't ask for a place to stay, the woman was generous of heart.

Elisha, likewise, wanted to do something for the woman. The woman didn't ask for a child, Elisha was the prophet to notify the woman of a birth to come. But then the child died. Elisha went to the child and through the gift of life from God the child was restored to life.

People helping people, but God in the midst of it all. The heart of this passage is God active in the lives of people. God moving humans to love one another in word and deed.

Even today, God moves through people. The Holy Spirit moves through the Church in so many giving and loving ways, in mission, in worship, in Word, in the sacraments and in people helping people. All because of what God has done for each of us. We are restored to life through God's gracious activity in the lives of people helping people. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, breathe new life into your Church that people may help people in all the ways you would desire... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
Mark 1:29-39 (NRSV)
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother in law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Reflection
They hunted him down! They hunted Jesus down when Jesus was praying. Jesus needed this time with the Father, but they hunted him down. But Jesus had heard the message of the Father. The journey continues, proclaim the message and keep on going.

We also need that time. Perhaps in the wee hours of the morning, or anytime of day that we can get away with God and pray, listen, search the Word, reflect or even just meditate on the direction the God chooses for our lives. We belong to God. We desire, as disciples to follow our Savior. We hunt for the gifts of the Spirit to put to use in our daily lives. We listen for the Father to give direction. We need this place, where it may be, that people will hunt us down like dogs. People are curious. What is he doing at 4 a.m.? Why then? What is happening at lunch with this guy?

But when Jesus was found, his mission was clear. ""He answered, "Let us go on..."" So off we go. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for those special moments to stop and listen and pray and read your Word. But there is a time to go...before these people "hunt us down" --- Amen

February 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c (NRSV)
The Lord heals the brokenhearted

Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the animals their food,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love. ...

Praise the Lord!


Reflection
God cares for and loves creation. We are his creation. It's an attribute we all should adhere to is to love and care for creation. How, is where we tend to come into conflict. But the how seems to be answered in this Psalm,,,through steadfast love.

When we come together in steadfast love to care for creation, we take on the attributes God desires for all of us. We give and act out of steadfast love for one another. We care for the poor, the sick, the downtrodden. It's not our focus on the strength of our self influence over others to make decisions we desire, but our focus on the steadfast love of downtrodden.

In our caring for and love of creation we soon find we are a part also. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, help me to view creation and all people through your eyes of steadfast love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Corinthians 9:1-16 (NRSV)

An apostle's life

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who at any time pays the expenses for doing military service? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not get any of its milk?


Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law also say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was indeed written for our sake, for whoever plows should plow in hope and whoever threshes should thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more?

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is sacrificed on the altar? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this so that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die than that no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!

Reflection
We all gather in from the work that we do. It's a reward for all works of life. But in the rewards of the proclamation of the gospel, a satisfaction is given beyond any material rewards.

There also is an obligation and a privilege to gladly pay those who teach and guide and shepherd the disciples of Christ. The gospel is worth more than anything we could ever pay for and likewise are those who minister to us in our lives. Thankful hearts glow in the knowledge of our pastors, bishops and clergy. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for all clergy and lay that proclaim the gospel in word and deed. --- Amen

February 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Presentation of Our Lord
Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Reflection
So here we have a couple of prophets come forward to proclaim the Messiah. They have now seen the glory of God and can rest peacefully. Here at the temple at the occasion of Mary's cleansing. Jesus was circumcised at eight days. This ceremony was for Mary. The mother is unclean for seven days and remains home for another thirty-three days. On the fortieth day a purification sacrifice is to be made. Joseph and Mary were poor people so they offered, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Jesus did not need to accompany during this ceremony. It is believed that perhaps Mary was going to dedicate Jesus like Hannah did for Samuel.

