Carried Along By The Holy Spirit

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Hello Everyone, 
I hope the long weekend provided you with some time off to enjoy family and friends. My husband and I actually had some extended time together which was really nice. Fireworks terrify our dog, so we needed to stay close at home, although the three of us had a nice hike Monday morning.

​I am grateful to see our SpiritCare calendar grow as more communities open up. When you are ready, do let me know. It has been so wonderful to see familiar faces (yes, even masked) and to meet new people as well. God continues to call us together. We do not travel alone. Blessed be. 

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:19 - 21
"We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

​ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Photo by Karina Zhukovskaya from Pexels

Meditation
This scripture came up in one of my readings this week, and I was struck by its beauty. Some scholars say it was indeed written by the Apostle Peter. Others disagree. Both first and second Peter are reported to be written in very sophisticated Greek. Let us keep in mind that Peter was a first century Galilean fisherman. Would he know how to write, particularly in Greek? Unlikely, but truthfully, I do not worry too much about knowing who actually wrote a text. For me, it is miraculous enough that these ancient texts were written and preserved, and that they still inspire us. ​

The image of the morning star that rises in our hearts reminds me of those mornings when I wake before the sun comes over the horizon. Sometimes, I am fortunate enough to see a bright morning star or planet close to the horizon just before dawn. It is always a sign of hope for me as darkness begins to give way to the day. Those moments do speak like a prophet to me. I feel inspired to give thanks for God and God's beautiful creation. Such light helps me begin the day with gratitude. 

May we all trust that the Holy Spirit is moving in our lives, bringing hope, inspiration, and light. Trust helps us hear Jesus' voice reminding us to not hide our light but to let it shine so all can see it. We do this, not to show off, but to give encouragement to those who cannot believe in the hope that a morning star can bring.

We of faith are called to be light in this world. Remember, your love is a gift of the Spirit. ​

It cannot be hoarded. However, when it is shared it glows even brighter because others will then add their light to yours. This is how we can bring peace to the world, one illumined heart at a time.
 
Prayer
Holy One, may our love shine like the noonday sun. May we not be afraid to let our hearts be bright and welcoming in this world. May we be like Advent: a light shining on the horizon so all can find their way to letting their lights shine as well.
We thank you for the love you have given us and for the Holy Spirit who brings that love to us.
We thank you for life.
We thank you for Christ.
We thank you for all our faith journeys that have carried us to this moment when we recognize we are all your children.
​May we not waste this precious gift of love by hiding it, but rather to simply give it away, like Jesus. 
In Gratitude we pray, Amen. 
 
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
www.slzchurch.org 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com ​