Significant Scriptures for Palm Sunday
"...because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced... Therefore have I set my face like flint...and I know I will not be put to shame..." Isaiah 50:7
 
"...let your face shine on your servant...save me in your unfailing love..." Psalm 31:16

"......the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord...only if his prediction is true...then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it, and he said, before all the people, 'This is what the Lord says: 'In the same way will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations within two years.' At this, the prophet Jeremiah went on his way..." Jeremiah 28:9-11
 
"...'Are you king of the Jews?' asked Pilate...'Yes, it is as you say', Jesus replied...the chief priests accused Him of many things... So again Pilate asked Him, 'Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of'...but Jesus still made no reply...and Pilate was amazed..." Mark 15:2-5 

The Message
It was 1988. I'd been the pastor at Holy Cross for five years already, and, in fact, had been recently contacted by an insistent Scottish Presbyterian minister named the Rev. Dr. Harry Washburn to take over a chaplaincy ministry with the San Mateo County Convalescent Ministry, now called, SpiritCare Ministry for Seniors. I told him it was enough to be called his friend. Eventually I would do so in 1999.
 
I heard of a dramatic Easter musical. After a number of conversations with my Christian jazz buddy, Gordon Hultberg, known by many as "The Killer", together we decided to present the idea of the Holy Cross congregation putting on a major contemporary musical for the Pacifica community.
 
Holy Cross had always been a lively church body before my arrival, and it continued to be so, after Priscilla and I came. Our church council and the members got excited about the idea of having such a musical for Easter, and so off we went, headlong, into the project. Due to Gordon's directorship things went along smoothly. Gordon not only directed the play, but also took on the musical portion. Since every single member in the congregation had some function or "part" to perform, the question came up along the way... "Hey, who's going to come to see the musical---we're all in the production?" The response of all involved was, of course, "...the Lord will find a way..."
 
One of the production volunteers on lighting was a high school student, who was not a believer, named Erik Rasmussen, a student at Terra Nova High. I'm sure Gordon invited him to participate because he was accomplished in  his art, but also, because Gordon has always had a delightful evangelical heart, and probably thought, God would do a work in Erik's life.
 
That happened, but let me tell you about it...
 
Erik did a great job for us. I thought, it was good for him to be with us, and good for us to have him help us, but I was certainly unsure about what kind of effect spiritually the message of the musical would have on him. I figured  we were fortunate to have him on hand to help out.
 
One evening, after all the actor-members and production staff had left, I was cleaning up in the sanctuary at the altar. I'd thought that everybody else had already left for home or La Playa. I turned toward the exit and noticed Erik sitting in the back portion of a darkened sanctuary, in Merle Eggen's usual seat...
 
I was about to ask him what he was doing there, since it was past dinner time,  and I knew he loved to eat, but I didn't have time to pose the question...
 
"Why didn't He say something? Why didn't Jesus say something to defend himself?" Erik asked. I was astounded at his question --- I was dumbfounded. His voice sounded perplexed and absolutely serious. For a split-second, inside of myself,  I asked, "Who is this 'Erik Rasmussen' that I thought I'd 'sized-up' appropriately?"
 
Erik remained seated. I stood before him in the aisle. We talked. I cannot [for  the life of me] remember what I answered, or if I didn't try to answer. I did ask my usual question, whether in conversation or counseling, "What do you make of it?"
 
It made no sense to him. Why didn't Jesus attempt to defend himself?
 
Incidentally, Erik continued to grow in his walk with the Lord. He was baptized and continued to grow spiritually and intellectually. There were setbacks along the way, but the Lord was with him. God gave him a wonderful wife and a fabulous family. He now lives in Australia and will probably read this message. Erik eventually went into Christian ministry as an ordained pastor, and then, after several years, went on to become a lawyer. Is it more than possible that Gordon's invitation to Erik to volunteer with us at Holy Cross actually ended up changing his life so fundamentally that he took the path in life that he has. As I remember that encounter in the sanctuary decades ago, I couldn't fully envision his life perhaps in ministry, or perhaps in law, but I did know, that the Holy Spirit entered into the deepest recesses of his heart.

It brings to mind the thought that the Holy Spirit can bring those, not necessarily only with "the hardest of hearts" to Him, but certainly those who seem so "distant"  that they have no potential interest, nor ever could have, in the Gospel, or the  Lord Jesus Christ, or the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. There are those  who say this is the age of technology, and of reason, and post-rationality alone... but I say not. This age and time in human history, more than any other, needs to  know and experience the fact that there is forgiveness for those who truly want  and need it...there is such a thing as dying to one's self...to become a new being... to leave guilt, shame, and regret behind...to be truly free inside, able to really  enjoy life...and to know the Lord has a fail-proof provision for those who are fearful  and lacking profound meaning in life...
 
Having breakfast with Erik after 32 years recently at "The Breakers" in Pacifica, Rockaway Beach...I reflected upon this very conversation...and also consequently, rich, rewarding fellowship with Erik over the years, now having become decades... a gentleman of vision, of insight and conviction, faith in the Living God, and great  responsibility in serving others, a man dedicated to issues of justice and mercy. I sometimes wonder if he still asks the same question...or...if at times...persons of faith, like Jeremiah, too, and the Lord Jesus, just need to remain silent, and speak  when the Lord wants us to speak...and to speak up...with assurance and conviction!
 
So why didn't Jesus say something to Pilate? Why didn't Jesus speak up to defend Himself? We don't have an answer to that question, and yet, we DO have an answer!
 
Because Jesus, in the wider perspective, was not on trial...Pilate and the chief priests were on trial. I can just imagine the Lord Jesus and Pontius Pilate in dialogue up in heaven...Jesus saying to Pilate, "Do you get it now, why I didn't try to defend myself?" I imagine Pilate replying, "Lord, forgive me! I should've known better! How can I deal  in the eternal perspective...with what I did...and what I didn't do! I thought I was in charge...actually, Jesus, you were in charge..."
 
It paved the way for the cross, Jesus' death, the Resurrection...and our salvation...

You know, you are loved so dearly, so completely in the Lord. Respond to that  love with your heart. Respond to that love with you mind. In the process, be  kind to yourself, and be compassionate to others. Remember to pray for all in  need. ​

Dan Cinti continues to heal...Lea will have her baby very soon...to all who've been ill or experienced loss, blessing and healing in Jesus.

Happy, Blessed Holy Week to all! Cordially, Tom

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Blessings as we enter Holy Week. May we all open the gates of hearts and let Christ abide in us. Let us continue to hold one another in prayer during this coming week, and always.

Meditation
I need to study the text of Zechariah because centuries later this is how Jesus is described as he rode into Jerusalem for the last time. We will acknowledge this entry on this coming Sunday, which we call Palm Sunday. The theme of building, destruction, and rebuilding of the temple runs throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as the New Testament. Jesus' life and ministry teaches us that we, too, are a temple for God. The physical body rises and falls, but our souls are an eternal temple. Holy Week helps us remember who we really are.
​
 Jesus' entry into the city is filled with irony. He comes as a hero, but he comes riding, not on a powerful war house or in a glorious chariot, but on a donkey. His entourage consists of ordinary people who make a way for Jesus by laying their cloaks on the donkey and the foal, and on the ground where Jesus rides. I love this image. First of all, I love donkeys. Secondly, I love the reminder that Jesus comes humbly. One wants to linger with this story, because it does not take long for things to start falling apart.
Palm Sunday teaches us caution. If people are cheering us today, that does not mean that they will not be turning away from us tomorrow. Jesus learned this lesson even before this last journey. No where in the Gospel do we read Jesus' encouragement to follow the crowds and listen to the cheers. Jesus was far too focused on God to fall for such trappings.
In our own lives, things also fall apart. If we start from a place of humility that accepts this inevitability, we can find strength for the journey. As we begin to move into Holy Week, let us do so with a humble heart. Yes, Jesus suffered. Yet, the story does not end in the suffering. There is always more. Because there is always God. Let us tend to the temple that is our body, and rejoice in the knowledge that resurrection is real. Therefore, let us enter the gates of life with humility and thanksgiving for the Spirit that carries us ever on.
 
Prayer:
"The earth is the Lord's and all that it holds, 
the world and those who live there. 
For God founded it on the seas, 
established it over the rivers.
Lift up your heads, o gates; 
rise up, you ancient portals, 
that the king of glory may enter." 
 Psalm 24:1-2, 9
 
Holy One, we thank you for the gift of the eternal Christ. Help us to tend to the Christ who is within all. Help us to tend the beautiful temple that is this life. Amen
Blessings this Holy Week to you all.
 
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
--
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com 

From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe

 Next Sunday, March 28, 2021, is Palm Sunday
 
Thought for the Day
 "...let us live up to what we have already attained..." Philippians 3:16
 
Scripture
"...I will put my law in their minds...and write it on their hearts...I will be their God...and they will be my people..." Jeremiah 31:33b
 
"...I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead..." Philippians 3:10-11
 

"...now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast... They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request... 'Sir', they said, '...we would like to see Jesus'..." John 12:20-21
 
Prayer
Gracious, faithful God!
This morning we desire---with all of our being---to give you hearty praise. The Scriptures clearly teach that as we do so, you inhabit that praise. We are "made whole" in praise. We are are restored in praise. We are refreshed in praise. It's been a past week of lots of challenges. We haven't always done the right thing the way we could have...
 
Lord, forgive us all our sins...those things we have thought, said, and done, that go against your provision for our lives. We are, yes, sorry for sinning against you...and you, only. Grant that old familiar sense and feeling of assurance and inner peace.
 
When we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, we can count on your promise that we will be restored unto you. And then, in praise, we will be brought rightly into your powerful presence, and meanwhile, truly, we will come into ourselves. Thank you, God!
 
Grant us the courage, strength, patience, and confidence we need to be your friendly and fit representative of the Gospel in our world. Help us to remember to pray, at all times and all situations. Save us from discouragement during our day. Help us to be helpful to others. Help us to pass on the Divine reason we have for being an outgoing  and peaceable human being. Let us be blessed. Let us be a blessing. Be with our troops overseas. Be with all those who serve at home...police personal, firefighters, politicians, pastors, and also, manual workers, garbage collectors, and farmers, who  provide our food.
 
We pray all these things in the name of our personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen. 
 
The Message

As we consider the Scriptures for today and as well, think about the Bible verses from last week, I've been concentrating on those folks in the text who seem to be truly interested in meeting Jesus. There is the great Pharisee, Nicodemus, of course, and now today, the "Greeks", a group of Gentiles who have come to witness the Passover in 29 AD. 

He probably could transport His hearers from their present circumstances and put themselves right into the middle of His parables. Or, perhaps they would fit themselves in His stories, identifying themselves with one character or another. The only conflict might be that a worker would be shirking his duty by listening. Think about it! There was no television, no movies, no cellular phones, and no street poster advertisements.
 
Praise the Lord! Let's go back to those times...
 
A person would have a sufficient amount of time to digest the various levels to be understood in the parables, and without constant interruption and distraction, pass on the wisdom of the teaching to others, and in the process, grow spiritually., and as well, make it a social thing. These days we hear these remarkable texts from the Bible, marvel at them, and move on to the next venue, hardly retaining anything permanently.It's a matter of having too much of a good thing.
 
Are we retaining what we are learning about Jesus and our relationship with Him in order that it can become part of us, Jesus becoming more--and you and I---becoming less?
 
The thought came up during our "periscope studies" last Tuesday in regard to the crowd on the original Palm Sunday --- Were the people on hand really interested in Jesus of Nazareth as "King of the Jews"? Or, did they gather for a remarkable teller of parables?
 
The conclusion was that Jesus was tagged by the crowd as a "miracle worker". Widespread talk all over Israel was that Jesus performed miracles. Nobody seemed to dispute that. The news had spread like wildfire, whether changing water into wine or healing someone. This was just the thing Jesus wanted to discourage. There had been a Divine "design purpose"  in Jesus' coming...in fact...even before the foundation of the earth. Jesus was supposed 
to come to save His people from their sins. The cost of this would be extraordinary, as we all know. Jesus would suffer horribly and die. However, one of the characteristics regarding Jesus was His compassion for others. One of the most important "telling" verses in the Bible is the shortest, "Jesus wept", John 11:35. And, yet, in spite of His desire to heal folks along the way, the main reason for His coming was the suffer, and die, and be raised again for your salvation and mine. The documentation seems to me so clear, as revealed through the Prophet Isaiah Isaiah 53 and hundreds of other references in the Old Testament.
 
What is the purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ? Who is He?
 
"...Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age?... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the  world in its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe...we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block..." 1 Corinthians 1:20-23
 
Recently, I had opportunity to meet an old friend. He's always been such a wonderful, loving Christian gentleman, and yet, when we talked about Jesus a couple of weeks ago, he said, and I quote, "Jesus was a wonderful person...but, the suffering and death on the cross can be removed from the story. It's so sad, he was such a great man. The important thing is that he did the good things he did...that's what mattered then and that's what matters now...
 
This is not Christian faith. This is something else.
You and I were bought and freed from sin at great cost to God through Christ Jesus...
 
PERSONAL FORGIVENESS IS ESSENTIAL THROUGH THE CROSS
 
ETERNAL LIFE IS ESSENTIAL THROUGH CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
 
"...now, brothers and sisters...I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand...by this gospel you are saved if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you...otherwise you have believed in vain...for what I have received I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised up on the third day..." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

I was shocked. This man had provided leadership for his church for decades, not some kind of "far-out snake-worshipping fellowship in a swamp some place", but from one of our standard Christian denominations. Someone might say I am over-reacting, but I'm convinced not...
 
I suppose there was a time I would've let that comment pass, and not ruffle any feathers. But, I've become a "crusty old fellow" lacking in manners, but also, exceedingly more aware to my very soul, the reason for the Lord Jesus Christ in my life. I sometimes think if I was the only human being who ever existed Jesus still would have come to save me from myself.
 
The Scripture which now comes to mind:
 
"...your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a slave, being made in human likeness...and being found in the appearance of a man, He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father..." Philippians 2:5-11

Our journey to Holy Week, or Passion Week, is almost ended in the decisive year for many, 2021, during the Season of Lent. We've been walked with Jesus on the arduous, but beautiful pathway that'll lead us in Holy Week to our Jerusalem. For some, it wasn't a walk at all, but a "run" to win the prize of relating ourselves, and with many, updating our relationship with the Savior. Friends, we are saved by God's grace. I want to emphasize that this morning.
Nonetheless, it is encouraging to be reminded of how important it is for us to do just as Jesus did...to go out of our way...to put ourselves on the line...to share the story to those perishing...
 
Saint Paul writes:
"...don't you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize...Run in such a way as to get the prize...everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training...they do it to get a crown that will not last...but we do it to get a crown that will last forever... therefore I don't run like a person running aimlessly...I don't fight like a boxer beating the air... No...I beat my body and make it my servant, so that after I have preached to others...I myself will not be disqualified for the prize..." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
 
My friends in Christ, the Season of Lent is meant for this kind of preparation for Holy Week. To be able to experience the full measure of Easter's meaning for us as followers of Jesus it's important to focus. It's important to look within and note opportunities from without. It's essential to get back in touch with "the reason for the season", that is, Jesus Christ!

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Grace and Peace to you all. First of all for those of you in Santa Clara County, at the bottom of this email is some information regarding free counseling that is available for those impacted by the pandemic. If any of you know of similar resources for San Mateo or Alameda Counties, please let me know. The sharing of information can help us all move towards healing.

Friends, I know many of you are still carrying heavy burdens. Do keep in mind that PTSD is real and is rampant. I pray you and your staff take time to mourn, rest, and heal into wholeness. Please remember we are here for you and people are holding you in prayer.
 
Scripture: James 4:7-8
"Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you."
 
Meditation
My "devil" is procrastination. I am often slow to take on what I perceive to be a difficult task. The irony is that procrastination takes an inordinate amount of energy and resources to maintain. It has to be fed continually. Often, far more energy is needed to procrastinate than to simply do what needs to be done. It is a heavy burden because we have to continue to carry that which is incomplete or undone. We can end up carrying so much that things can end up either not being finished well, or dropped and forgotten about.

Yet, we always have a resource to help us. We can remember Jesus in the desert. When faced with temptations, he relied completely on God. He held on to the teachings and refused to succumb to the illusion that he could be powerful and mighty. He knew that was not his path, so he did not walk it. He refused to pick that burden up.

Prayer
Holy God, too often we make things difficult for ourselves and those around us because we try to carry too much. Help us to decide what truly needs to be done and to trust that you will help us complete those tasks. We thank you because so often you bring us help through one another. You remind us that we seldom need to do everything ourselves. Help us to not turn our illusions of independence into idols that only increase our burdens. May we remember that to be in Christ is to be in relationship. Knowing that we journey together, may we stay open to one another and to be thankful for one another. We know that in that gratitude, we are giving thanks to you.
 
In loving gratitude we pray, Amen
​
For those of you in Santa Clara County
A generous grant has allowed La Selva's Community Clinic to offer FREE telehealth counseling to underinsured and uninsured individuals who have been impacted by the pandemic. Healthcare workers are especially encouraged to participate, but all are welcome. Services are short-term and available in both English and Spanish. See this link to sign up and for more details. Contact Karen Salas-Caballero (employed by Momentum for Health) (408) 757-8449 for more details.
 
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ

www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com 

From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe

There's two more weeks to Palm Sunday, it's St Patrick's Day Sunday - St Patrick's Day is March 17th.
 
Scripture
"...I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline..." 2 Timothy 1:6a,7
 
DOING THINGS FOR GOD -  SEEING BEYOND GETTING WHAT WE WANT
 "...when Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him..." Numbers 24:2
 
A SONG SUNG BY GOD'S PEOPLE RETURNING FROM BONDAGE IN BABYLON 
"...Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good...His love endures forever..." Psalm 107:1
 
DEAD IN TRANSGRESSIONS, MADE ALIVE WITH CHRIST
"...God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved..." Ephesians 2:1-10
 
FROM ONE OF THE GREATEST DIALOGUES IN THE HISTORY OF LITERATURE
"...for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life..." John 3:16

Prayer
 Good morning, God! All praise to you, in these challenging days! We give you hearty thanks for life!
 
Definitely, Lord, we are in the Season of Lent, meditatively, seeking your will  and doing things your way, like a seasoned runner under direction of a coach, to discover the prize for being a triumphant spiritual athlete. We run to win a spiritual trophy. We have our good days. We have our bad days. It's all in the game. For us, it's one day at a time, and we must not waste it. It's all so much a part of fullness in life. We are ready to "take this day on" in Jesus.
 
We train ourselves with a divine confidence we have within, given by your Word. We are not afraid of failure in our lives. We are safe in your undeserved grace. There is no failure in our Lord Jesus. We are led by your Holy Spirit. Thus, we commend ourselves into your tender, encouraging Call to be the best we can be.

 
Be with those who have suffered because of the pandemic. Be with our troops overseas and at home. Be with those who have suffered in their businesses and at their work. Allow us to be joyful day by day, but bring us through this time of trial and great loss to millions and billions around the world. In Jesus' name, Amen!
 
Message
 
The Gospel Lesson for today from John 3:1-21 is not only "Heart of the Gospel" material from the New Testament, but it's also a world-class masterpiece of literature. It provides the same kind of direction the reader needs in order to grab onto and hold on tight to the fundamental essence of true spirituality. It involves two great Spiritual masters of the first century of the common era. One is the greatest of the religious teachers (rabbis) of his day, the Jew with the Greek name (which alerts us to something), Nicodemus ... and the young, impressive rabbi from Galilee, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (in the original, Joshua Ben Josef).
 
The great Nicodemus, the renowned teacher of all Israel, (we learn from the text) is keenly interested in meeting this "Phenomenon" from the North, now in Judea. The text says that Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Israel. He was for his time, "the renowned one". He was the scholar of his day in Israel...the one everybody came to. Nicodemus didn't come to people. People came to Nicodemus.
 
BUT...it was Nicodemus who came to Jesus...at night...Why?
 
He didn't want to be recognized as "going out of his way" to meet this Jesus of Nazareth. Pharisees and Jesus were always seemingly at odds with each other, it is true, but wouldn't people be asking, why is this great man purposely stepping out to talk to the Nazarene? It was  because Nicodemus sensed something deep within. Was it the healing 
of the sick and the insane? Nicodemus was embarrassed because he was supposed to have "all the answers", but most likely, thought that Jesus had something to teach him. Therefore, Nicodemus came at night.
 
The text makes it clear that Nicodemus was impressed with the works Jesus was known to perform. He was convinced that Jesus was doing what He was doing with power from on high.
 
Jesus flips the conversation. I can imagine him looking directly at Nicodemus in such a way of dispensing with useless, needless conversation. I hope Jesus never looks upon me the way he looked upon Nicodemus.
 
"Very truly I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
 
Okay. We've arrived at a breaking-point in the conversation. From here on in, either Nicodemus will disengage, or he will give heed to something Jesus has said...that...will...indeed...transform his life.
 
Nicodemus pauses ever so briefly and indicates his interest in continuing the conversation..."How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born?"
 
Nicodemus is "fishing". This was the typical conversational retort from a Pharisee...
 
Jesus lays things on the line. Both men are intently focused upon dialogue. I sense that Nicodemus will remember Jesus' words the rest of his life...
 
"...Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit..." This spiritual thing is not (bottom-line) about robes and stoles, candles and wooden altars, food-fellowship after worship,or how well the choir sings, or what kind of hat the pastor has purchased...
 
It's about dying to self. Letting go of living to satisfy "me". It's about opening up my human heart and letting God in. (God is a gentleman...He would never force His way into our lives.) It's about finding myself in my compassion for 
others...It's about the assurance that God is going to be worthy of the trust we place in Him...It's about the knowledge that there is no failure in the Lord...
 
It's about dying...and being raised up by the power of God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. It's about being freed from guilt, and shame, and regret...by the power of God in Christ to forgive us, to renew our spirits, and to restore the  human spirit so that it no longer wages war on itself...
 
Other points of our interest and focus this morning are these masterpieces:

 
THE NATURE OF BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY WILL BE POWERFULLY PERSONAL AND DIRECT
"...I will put my law in their minds...and write it upon their hearts...I will be their God...and they will be my people...no longer will their teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord', because they will all know me, from the least of them...to the greatest...declares the Lord" Jeremiah 31:34
 
WE WILL SEE THE WISDOM OF DYING TO SELF AND BEING REBORN
"...I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me..."Galatians 2:20
 
FINALLY HABAKKUK'S FEELINGS ARE NOT DOMINATED BY EVENTS AROUND HIM, BUT RATHER, 
IN GOD'S ABILITY BY FAITH TO GIVE HIM STRENGTH AND ASSURE HIM THAT ALL IS AND WILL BE WELL
"...I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound...decay crept into my bones...and my legs trembled...though the fig tree does not bud and though there are no grapes on the vines...though the olive crop fails...and the fields produce no food...though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls...yet, I will rejoice in the Lord...I will be joyful in God, my Savior!" Habakkuk 3:16a, 17
 
The story of the great life-changing conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus is...
 
No matter how intelligent and well-educated you are, you must come to Jesus with an open mind & heart so He can teach you the truth about God.
 
There is much more to the dialogue, but for today, we'll leave things at this.

Let me tell you something. For years, after your confirmation of faith when you were a teenager (way back when) and the years following, I've sensed there was a need for you to progress in your spiritual life...being the judgmental person may be, I sensed you were into religion, but you hadn't progressed from religion into faith. You want to kill yourself and die, but you want to do it, your way. I sense that God has allowed your present depression and thoughts of suicide in order bring it to your attention to do things His way. For that reason, I am so glad you decided to trust me enough to talk it over. 

God wants you to die, but He wants you to do it His way, not your way. You need to die to yourself, and to your selfishness, and to your addictions. As Jesus said, and I know you remember the third chapter of John's Gospel, you need to die to yourself and be born again." There was a pause. There was a response on the other end of the line..."I understand. I am willing to do that." I responded with asking if he'd be willing to pray...especially about dying to self and accepting his new life in Christ. He was willing. We prayed together. I could feel the Holy Spirit come upon him and me. Since that time things have gone well for him.
 
In the Season of Lent with just two weeks remaining prior to Palm Sunday, Passion Week, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, we sometimes keep the Spiritual impact of this incredible week for granted. We go through the motions. We may even have a Spiritual lift, but miss out on the message of "new life" in Christ Jesus. We need to be born again. We need to die to self. We need to be raised up, with each new morning, to meet the new day with the full impact of the Holy Spirit upon us. Maybe this year you've been feeling down in the dumps. Maybe you've wondered if God even exists in our twenty-first century pandemic world.

Maybe, like my father-in-law, you have asked the question, "...Is that all there is to religion?..." He left his religious tradition to follow Christ Jesus. You know, religion is a good thing, but it really must transition into Christ-centered, selfless, faith in Him. Gracious God, grant your abundant blessing on my friends who have chosen to place their confidence in today's message and allow them to surrender and receive Christ.
 
Until next week, may the blessing of Almighty God, strengthen and uplift you...
"Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord!" Ephesians 5:19b
 
Cordially, Tom

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

I am so  grateful for the calls and emails I am receiving with the news that indeed, things are improving in many communities.   If your community is still struggling, please take heart.  Things will ease.  Please remember I am available to resume worship  services, a Bible study, or a faith conversation via Zoom when you are ready.  Just let me know, and we can schedule.   My second vaccination is scheduled for March 24.  I certainly look forward to that process being completed! 

Please continue to hold SpiritCare in your prayers.  This past year has played havoc with our budget.   If your community can support us in some way, do let us know.  Thank you for all the ways you have supported the ministry through the years.   
  
Scripture     
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."    2 Corinthians 3:17   

Meditation  
The Apostle Paul mentions freedom several times in his letters, and I always find his encouragement to live into our freedom inspiring.  Part of the reason for my admiration is that Paul spent a lot of time writing from prison.  Yet, his heart was free.  At the beginning of the pandemic, I read a biography of Gandhi, who also spent much time in prison.  Yet, in his heart and mind, like Paul, he knew only freedom.  Gandhi was not Christian, but a devout Hindu who knew  freedom because of his deep love of the  Lord as revealed to him through the Bhagavad Gita.  That is where he found  the conviction to lead his nation to freedom without violence.  It is a compelling, inspiring story.   ​ 

Let us say yes to that commandment and know that our love can never be contained.  Love is of Spirit and cannot be boxed or shelved for a later time.  Love lives.  Blessed be.   
   
Prayer 
Holy One, help us to drop the shackles of fear and disbelief.  Help us to accept the love  that you are always offering us.  Fill us, Holy One, and help us to share that abundant love with all.  We know this is our call.  May we respond with open hearts.   
In Christ we gratefully pray,  Amen     
--
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com 

From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe

Good morning, dear People of God! It's the third Sunday in Lent! Two more Sundays to go! Sincere condolence is extended to all who have lost loved ones because of Covid-19 and a note of gratefulness to all of our essential workers putting themselves at risk. 

SCRIPTURE
The following verses are the recommended biblical passages for the 3rd Sunday in Lent. There are two more Sundays in Lent of 2021 until Palm Sunday arrives:   

"...and God spoke all these words...'I am the Lord your God, who brought you out  of Egypt, out of the land of slavery...'" Exodus 20:1-17

 "...Jesus did not need the testimony about mankind,  for He knew what was in each person..." John 2:25 

"...when it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem..." John 2:1  

PRAYER
Would you pray with me? 

Gracious God,  
Once again we call upon you for that special access into your presence, your mind, and your heart. O, how we need the benediction of your grace for this day. Forgive us all of our trespasses and grant us the peace to know that you have the authority and power to forgive us, cleanse us, and make us over. Thank you for the Scriptures. Thank you for your insights and your grace to carry us through this day, and the days  of this week. As we ask blessing for ourselves, we do so in concern for others, those  we know and love, those we live and work with, and those who are far afield. We,  therefore, ask that we may bring divine hope and assurance to those at risk in life, those who are in pain, and those who need to know they are worthy and loved.  We pray these things in Jesus' name.    Amen.       

MESSAGE
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!  

"...when it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem..." 

There is a direct connection between Jesus going to Jerusalem and the Passover.

​The Gospel lesson for today is from the second chapter of John, at the thirteenth verse. It appears to me that Jesus is doing, in a way, what we are doing. Jesus is making the journey from Galilee in the north to Jerusalem in the south. This to me is a literal, and as well, a symbolic journey for the Gospel writer. 

Am I so involved in the details of my living day by day that I haven't really focused upon the preparation and participation necessary to make Lent significant for me? ​Indeed! What have I been doing, thinking, and praying about...that makes Lent what it's supposed to be?

Jesus knew what He was doing, as detailed by the Gospel writer. And Jesus knows what He's doing now, in our lives. At times, you and I may not know what we're about, or where our head and heart are at, but Jesus does...not the Jesus of history, my friend, but the Jesus of today...and my destiny...in Him...Jesus, crucified and risen! Yes, the Lord is concerned about US. What's going on in OUR heads and hearts?

We're on a journey in the Season of Lent---leaving behind the comfort of family and friends in "good ol' Galilee" and heading toward, what---in some way---is destiny and trouble. As Representative John Lewis, of Georgia, used to say, "Good Trouble"! Life isn't just about doing the pleasant things in life...

As I reflect on the Bible account of Jesus' life, I sense that His greatest human joy was growing up and "living it up" and teaching in Galilee. The people there were, and are to this day, much less intense than the people in Jerusalem. Just give me the "good-time" folks of Tiberius, Cana, Nazareth, Capernaum and Magdala. 

• You and I have purpose in being here.
• We have a destiny. 
• The Season of Lent is meant to place our focus upon that destiny. 

We take a sufficient amount of time to enjoy life as Jesus certainly did, but our lives are heading toward an ultimate consummation, our purpose in being here, our divine destiny, despite the pleasures of life that God encourages us to take advantage of, but not make the recreational aspects of life the final human summation of what we are ultimately about...our reason for being here on earth. 

Do you really believe you are here on earth merely to be conceived, be born, grow up, graduate, get married, have children, work hard, mellow in life, get old, and die? 

I remember Peggy Lee singing some years back, "Is that all there is?" 

Do you really believe that's all there is to life? 

It is the purpose of the Season of Lent to discern that significant difference between "summation" in life and "consummation"...no matter what our calling in terms of work or profession...no matter what our status in society...no matter what others may think of us...no matter how much money, or lack thereof... .

GOD HAS A UNIQUE AND POWERFUL PURPOSE FOR EACH PERSON

You and I can limit the greatness, the power, and the majesty of that divine destiny.

When we go back to John 2:11-12, we read: "...what Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him..." That's verse 11. 

Jesus wasn't trying to convince his Galilean friends of His greatness and power. One could say that Jesus was honoring His mother's request...and yet...Jesus didn't want people to be confused about what His "bottom-line purpose" in life and therefore He encouraged everybody to remain silent about His miracles.

According to verse twelve, Jesus' time spent in Capernaum was not hurried. Jesus set ample time aside to be with His mother...and note this...His brothers... that is...as well as His disciples. [Please note here that Jesus had real brothers!] They must have had a good time together. It gave Him the encouragement He needed to fulfill His ultimate task, the one ordained for Him before the creation of the world. It also gave family and followers "something to hold onto" after the astonishing events of crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension that would follow...

The Lord Jesus would encourage each of us to enjoy our lives, and yet, not overdo it, getting swept away in the pleasures of life. He would encourage us to have good, faithful friends, and share "the good life" together. I keep thinking about John the Baptist's confusion regarding Jesus. Was He really the Messiah? Matthew 11:2 He was supposed to be, but, He just seemed to enjoy the good things of life much too much, according to John. Many Christians I know think one needs to "gut it out" in life, and not enjoy the simple pleasures, if one expects to be a genuine believer...that was probably where John the Baptist was at....but Jesus actually provided a much more ideal notion of what it means to be God's servant. Enjoy life, but know you have a destiny in God, and follow through.

The finest kind of evangelism I know of---is for the believer involved to be fully engaged in enjoying life and, if not "the life of the party", a full-fledged participant. But for those sticking around long enough to observe, that same believer is always there present to comfort, to assist, and to help those who are grieving or hurting.

So, what are some of the things you and I can do to get fully into Lent...

The first thing is to DEVELOP INSIGHT.
The twentieth chapter of Exodus is devoted to the Ten Commandments, but what precedes the Ten Commandments is worthy of being called, "AS IMPORTANT" as the Commandments themselves. We read in Exodus 20:2, "...I AM the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery..."

For decades I thought this was simply an introduction to the Ten Commandments. Actually, if it weren't for the first six words written, we would be put in great peril attempting to be good enough to make "the cut", that is, to be righteous enough to qualify for God's approval, good enough to become part of God's royal family, and to live our lives in the sure confidence of knowing that we are in the Lord's good graces.

God knows, and we know, that we live in a broken world. We are less than perfect, and we fall short of the glory of God in Christ Jesus. Since the fall of mankind, God has understood this, and now we know. God is not going to shut us out from His presence, because we aren't perfect. We're part of His family, even though, we fall short archery term: "sin", to fall short of the bulls-eye in terms of meeting the just requirements of the law. No wonder so many smart people become Christians.

​WE ARE COVERED

Whether or not we're seemingly a little more perfect than most other human beings, the focus is upon ourselves... selfishness. Whether or not we are seemingly less perfect than most other human beings, the focus is upon ourselves... another strange sort of selfishness.

​The superlative message of Lent... Let go of the negative things of life...and live positively in Jesus. Sin and our negative, tragic past are obliterated by the power of the Cross.

Without this insight, what was meant to be a blessing, The Ten Commandments become a curse for us... because we cannot fully live up to the requirements of God's law. The Ten Commandments give us good direction in terms of blessings when we give our very best... When we fall short, we don't hide from God or other human beings. We turn to God. We ask forgiveness. We have God's guarantee of unconditional forgiveness. We carry on in joy to live our lives to the fullest.

The second thing is to MAKE IT PERSONAL.
Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:3b writes, "...no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit...". When I was a boy, I asked my Dad why Christian men and women in our home congregation would heard the words of Scripture and the pastor preaching, and yet, not seem to follow through in word and deed. Dad simply said, "I don't know. The Pastor certainly preached well this past Sunday."

We need to call upon the Holy Spirit to shore up our faith lives. Rather than trying, and trying again, to make it good on your own...call upon the Holy Spirit to help you in doing "the needful" for others and getting things done you'd like to do for the Lord.

Saint Paul is right. Jesus cannot be Lord of your life or mine, unless we involve the Holy Spirit. At that point, everything falls into place...you get the work you propose to do---done...you start the ministry at church you've been thinking about and your efforts are a success...you finally overcome the irritation you feel and anger you have toward neighbors and fellow members and you become best of friends.

​Has Jesus been letting you down? Not really. God the Father and the Lord Jesus have been occupying the front seat of your automobile and the Holy Spirit has been in the back seat. You need to bring the Holy Spirit up front.

When you call upon the Holy Spirit to cause personal transformation to take place a flickering flame will become a blazing fire in your life which cannot be quenched.

The third thing is to DENY YOURSELF, i.e. FASTING.
From my past years, I know that Christians have denied themselves chocolate, the movies, popcorn, television, ice cream, comic books, and things like that. I would like to encourage you in Lent of 2021 to fast from...negative thinking in general...doubts about the love of God for you...being critical of others... getting "down" on yourself...allowing yourself to get upset when little unpleasant things happen...and thinking that when serious stuff comes your way---you and God can't handle it. I get the idea that, if you "fast" in this matter, you'll look forward to Lent every single year.

Peace!
Cordially, Tom

​

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Dear Friends, I apologize for being late, but yesterday was a very full day, and truthfully, as my mother would say, I ran out of steam. I pray all is going well with you, your families, and your communities. 

Scripture: James 1:5-6 
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Our egos, however, really want to come up with the solutions on our own. The ego wants to be heroic, maybe even famous. This is not the path to wisdom and peace. Fortunately, we each have a sacred soul that has no interest in conquering the world, but rather living in relationship with it. I am reminded of some lines from a beautiful poem written by Alfred K. LaMotte entitled,
Love Doesn't Need a Story
"Whether you feed
the multitudes today
or only wash the dishes
makes no difference at all."

I once took a daylong cooking class in a commercial kitchen. I was struck by how difficult the work must be to do day in and day out. People are on their feet for hours. More than once I thought the heat from all the burners would surely do us all in. I also learned that as heavy pots and pans seemed to perpetually fill the large sinks, people who wash dishes are incredibly heroic. The same is true of the people who make beds, vacuum floors, empty the trash, and check out our groceries. Being heroic means going about our daily lives with humility and grace. Through prayer, we can learn how to live our lives in such dignity whatever our circumstances we find ourselves in. God is always willing to go where we need to be.

Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com