But then the prophets came forward. Prophets who had been waiting to see the Messiah before death. Prophets who would make clear the blessing of the Messiah and the horrible work he had ahead of him in this life. The result of which is joy beyond understanding. Happy and sad all mixed in together. Young and old united by a Savior. Jew and Gentile both saved as one. An awesome moment in time when we peek into the future of the largest act of love ever. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, help me to realize, when I get glimpses of you this day that I'm witnessing the largest act of love ever. May your love spill over into my life that I may love you and those you give to me as you loved... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

February 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 5:1-20 (NRSV)
Jesus heals a man with a demon
They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me." For he had said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" He replied, "My name is Legion; for we are many." He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, "Send us into the swine; let us enter them." So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea.


The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you." And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.


Reflection
In Jesus' salvation of all people comes a healing. In my sin I am full of anger, I am full of pride, I am full of selfishness and impurity. In my sin, I am sin. But in salvation, Jesus takes on my sin and becomes my sin and dies on that cross with my sin. In salvation, Jesus separates sin from the body in death. The spirit of sin is cast aside in Jesus death on the cross.

In Jesus resurrection, a new Spirit of life inhabits that old man's body of sin on the cross. My body of sin on the cross is made new in Jesus promise of the resurrection of the body. In the resurrection of the dead we will be reunited, body and spirit to sit, as the man in this passage does, in our right mind and clothed with the glory of Jesus' new life in our spirits. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, cast out my sin and enter in... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 31st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Numbers 22:22-28 (NRSV)

An angel speaks God's word to Balaam
God's anger was kindled because he was going, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the road as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand; so the donkey turned off the road, and went into the field; and Balaam struck the donkey, to turn it back onto the road. Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it scraped against the wall, and scraped Balaam's foot against the wall; so he struck it again. Then the angel of the Lord went ahead, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it lay down under Balaam; and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and it said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"

Reflection
The donkey was faithful to God and Balaam was not. Balaam was not to go on this journey but did anyway.

There are times I wish that God would have stopped me with a donkey. Times when I went right into something I had no business doing. Times when I rationalized the activity I was about to do. But maybe if I had just looked around and did a little more listening than talking and thinking, I would have seen the angel standing before me as well.

As we go through life, look and listen for God to guide and then follow.

Prayer
Lord, may I see what you have set before me that I may do your will.. today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 30th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Numbers 22:1-21 (NRSV)
King Balak asks Balaam to curse Israel
The Israelites set out, and camped in the plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho. Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were so numerous; Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. And Moab said to the elders of Midian, "This horde will now lick up all that is around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. He sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is on the Euphrates, in the land of Amaw, to summon him, saying, "A people has come out of Egypt; they have spread over the face of the earth, and they have settled next to me. Come now, curse this people for me, since they are stronger than I; perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land; for I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed."

So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and gave him Balak's message. He said to them, "Stay here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, just as the Lord speaks to me"; so the officials of Moab stayed with Balaam. God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men with you?" Balaam said to God, "King Balak son of Zippor of Moab, has sent me this message: 'A people has come out of Egypt and has spread over the face of the earth; now come, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to fight against them and drive them out.'" God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." So Balaam rose in the morning, and said to the officials of Balak, "Go to your own land, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you." So the officials of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, "Balaam refuses to come with us."

Once again Balak sent officials, more numerous and more distinguished than these. They came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus says Balak son of Zippor: 'Do not let anything hinder you from coming to me; for I will surely do you great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do; come, curse this people for me.'" But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, "Although Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord my God, to do less or more. You remain here, as the others did, so that I may learn what more the Lord may say to me." That night God came to Balaam and said to him, "If the men have come to summon you, get up and go with them; but do only what I tell you to do." So Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the officials of Moab.
Reflection
King Balak feared Israel and wanted Balaam to send a curse upon Israel. Balaam was unable to curse Israel since God had blessed these people.

Sometimes I fear things and situations and people. The sin in me would love to see what I fear come across a cursed situation. I think this would inwardly make me happier and safer in my own world of living. It's like a silent revenge on someone else that I presume would bring some satisfaction. If the "bad" thing does occur, it only brings guilt for hoping for such a thing to occur. But in cases where I have no heart at all for the other person, party or thing, it does bring some satisfaction.

This judgmental attitude, on my part, is not what God wants for me. I need not fear what God has blessed or even what does not threaten me. Many threats are only threats that I create against myself and are unfounded. I have failed to even contact the person or situation that I fear.

If I live in the hope of God, I can trust that God will care for me and bless me as I confront situations that need to be confronted. I may still feel the pain, but I will know that God is always with me and on my side. God will always be with me in the midst of my fears, in the midst of my sin, and in the midst of my life to comfort me, forgive me and to lead and guide me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, forgive me when I'm judgmental or seek revenge. Lead me and guide me as I trust in you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 29th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
The healing of one with an unclean spirit
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Reflection
I noticed how Jesus cast out this unclean spirit without a touch being made. It wasn't the body of the poor guy afflicted with this spirit; it was that the spirit had assumed it's presence in this person. Jesus' love for the man was so great that he stopped an important portion of the Jewish sabbath in the reading of the Word. Jesus paused what he was doing to take care of the needs of a man afflicted with something he did not deserve. Jesus cast out the unclean spirit, Spirit to spirit with his Word. Jesus is Word. The Word Jesus was reading is Word. The Word Jesus cast was his very self. In some sense Jesus' Spirit took over the place of the unclean spirit within this poor man. That's authority!

And a few years later, Jesus would do this very same thing for all of us. He would take our place on that cross and become our sin to die and rise again. Cast out the unclean spirit and place in us a clean Spirit. No wonder all the people were amazed. Who would have thought of that? Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, your love is beyond anything I can imagine. Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 28th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 111 (NRSV)
The beginning of wisdom
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.


Reflection
How do you see God? Each morning don't we wish to see God that day? We want to meet up and be with God someway or somehow.

God comes to us through grace. God comes through Jesus and gives us life from death. We see God when we recognize an act of grace anywhere and anytime.

God comes to us in the Law. In the Word we see God. The Word becomes flesh and dwells with us. We read and reflect on the Word and see how God comes to us. The Word speaks to us and is easily applied to our everyday lives. Once again we see God.

As we see God what is our response? Most of the time, for me, it's an "Oh WOW!" moment. I didn't realize God was that close to me! And then when I realize how close God is, I want to know what he wants from me. I'm excited to respond out of the love I saw coming from God to me to respond with love for God. I gladly take out the trash or do any of the chores God chooses to give to me. God is my awesome Daddy who can do it all! I love my Daddy and think he is the best of all. So I praise God and live in such joy and happiness and knowledge that I am protected and loved.

How to you see God?

Prayer
Lord, you make my life. You come to me each day and knock at that door and invite Billy out to play. I love you God! May I love all those you give to me this day with such enthusiasm... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 27th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Revelation 2:12-17 (NRSV)
Idolatrous behavior is condemned

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two edged sword:


"I know where you are living, where Satan's throne is. Yet you are holding fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel, so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication. So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent then. If not, I will come to you soon and make war against them with the sword of my mouth. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.
Reflection
Doesn't the expression "where Satan's throne is." put some mystery to this? This passage is the letter to the church in Pergamum. The city was prone to idolatry in the first place. Behind the city was a one-thousand foot high hill that was speckled with heathen temples and an altar to Zeus cut out of the rock. This wall of rock heathen temples and Zeus stood over the city as if ruling over it. This is where the expression of Satan's throne originates.

Next question is what's the deal with the Nocolaitans? This comes from Acts when Nicolaus was appointed to administer the food to the poor and windows. There came a dispute as to eating food which had been offered to idols. The people of Pergamum were scolded for eating such food, which ended up being only a problem if you caused another Christian to have issues with this and weaken their faith.


Finally what's all this about Balaam and Balak? In the Old Testament, Balak was to put a stumbling block in front of the Israelites by having a curse placed on the Israelites. So Balak gets the help of Balaam a non-Israelite prophet. But Balaam having sold his skills for less than he would have liked, would only offer the words God gave, which turned out to be a blessing of the Israelite armies.

Then take the notion that the people believed God would come to them again as manna that would descend from heaven and bring life. This was a Jewish notion that came out of their rich past experience with manna in the desert. It turned out to be Jesus that came in flesh to all people

The church at Pergamum was surrounded by all this thinking and it was difficult to hold on to true teachings and not fall to idolatry. This church had a huge stumbling block in front of it. Here, Jesus exhorts this church to repent and turn to God.

Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of a mess and are being pulled in many different directions by many different ways of thinking. But what I get here is that we need to stop, look at the situation, repent and redirect ourselves towards what God has in store for our lives, not what our environment is pulling us towards. It's all easier said than done for humans, but with God, our lives and actions will be pulled towards the source of life in Jesus. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, sometimes my environment pulls me in all sorts of ways. I turn to you and repent of my failed actions to stay the course with you. Show me your Light and pull me always towards you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Romans 9:6-18 (NRSV)
God's mercy cannot be controlled
It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, and not all of Abraham's children are his true descendants; but "It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you." This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. For this is what the promise said, "About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son." Nor is that all; something similar happened to Rebecca when she had conceived children by one husband, our ancestor Isaac. Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God's purpose of election might continue, not by works but by his call) she was told, "The elder shall serve the younger." As it is written,

"I have loved Jacob,
but I have hated Esau."


What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses,

"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses.
Reflection
With no fear, Paul opens this can of worms. If I say that I'm a child of God, how can this be, since I'm not a blood descendant (that I know of) from the Jewish race of God's Chosen People? Paul argues that God did not choose children of a race or children of a flesh, rather God chooses his children of the promise.

You see God made a promise and it happened. God's promises are all through the Bible. And God upholds all promises. Sometimes we like to think of how special we are. In God's eyes we are special. But when we see ourselves as special due to something we have done, we fall to sin. It's not about our works and our accomplishments that make us special. It's about what God has done through us and for us that makes us special.

God's promise and call comes before we even are aware of it. Perhaps this call comes before we are even born. As we live God gives us faith. We live and grow in God's care and our faith in God is developed. This faith is what distinguishes us as God's children. We could grow and choose to leave God behind. Sure we may think we left God behind, but in most cases God stays with us waiting patiently for our return. But if we grow in faith and follow God, this is the distinction of being God's child, not our race or flesh or anything we may have done ourselves to earn God's favor.

When God's promises are fulfilled, it is God who started it all. We were actors in the promise through our call. I can see the worms in this can oozing.

So, does this mean that we are just puppets for God if we are God's children? God can pick and choose as God wishes to pick and choose. Here we have no solid human answer. But we do know that God is a patient God. God loves us so much that Jesus was sent to die for our sin. To take that sin upon himself and become our sin that our sin may die on that cross. Through Jesus active love we are no longer separated from God but in relationship with God. Death was defeated at Jesus resurrection and we await Jesus' return to judge the living and the dead.

Puppets for God? I think not. I think we act out what God has given us to act out from our relationship with God. We respond to the call and in that response is a recognition of our relationship with God out of our belief that God has saved us from sin, death and the devil. God has saved us! We did not save ourselves by acting. The promise came first. The action came later. But in that action, especially the actions of Jesus, we are saved. Thanks be to God! And the can still oozes... for human understanding.

Prayer
Lord, your actions and your promises are beyond my understanding. I'll continue to probe and question and try to understand, but I'm not going to get all wrapped around the wheel about it. I love you and trust you and have seen your action to the promises you have made. I'm convinced in you. I love you and you are all I need... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Conversion of Paul
Acts 9:1-22 (NRSV)


Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." All who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?" Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.

Reflection
Two callings with one conversion. Two people called at least. More than likely more callings to a particular task. Fearful calls at that. Calls that I'm sure several parties involved were very intimidated by. Would the trust, hope and faith show up and carry out the actions of the calls.

So you may be called, even if you seem to be on the opposite side of God. I don't think God sees differences as exaggerated as we do ourselves. I think God sees potential and we see political at times. Even though Saul was persecuting the Christians at the time, God chose to call Saul.
Even though Saul would be the last person Ananias would want to meet in this world, God called Ananias to meet Saul.

And then you have this confused party of people going along with this entire act. God must have been speaking to them too. Or they were in such shock of the events they didn't know what was going on. I suspect God's touch was involved however.

And for three days Saul was without sight. Reminds me of being in the tomb for three days. Reminds me of baptism and being buried under the water. Reminds me of three days of tasting death. Reminds me of the resurrection and new life. Saul's life was about to make a dramatic change. Saul was being resurrected to a new life as one of the most influential disciples of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ of whom Saul was just persecuting. Why did you persecute Jesus, Saul? Things are about to change. Get ready, Saul, for the time of your life.

And the same for you and for me. Since baptism when we felt that water bury our old life and those scales fall from our human eyes; it was time to get ready. Get ready for the time of our lives. Things are about to change. The journey will be wild, frightening, daring and fun beyond belief. Thanks be to God! Now that's living!

Prayer
Lord, I rejoice in the variety of people you call and surprise me with. I'm so glad to learn of the wonderful people who are lead to you by paths I would never expect. You continually surprise me with how you resurrect lives. I'm amazed... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

January 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Genesis 45:25-46:7 (NRSV)
God calls Jacob to go to Egypt
So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. And they told him, "Joseph is still alive! He is even ruler over all the land of Egypt." He was stunned; he could not believe them. But when they told him all the words of Joseph that he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Israel said, "Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I must go and see him before I die."


When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph's own hand shall close your eyes."

Then Jacob set out from Beer sheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and the goods that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.

Reflection
Once again another calling. This time for Jacob to leave the land of his grandfather's calling and stray to another county, Egypt. Jacob was called to trust in, what seemed to him, a resurrected life of his son Joseph. Was this true? Was this a cruel trick? Only the assurance of God's call could give the hope of a new life. A resurrected meeting of father and son and family and son. A new resurrected meeting of safety from hunger. A new life in a new place. What would this bring? But, this was God's call. A call that wasn't meant to leave it all behind, but a call to take it all with you to another land.

So Jacob picked up and moved into Egypt, "all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt."

You and I too are called. Out of our life story, God calls us to go, to come, to stay, to whatever. God calls us and give us the resurrected hope of a Savior's assurance that all will be for the good of a plan much larger than we could ever begin to fathom. God calls us and gives us the strength to take on the call, no matter what age or what our physical well being may be. We are called to action. We may be called to pray, to visit, to serve a meal, to go to another country or even to have that conversation with a hurting co-worker. We may be called to share our relationship with God with one another. We are called in so many and various ways, my examples would never cease. I am called and you are called. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, it sure is a journey. I look back on life and can't believe where you have taken me. In the ups and downs I realize and now see your presence. So, I'm excited to look forward, knowing that your call will lead through even more excitement and joy. Not a cake walk at times but other times we rested in pastures together. It's time to go. I hear that knock at my door. Time to go out today... tomorrow... time to take your call forever. --- Amen

January 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Genesis 12:1-9 (NRSV)
God calls Abram to go to Canaan
Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."


So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother's son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

Reflection
The very act of what Abram did here recalls the acts of the disciples when they left all behind to follow Jesus. Abram had such faith and trust in God that he packed it all up and left for another land as God wished for him. Oddly, the disciples even left behind their possessions and family to follow Jesus.

People seem to be called in various times and in various ways. Some are called to stay where they are and in the occupation they know, and follow Jesus into the world of where they live. Others are called to leave a place and start new with a different group, such as a pastor's call to another congregation. Then, again, on a first call, the pastor may be called to pack up and move or even perhaps leave the possessions behind and move to a mission field call. But, it's not only clergy that experience the call. Lay are called to all types of actions to follow Jesus as clerks, nurses, factory workers, doctors, skilled maintenance, electricians, accountants, scientists, teachers, and on and on. God's call is the most meaningful way we have to touch the lives of others in relationship to what God has done for us.

So, rejoice and build an altar to God and worship God in your call today... tomorrow... and forever.

Prayer
Lord, may I listen and heed your call to action in everything I do. May I get up and go when you wish and stay when you desire. Lead me this day to do your will. --- Amen

January 22 Reflection by Bill Lynch

Third Sunday After Epiphany
Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
The calling of the disciples at the sea
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."

As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Reflection
God's Kingdom has come to this earth and the beginning message made it very personal. Repent and believe. John the Baptist had proclaimed this and now Jesus is proclaiming this same message. John is now in jail. Jesus is prepared to take the second step in the journey of the Kingdom. What "we" don't understand fully is that the Kingdom IS Jesus. Jesus is the Kingdom that has come. Not a kingdom of ruling power in some political environment that will determine how we live and are taxed and the government is run. Not a kingdom to conquer with human power and rule the world through battles and weapons. Jesus is the Kingdom in this case and it is a different kind of Kingdom that what "we" would expect.

Jesus is a Kingdom that has come in the present to these people, yet will come again. As we consider the Kingdom of God today we think of a Kingdom that has already come in Jesus, a Kingdom that is with us today in Word and faith and a Kingdom that will be fulfilled when Jesus comes again.

The two pair of brothers; Simon and Andrew, James and John, had all met Jesus before and saw that Jesus was the Messiah. Now Jesus calls them to take the next step with him. What a joy in not knowing what the future would bring. The Messiah has called. We didn't expect this. Let's go now!

Likewise, things happen to each one of us that we don't expect. Sometimes it's illness, death in the family, or any twist and turn in life. We don't know and can't predict the future. It may be a call from God or a new walk in life that we take after we meet the unknown, good or bad. And the new path we follow will surely not be a rosy road forever. We will stumble and fall on the way and perhaps lose our life.

We however meet the future knowing the repentance, belief, faith, and hope God has provided through Word and Sacrament and the teachings of Jesus, to be confident that our future will be taken care of always by our loving Father. Thanks be to God!

So, lay your nets down. It's time to go!

Prayer
Lord, as I come to you and relive my baptism this morning, I repent of my sin. Drown them in your holy water and bring me to new life in your Kingdom. I lay down my nets and look forward to following Jesus today. Billy can come out to play along with you, Moses, Elijah and your special friend... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

December 21st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 62:5-12 (NRSV)
In God is my safety and my honor

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah

Those of low estate are but a breath,
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no confidence in extortion,
and set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
according to their work.

Reflection
So, what does the future look like? What's the outcome of life? We really don't know. We may think we have our future planned and carefully played out before us, but we really don't know. Did David know he was going to be a king when he was a shepherd? I don't think so. Can anyone predict illness that may overcome them? How do you predict an accident in a car? Do you really know if you will be involved in a tornado?

The future of life is uncertain. The events of life vary for the rich and the poor, the healthy and the ill. We can't rely on the money we have set aside, we can't trust in our houses, cars, or whatever else we have accumulated. All could be here today and gone tomorrow for any one of us. Depending on the situation all things can become disappointing. But one thing holds true.

As this psalm looks forward, we find that one thing we can trust in is the salvation of God provided for each one of us. With faith in God we have a stability that is steadfast and constant. With God, we all have a future that brings hope. With God we rest assured that God has the power, and the steadfast love to hold us safe in God's hands even as we navigate this fearful life we live. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I look to you with faith, knowing that Jesus died for all. I look to you to guide me in the purpose you have for me as I live in this unknown of life here and now. I know that you hold all the power and love I and all people ever need. Be with those whose lives are uncertain and fill them with your presence and peace... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen