October 19th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 10:35-45

The Request of James and John

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 18th Reflection by Bill Lynch

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









Hymn by Bill Lynch

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

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

October 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hebrews 5:1-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 16th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 90:12-17

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


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

Psalm by Bill Lynch

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

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

Lord, I need to change...

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

October 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 4th Reflection by Bill Lynch

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

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

Hymn by Bill Lynch

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





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

October 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

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

God Has Spoken by His Son

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

Exaltation through Abasement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the          heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm by Bill Lynch


Lord, you are the great I AM, the One and Only!
God, you created myself and those around me.
You, created the universe and all that exists.
You are more than what I can see but also all I can't see or perceive.
I see in the eyes of a baby the life you have given.
I ponder in the eyes of one near death the greatness of your glory.
As I meditate on sky, earth and sea, I'm amazed at the endless life displayed.
Then as I sense the presence of the heavenly chorus, I stop in wonder.
Why dear Lord, do you care and love me?
Why do you show all mankind your grace?
Lord, you are the great I AM, the One and Only!

Prayer
Lord, as I stop to consider all the love you have given through Jesus; I'm astounded and humbled that you would consider me. But you did! I give thanks for all you have done. I rejoice to work with you in your kingdom to do your will in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

October 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Genesis 2:18-24 (New Revised Standard)

18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken." 24 Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Reflection
"Grandma is behind the tombstone "Mallot." It was easy to find the upright stone from the roadway in the cemetery. Behind the large tombstone lay a flat stone with the names of Sue's grandmother and grandfather. We jumped from the car and went to the grave site. Memories flooded from Sue as I listened and recalled the brief memories I had of her grandma's life.

The woman... made for the man... his queen. Both man and woman made in the image of God. Made in the glory of God. All creatures were of the ground, but woman was from man. How precious woman becomes in creation.

God caused man to go into a deep sleep. A sleep as a covering or a veil for what God was about to do. Something wonderful and glorious was about to occur from the hand of God.

What a wonderful creation God has given to all of us. As I read this passage I picture God with a gleam and joy creating a love for all life. I see a God that has great joy in life. Then I also see a God that knows of the possibility of human failure and continues to create life out of man's failure to bring death from life. God knows and has an answer... Jesus Christ... God in human form. The Holy Spirit... God to human as a wonderful gift of guidance. God the Father, source of the plan of life. Yes God loves us and cares for us. God gives life and love and truth and grace.

As the woman is precious to the man... humankind is precious to God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as I stop and take pause to hear your word of creation and life, may I also love and care for the life you surround me with this day and love the lives you have brought into my life as you have loved me. You are life, truth and grace... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Numbers 11:4-6; 10-16; 24-29 (New Revised Standard)


4 The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, "If only we had meat to eat! 5 We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at."

10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. 11 So Moses said to the Lord, "Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? 12 Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, "Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child,' to the land that you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they come weeping to me and say, "Give us meat to eat!' 14 I am not able to carry all this people alone, for they are too heavy for me. 15 If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once—if I have found favor in your sight—and do not let me see my misery." 16 So the Lord said to Moses, "Gather for me seventy of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tent of meeting, and have them take their place there with you.

24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord; and he gathered seventy elders of the people, and placed them all around the tent. 25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders; and when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do so again. 26 Two men remained in the camp, one named Eldad, and the other named Medad, and the spirit rested on them; they were among those registered, but they had not gone out to the tent, and so they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." 28 And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!" 29 But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!"

Reflection
"There is nothing around here to eat!"

A complaint commonly heard in my household. Even after going to the grocery store. There is something to eat, not just what the person complaining wants to eat. But this passage goes beyond something to eat, as the Israelites complained to Moses. This passage reaches much deeper.

Moses was a great leader. God had gifted Moses with the gift of administration. The people had become complainers. The rabble had incited the people to complain. Moses was overburdened.

Yes Moses was a great leader and gifted by God. But, enough is enough. This was too much. So God blessed other elders to open their eyes to the teachings and ways of Moses. Moses used his God given gifts, and now, the seventy elders would learn from Moses. They would learn from Moses his skill of administration and the application of that skill. God spreads the gifts around in order that one person can teach many.

Moses the great teacher of administration. A teacher in need and able to recognize his weakness and how much he depended upon God. May the Spirit of God rise up within the leaders past, present and future that all may see God in them.

Prayer
Lord, help me to recognize the gifts you have given to me. Show me how to use those gifts to glorify you and teach me how to teach others the same... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 23rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 9:30-37 (NRSV)
Prediction of the passion 

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again." But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

Reflection

So we start the last journey south towards Jerusalem in this passage. Jesus had now ended the ministry in Galilee. Jesus was closing in on the final moments of his ministry on this earth with these disciples present with him now. It was time to do some teaching. Time to come to an understanding. This was a huge moment in Jesus' call from the Father to fulfill. So Jesus was instructing the disciples of his passion and the cross. 

This message of the passion and the cross didn't match with what the disciples had in their minds of power. Some disciples were privileged to witness the transfiguration. A heavenly sight of the leaders of the faith. Just to be present made one feel chosen. So, to be with Jesus surely meant great things were to come. But Jesus was telling them of something else. Jesus was speaking of suffering and death. The noise of the first gave way to the victory of the resurrection. It's hard to get past such a change in the future from a glorious reunion with God in the transfiguration to suffering and death. You can't get beyond this abrupt change to even hear that Jesus said he will rise again.

So pride got in the way. Let's not pay any attention to this message Jesus has and let's see who will be first in the kingdom. Jesus hears of this argument and teaches a lesson that will be acted out at the last supper in the washing of feet and acted out in the days to follow in Jesus suffering and death on the cross.

We are to give our lives to God. Jesus gave his life and was resurrected to a new life that was granted to all people through Jesus' act. God acts in and through Jesus. God acts in and through each of us when we give our life to God. As a child trusts in the parents that they will be cared for and loved, so too can we trust in God to be cared for and loved. Even and especially children without parents or in any need, God cares for and loves. Each of us come to God in this way. As forgotten children torn from our parents due to our sinful nature we come to God and God runs to us. We give our life to God and God leads and guides us to everlasting life. Our life was once destined to death in the garbage heap but now that we were last of all, God takes us in as first of all and shows us all the love we will ever need now and into eternity.

That's the love Jesus was showing and demonstrating and giving, not only to his disciples, but to all people throughout all time. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, I take pause to hear your message of salvation. May I be so honored for you to give me the words to say to another that they too may hear your words through me and receive salvation today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Jeremiah 11:18-20 (New Revised Standard)

18 It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. 19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, "Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!" 20 But you, O Lord of hosts, who judge righteously, who try the heart and the mind, let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.

Reflection

"You were half asleep when you tried to take those pills!" 

Words spoken to me when late in the night I stumbled to the medicine shelf to find some pain pills for a kidney stone that was bothering me. My wife, Sue, knows to watch over me when I get up in the middle of the night. I don't watch closely what I am doing and the pain overtakes my brain in deciding what is the correct thing to do. Sue, makes sure the dosage is correct before I take the pills. Sue, also gets upset with me and warns me out of love.

In this passage we read of plots against Jeremiah. Jeremiah didn't know that the people were leading him to the slaughter by their schemes. So, Jeremiah turns to God and depends on God because, Jeremiah has committed his life to God.

This is how we must act when confused. We turn to God and listen to God's Word and will and way. We can turn to Scripture, to a Christian friend and even listen carefully to hear God speaking through other people. We listen to God and depend on the love God speaks through the Word of the Bible and the Word of the Church and the words of Christian friends and groups. We pray and discern God's will for us. It's important to take the time to follow God's command in your life through the love God has shown us through Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, I turn to you in the decisions of life and look for your guidance and love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 16th Reflection by Bill Lynch

16th Sunday After Pentecost 
Mark 8:27-38 (NRSV)
Peter's confession of faith 

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things."

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Reflection Story
The team had heard the coach so many times talk about working together as a team. This time during half-time the coach asked for so much more. Coach James had learned lately that his life was about to take on a huge change. The coach really knew about this all along, but now was the time to come forward with the news. The coaches wife, Sally, was sick with cancer. Coach knew a couple of years ago that the time he would need to care for his wife would escalate to the point that Coach would have to give up his way of living and work full time caring for Sally. In some ways, Coach would have to give himself completely to his wife.

During the half-time talk, Coach told the team about how Jesus gave his life completely for all people. Jesus knew what he had to do and when Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer and die at the hands of the religious leaders of the day, the people, and the government; his disciples refused to listen and were in denial of all that Jesus had to say during that moment. Jesus knew that to gain life you must forfeit life.

It was with this in mind that the team discovered one of the most valuable lessons ever. They were behind at half-time 28-3. A change needed to occur during the second half of this game. The team was a team gifted with talent, but the talent was an individual type of talent. The quarterback was good but tried to do it all by himself. The receivers and the line and so many others on this team had great talent but nothing came together. Coach told the guys that it was time to give it up. Give up themselves to one another. Instead of playing for the glory of pulling the team to a win, to instead give it up for one another. And with this the second half was to start.

A change took place that second half. In the huddle the quarterback, Joe, told the guys let's give it up for one another. No one plays for himself. We intend to give ourselves up for the other. So when Joe handed off the ball to Pete the running back, he gave it up for Pete. When Brian needed to block for Pete he gave it up. All on the team began to give the ball up, the block up, the pass up, the run up and even the kick and snap up for the other guy. They gave their lives to each other in some respect.

As this new attitude took on shape, the team began to work different than ever before. No longer did it seem that one person had to carry another person in the play. All were carrying each other. All were giving it up for one another. They began to move the ball and drive for scores. The defense began to hold the opposing team to three downs and out. All gave it up for the other and they came back to win the game.

After the game the crowd, the coach and the team were all united one with another in this attitude of giving it up for one another. In the coming week the community came together around Coach James and gave it up for Sally and all of the care she needed. They were united in the love that Jesus was speaking of when he told his disciples the awful mission that he was about to go through on his approach to the cross. A love that gives up life to gain life. A complete change in attitude. A work of God.

Prayer
Lord, show me the times and help me to recognize all the ways this week that I can give it up in the love you have shown to all people in the way you gave it up... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 8:27-38 (New Revised Standard)
27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" 28 And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him. 31 Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." 34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37 Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38 Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Reflection
Jesus was about as far north as he would go during his ministry travels. Jesus posed a couple of questions to his disciples. Who do people say he is and who do you say he is? A generic question and then a personal question. Peter replied with the personal answer... "You are the Messiah."

The disciples were beginning to see who Jesus was and what Jesus was about. Beginning to see... there is so much more to Jesus that we don't see or understand. There is a part of me that rejoices in this concept with my own faith and a part of me that fears a misunderstanding in my own mind. I suppose the disciples had many of these same feelings.

Yes, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Yes Jesus is God... but what did I miss? I don't think that I can fully understand Jesus and what he has done in this frail flesh of mine. I can't do this on my own. I fully depend on God to reveal himself through Jesus, through the gifts and actions of the Spirit and through the Word. I can't understand God on my own. So, I look to God. I follow Jesus. I search the Word. I listen to God's Word spoken and acted out through fellow Christians. I come to the Sacraments and witness God active in the lives of all of us.

Jesus knows the mission. I know only part of the whole. It's hard to come to grips with the understanding of a love that would take God to the cross for me and all people. I could mean well, like Peter, and say all of the "right" and "churchy" things. I could act goody two shoes and church lady like, yet become a tool of Satan. A well meaning, yet unspiritual person could take it all and be twisted all ways possible. I can go to self-realization and self-denial, yet be all wrong as a disciple.

Jesus asks us to deny ourselves, our wants and our desires and give ourselves, our life and our actions over to God. Just as Jesus came in mission to save the world, he gave himself to the world. It's not about how we appear or even how we appear to act. It's about giving ourselves to God to follow God's plan in God's way and through God's will. To save your life is not up to you or me. But to give your life is the will of God. To give your life to God. That's a disciple. That's one with faith. That's one that lives for and in the will of God. In the giving comes the life. A radical life in God. A wild ride with the Spirit. But a life that makes all the difference. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to your will and your way as I live my life in and through what you have done... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

September 14th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Hymn of the Day
"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name!"
Text:Edward Perronet, 1726-1792, sts. 1-4; J. Rippon, A Selection of Hymns 1787, sts. 5-6

Verse 6
Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.

Hymn by Bill Lynch

Yes, when we approach that sacred cross
we humbly knee. and stare.
We'll raise our eyes to your glory
We sing continual praise.

For, you have given each of us
a love beyond compare.
You show your grace and take us in.
We sing continual praise.

September 11th Reflection by Bill Lynch - in honor of Speedy my Father-in-law

Speedy- September 6th 2012 Celebration of Life

So many names fly through the air here:
 Speedy
 Chandler
 Dad
 Grandpa
 Dadoo
 Gackaw
 Chan Jr.
 Friend
 Neighbor


All names I have heard for my Father-in-law since 1972 when I first met Speedy while courting his oldest daughter Sue.


And names spoken from Speedy’s lips:
 Doodlebug
 Doll
 Little monkey
 Easy money

Can’t forget the animals… 
 Scardy cat (for a dog)
 Beggar
 Poor ol hound

Speedy always used names to demonstrate life.

If you notice the names he was called are all affectionate names.

Likewise the names that Speedy used for others demonstrated affection and love.

Speedy used names that demonstrated a joy for life and a love for living.

And then memories of loving actions fill the air here:
 Running through the sprinkler after a day of work in the heat…
 The Giraffe ride
 The Elephant ride
 The Horsey ride on the foot
 Lunch bucket candy and snacks
 Generous amounts of ice cream money for the kids… I mean generous.
 Flowers to his wife Pat on any and every kind of situation or event.
 Always making sure that even I got enough to eat at cook-outs.

And you can’t forget the animals:
His adopted dog Midnight and the 10% -
Speedy would make sure Midnight got his 10%
Every breakfast 3 sausage patties – 2 for Speedy and 1 for Midnight --- a generous 10%

Speedy demonstrated love in affectionate names and love in affectionate actions.

---

It was Sunday September 2nd that Pastor Lamar came to visit. Pastor visited with Speedy and family.

We briefly reflected on an article that I had just read about the “death bed” in the middle of the family room.

As we all gathered by Speedy’s side to witness the life of one great man;

The “death bed” in the middle of the room was the center yet---
 not the center of attention.

The real center of attention was the life and love that Speedy had brought into his presence on this day and the days to follow.

How many years had family and friends gathered in this room to sit and talk to Speedy, to celebrate special dates and to eat food together?

So much time in this same family room spent talking about history, movies, watching TV, and listening to Speedy reflect upon Scripture

And, one of his favorites, “The End times.”

The Family Room on this Sunday September 2nd with family and Pastor gathered.

Signs of life and signs of death, all gathered in one place.

It was flesh and spirit together.
---

The names of Speedy and the names he used hovered in the air that day.

And then in the prayer, Pastor Lamar, used the one name for Speedy that will always stick… “Child of God.”

With all of the names past, present, and future, the one name that most needs repeated is that Speedy was a Child of God.

When we hear the name Child of God we think of our humanity in the flesh and our salvation in the spirit.

We remember the Father’s Son, Jesus and his life, ministry, healing, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension.

We begin to realize the reality of God’s presence in the Family Room of life.

Yes, here in this room with the deathbed present, we witness to the life that God has graciously given us through Speedy.

A life made special through Jesus living and through Speedy’s strong and firm belief of his salvation through Jesus alone.

Pastor Lamar hit the name on the head…

The one name that mattered…

That was connected to that source of eternal life through Jesus…

“Child of God.”
---


Speedy loved to talk.

If you visited, I could imagine 80% of the time you would be listening.

Speedy’s mind was amazing to me.

God gifted Speedy with a memory and wisdom that reminded me of King Solomon.

He could talk and talk and talk.

I would sit there and listen and listen and listen and wonder how someone could retain so much information about history, wars, airplanes, ships, movies, museums and the Bible.

I just couldn’t imagine a mind able to hold so much without letting something else go.

But Speedy’s mind held it and he could talk about it.

His voice may go quiet for a while but his conversations will go on in the lives of so many people.

Life with Speedy will go on and on.
---


Life not only demonstrated in conversation but also in compassion and giving.

Speedy exhibited a giving heart.

Not just a contribution, but a gift from much deeper within.

Giving that came with the caring of the love and the names that you would hear from his lips.

Giving with the action of love behind it.

As a Child of God, Speedy lived the life that he was called to live by God.

He lived in service to his country,

In service to his many years at Armco,

And in service to his family, friends, neighbors

And even all the animals that would stray his way.

Speedy lived a life of love and compassion that God had led him to live.
---


On the evening that Speedy died…

Pastor Clark and I remained with Speedy for the family to get away for a while

This Church is blessed with wonderful pastoral leadership and love

I stayed to attend to the affairs of the necessary needs of moving his body…

Afterwards I locked the house went home.

I paused for a moment with the last section of the Journal that I hadn’t read due to all of the activity of the day.

The funnies and my favorite the Jumble puzzle.

While solving the Jumble’s four words I discovered the four words for September 6th puzzle

The first word was “Uncle”

Speedy was a caring and loving Uncle to many there that evening.

Nieces and nephews were gathered together that evening and at this moment were off eating as I attended those final needs.

The second word was “Octet”

I felt a part of Speedy’s family ---

I was the youngest by three or four years to his youngest daughter Amy.

Not the youngest in age by far but the youngest growing up in the family.

4-daughters
1-Son
1-Son-in-law
1-Wife
1-Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ

An Octet

The third word was “Liquid”

Now all of you Baptists here just settle down and hear me out…

I’m a Lutheran and Speedy and I shared so many times together in Biblical conversation.

But Speedy would always welcome me to share a beer with him.

So… on one of the evenings while Speedy lay in the bed in the Family Room

I shared with Speedy spongefulls of Odoul’s with him.

And he enjoyed it…

And I enjoyed it…

The fourth and final word was “Speedy”

How about that!

It’s as if Speedy had given me a chance to continue the conversation

A conversation of Spirit and love

But the best of all came with the Answer to the Jumble

Speedy loves his daughters

The Jumble puzzle pictured a couple of girls playing with a Barbie doll.

One girl said, “Barbie, time to get ready.”

The other girl said, “She should wear this fancy dress to the dance.”

The caption read “When Barbie would go out on a date, she’d get this.”

And the puzzle answer?

“Dolled Up”

Doll the very name Speedy would use for his wife, daughters and grand-daughters!
---


 Names
 Conversations
 Loving Actions
 Living as a Child of God


Yes, since I met Speedy I was gifted with the time to see God active in his life and living.

I was gifted with time to see love and compassion lived for another.

I was gifted to see life even in death.

A life that reaches beyond the failure of our decaying flesh
to a demonstration of life in heaven.

A life given to you and to me through Jesus.

Life that Speedy let live in and through him.
---

Speedy,
When it’s all been said and done
You lived your life for truth
You lived your life for Christ
You knew what real treasure was
You lived a life that will stand the test of time

Speedy,
You saw beyond weak flesh
You saw the gold that God saw in miry clay
You lived a sinner and a saint

Speedy,
You praised God’s name
Here in this place
And now in heaven forever

Speedy,
You’re home now
And you know that Jesus was your life

And, I’m not the only one to witness life in Speedy.

Life that lives on in the spirit of love lived.

Speedy, thanks for the gift… “Child of God” …

example of a life lived in faith… yesterday… today… tomorrow… and forever.

Thanks be to God!

August 26th Reflection by Bill Lynch

13th Sunday After Pentecost 
John 6:56-69 (NRSV)
The bread of eternal life 

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father."

Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Story
John came that day and saw something amazing. Something that not everyone gets to see. John was always with his wife in almost everything. But this one thing, John could not share. John's wife Martha was about to give birth to a daughter. As John witnessed the birth of his daughter he noticed that amazing moment. John saw that first deep breath of his daughter. Here was flesh and with this breath was spirit. Flesh and spirit combined in a spiritual moment of new life. Joy abounded in the delivery room with laughter. John and Martha decided that their daughters name would now be Joy.

As Joy grew in the love of John and Martha, she experienced so many new life events. Joy was baptized and confirmed. Joy stood before the congregation after having been taught the Word from the Bible, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments and the Creeds, and confessed her belief and faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. Moments of laughter and joy were to follow.

In life John noticed that these great events were crowned with joy and a deep laughter. A laughter that caused one to take in deep breaths of air and expel a spirit from within. God was with Joy, John and Martha through all the ups and downs of life and family together. The family stood firm on the side of Jesus and lived faithful lives to God's call.

John had aged and was now ill himself. John had been placed in a nursing home that could provide for all of the special needs John had in old age and failing health. It was on one evening that John was fading rapidly that Joy received a call from her mother, Martha. A call to come to the nursing home.

As John lay in his death bed, he recounted to Joy and Martha that one great event when he saw the breath of God in both of them. John witnessed to Martha's breathing through the pain of Joy's birth and saw the breath of God surround her in her pain. John also witnessed to Joy's birth and that first cry when Joy took in a deep breath that surely was a gift from God.

John continued to witness to the many joyful events of life and the sad ones as well where the Spirit of the breath of God was in all those present. As Joy and Martha heard John emphasize the wonder of spirit and life, they were to see John breath his last breath. The spirit leaving the flesh of John.

In this brief moment of time of John's long life, we witness spirit within flesh and the life God has so graciously given. We rejoice in the life of John and those many breaths that God's Spirit breathed into John's flesh sustaining life. And yet we realize that there is so much more to life than this flesh. All through life John, Joy and Martha had taken a stand with Jesus in belief and faith, knowing the special life giving breath that Jesus breathes into them as their faith grew. What a joy it was to witness this breath into flesh throughout John's earthly journey. This breath that brings comfort and joy to Martha and Joy as they mourn the death of John in the surety of the hope that only Jesus could bring in Jesus life in the flesh.

Prayer
Lord, as we live life, breath your spirit into each one of us that we boldly stand with you and you stand with us in this life in the flesh. Lead us in this earthly journey to do your will in your way... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 6:56-69 (New Revised Standard)

56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection
This passage reflects discussions at Capernaum. Probably not all of this discussion took place in the synagogue. But Jesus laid out some very difficult words to believe. "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them."

The bread and the wine are real. When we believe, we are bound with Jesus. What kind of reaction does this bring to you? You see, Jesus was soon to be lifted up. Lifted up not to heaven first but onto a cross. There would be pain and suffering. Jesus' flesh and blood would cry out in pain for all people throughout all time. Jesus would give himself for the sin of all the people of the world throughout all time. Jesus flesh and blood was the sacrifice for our sin!

But it's so hard to distinguish the physical from the spiritual. When we only see the "flesh" in this passage we are appalled by the request to eat of the flesh. Some didn't believe in Jesus as the Son of God let alone Jesus as the Son of Man. So, here, Jesus seeks for us to take a stand. Are we with him or not? It is the spirit that gives life as Jesus put it. We partake of the spirit of Jesus in the flesh. The flesh is useless. We were created from earth and to earth we will return. Yet for a while we have the breath of God within us. We live in the flesh and live in the spirit together and God give us a purpose bound up in the life, death, suffering, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Jesus in the flesh and Jesus in the spirit. We are bound with God!

With this we take a stand! We stand with Jesus in flesh and in spirit. we are one with God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, those are difficult yet wondrous words. I stand with you for I want to be bound with you in flesh and spirit... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 24th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 6:56-69 (New Revised Standard)

56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection

I was filled with the glory of God that day. Jesus was teaching in my presence a Word that was very difficult for many to believe. You see, I am the synagogue at Capernaum. I'm like the "fly on the wall." I get to hear it all. I hear Jesus proclaim the Word. I hear the small side conversations and the whispers of all the people. I am the walls and the roof and the entire building. I am the synagogue and I heard it all.

Jesus spoke some amazing words. Words difficult to take for anyone. Even the disciples of Jesus were complaining. What is Jesus trying to do? These words will ruin all that we have followed him for these past few years. Jesus has gone off of his rocker!

But the religious leaders of the day seemed to be happy with these words of Jesus. Surely the people will understand now that this man, Jesus, is not of God!

When I put it all together. All of the words, conversations, the expressions of the people and the things that I saw that day; I begin to see what Jesus was doing. It was time for some people to "take a stand." Are you with Jesus or not? Many of the disciples left, but the ones that remained were the ones that were dedicated to Jesus. They were dedicated to God in Jesus. They laid their life on Jesus and gave it to him that day.

Jesus wants the life of the people even to this day. Jesus wants us to take a stand. Jesus wants us, today, to proclaim his saving grace and glory in God. 

Take a stand for Jesus today!

"Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

I heard and saw it all that day. I was filled with the glory of God! Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord, you call us to take a stand. We too can be as the synagogue was that day. We too can see and read your Word each and every day. We too can believe and take a stand. You have the words of eternal life and we know that you are the Holy One of God... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

August 23rd Hymn by Bill Lynch

O Jesus, I Have Promised
Verse 1
Text: John E Bode, 1816-1874, alt.

O Jesus, I have promised to serve you to the end;
remain forever near me, my master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if you are by my side,
nor wander from the pathway if you will be my guide.



Hymn by Bill Lynch

I stand here with you Jesus, my Master and my Friend.
For you have won the battle, defeating death and sin.
I place my hope and gladness, in all that you have done.
I stand with you Lord Jesus, you are the glorious One.

Prayer
Lord, you call us to make decisions. I choose to stand with you... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen