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From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe
Scripture - Ephesians 4:1-16 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)
The Message
The Epistle lesson for this Sunday is recorded in Saint Paul's Letter to the Ephesians. In this portion of the New Testament, Paul seeks by his letter to bring about unity within the local body there in the city of Ephesus. What he encourages the Ephesians to do is what we should be encouraged to do: He writes (verse one) - as a prisoner for the Lord: "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." How are we to fulfill that call...?
Some years ago a lady in my congregation expressed the following to me: "I can't stand that woman!" in regard to another lady in the congregation. I replied, "You know, dear lady, you're going to have to be with that woman for all eternity...what a prospect!" She replied, "What am I to do?" Without a pause I opened my mouth unable to know how to help her and the words came out [via the Holy Spirit], "Take her to lunch..." Reply: "You've got to be kidding." Keep unity of the Spirit through the bond of Peace.
Saint Paul goes on (verse 4): "...there is one body and one Spirit---just as you were called to one hope when you were called---one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all..."
BUT - to each one of us - GRACE has been given (as Christ apportioned it.) What does this all mean? Well, we all share the same Spiritual inheritance:
In a more direct understanding of Paul's intention, he addresses the tendency we have in the Church to create division. It was there in Paul's time and it certainly is there present these days, for sure.
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From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings, everyone! May you all be experiencing and witnessing the blessings of health in your communities, families, and in your very own lives. Please know that God is with you., and that we of SpiritCare are as well. Please let us know how we can be of service to you.
Meditation
I thought of this text while I was in conversation today with the wife of a colleague . He has a serious cancer, and he has been discerning as to whether he should take part in an experimental treatment trial. Today I learned that he is going to participate. The deciding factor for him was the ability to take part in a study while he was living. I was not surprised to hear of his decision because that seems so much in alignment with the beliefs that I know he holds dear. I believe he is offering himself as a living sacrifice to God in the hopes that all those who suffer from this disease can benefit.
Paul often used the word perfection, and sometimes that can be confusing. How can we be perfect? However, if we think in terms of living into the wholeness or fullness that God is offering us, then it seems more doable. Whatever our health condition, we can be whole if we but surrender our lives to God. If we do that, God will always accept us, and transform us. Our health may not be "perfect" but we can always be filled and fulfilled with the love of God.
Thank you for teaching us to be people of generosity. Show us the way to even more generosity of spirit for we know that is the way to draw closer to you. This is the life we want to live. This is a life in Christ.
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
From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe
SCRIPTURES You were marked in Him with a seal--- the promised Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13b) "...'How can I set twenty loaves of barley bread before one hundred men?...', Elisha's servant asked. Elisha answered, 'Give it to the people to eat, for this is what the Lord says, 'They will eat and have some left over...' Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord." (2 Kings 4:42-44)
"...another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 'Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'..." (John 6:8,9)
PRAYER Gracious Lord and Savior, We are your grateful people. As the Hebrew Bible declares, "...you open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing...". You are gracious to us, you are generous with us, you are forgiving, and insightful in dealing with each of us individually. You put up with our complaints, our doubts, our procrastinations, and our moods. You are familiar with all our ways. And you love us and remain faithful in the midst of our inconsistencies and waywardness. We are so glad you have introduced us to a life of faith. You, Lord, in the midst of uncertainty, provide assurance in our need for order, peacefulness, and meaning. We are grateful for insight into us... We commend our lives into your tender care. We ask that you forgive us for our shortcomings...our falling short of your target for our lives. Lord, we praise you. In Jesus' name, Amen. THE MESSAGE This is the Sunday in which we consider "the feeding of the five thousand" in the sixth chapter of John's Gospel. Jesus was on the far side of the Sea of Galilee, evidently, near Tiberias. [In our time, near downtown, shops serve some of the most delicious "Shwarma" one can get anywhere in the world.]
Eventually, five thousand people (plus) were fed and satisfied with plenty left over, twelve baskets worth. The people were amazed.
This narrative for me is the proof text for the notion that when we take on a task with faith, no matter our circumstances, it is multiplied when the Lord Jesus is involved. As the Lord satisfied the hungry five thousand (plus) with limited means, He will also satisfy us, though our resources are also limited. We need to proceed in faith. Presently, we are preparing for a "discipleship retreat" in Pacifica in October.
I wanted at this point to transition over to the Epistle lesson for this Sunday. It is found in Paul's letter to the Ephesians 3:14-21...
This is an amazing passage as far as I'm concerned and I wanted to tell you why. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks about the personal spiritual qualities we'd all like to have, in fact, qualities we would "die for"... heart knowledge of the Christ's nature and purpose, the clearing away of unimportant priorities that sometimes saturate our lives...escaping the meaninglessness of just seemingly existing without significant purpose...
In fact, taking that step in life is the really the true biblical foundation of genuine Christianity. To let Jesus take over in our lives doesn't mean our identity no longer exists.
In Jesus, Saint Paul talks about having extraordinary strength to deal with the issues of everyday living, but the Apostle does so within the context of uprooting the externals in order to discover and realize our inmost being...that is... ...substantially who we are in Christ through the Spirit and who we actually are in the deepest sense also... He shares his prayer that the Ephesian followers may have the experience of divine strength through the Holy Spirit to have Christ dwell in their hearts. They're not comprehending the deeper things of faith. Their faith lives are too close to the surface. They need to avoid being doubleminded, proceeding to think they can to go on being the person we were before, and, not sensing the profound nature of embracing Christ. I get the idea the Ephesians were living their faith lives too close to the surface. Paul was addressing the lack of spiritual depth. Their approach to church was superficial, lacking depth, lacking true spiritual depth. They just weren't digging down into the roots of their spiritual lives and fellowship. The Apostle seems to encourage his readers to seek a deeper expression in their faith lives. It would be helpful sometime soon to take an in depth study into the power of this epistle. There seems to be a follow up that applies to 21st century folks in the church. Am I wrong? Many folks I have known and shared this life with in the church seem to struggle a bit with genuine faith. They're mixed up between the ethical teachings of the Bible, as opposed to the theological teaching. In short, real, genuine Christianity is not a "Do Right-Do Wrong" religion. It goes way beyond that. Church folks don't always understand some of the deep spiritual concepts of the Bible and so they proceed as best they can. Thanks to the text for today we know we can have a faith that is genuine, based on the Bible. The text of the third chapter in Paul's letter is encouraging. The entire letter by Paul is a call to arms in terms in securing a genuine, personal faith in Jesus. I'm inclined to believe that the issues first-century Christians faced are much the same as ours. Thanks to Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we can not only know about Jesus, but can know Him, especially as the Holy Spirit takes charge in our lives, and we allow the Spirit to have free flow within us. It is such a beautiful feeling of peace, joy, and assurance. Walking fully in the Spirit, other things that seemed so essential before, now simply become incidental, either important along the way, or necessary, but not the heart of things. This is the wideness, the length, the height and the depth of Christ's love filling us. NO NEED FOR FILLERS There isn't any need to collect things as a substitute, as so many Americans do, or to seek after riches, or to coddle ourselves rather than stretch past the limits of our imagination to serve God and His purpose through us, as well as, going on one endless pursuit after the next feeling the frustration of not knowing that God's timing in our lives is always perfect. Paul writes in Ephesians 3:8: "...although I am less than the least of all God's people this grace was given me to preach the the Gentiles the UNSEARCHABLE RICHES IN CHRIST and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery... Let's break the passage down and put it into helpful sections for us to grow into the fullness that is Christ: Again Paul writes in Ephesians 3:16-19: "I pray that out of his glorious riches He may...STRENGHTHEN YOU WITH POWER (able to do and complete whatever you set out to do) THROUGH HIS SPIRIT (we don't do it on our own...we do it with the Lord) IN YOUR INNER BEING (this is not about superficial religion without insight)...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith...And I pray that you...BEING ROOTED and ESTABLISHED IN LOVE may have power, together with all the saints to grasp HOW WIDE (we will not be like a horse wearing blinders), HOW LONG (no limitation to the breadth of insight), HOW HIGH (our comprehension is greatly heightened), HOW DEEP (our recognition of God's love is profound) is the love of Christ and to know the love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD." This is profound Spiritual writing on Saint Paul's part, inspired, of course, by the Holy Spirit, has been passed on to the followers of Jesus for thousands of years. For this and so much more in the Bible, we are grateful to God... May the eyes of your heart be enlightened. Cordially, Tom
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Good Morning, Everyone! I am a little late with this week's meditation. I had too much going on yesterday. This meditation is really a reminder to myself. Please take good care of yourselves. Do try to find time to enjoy some recreation and Sabbath time. Remember, you are blessed and loved, so take time to open that gift.
Meditation
I woke up yesterday morning thinking I knew exactly how the day was going to unfold. I had a schedule and there was work to be done. However, when living with an older dog, one finds it is not uncommon to need to put your treasured schedule on hold. That was the case yesterday. Eventually, I decided that Jack might benefit from an earlier walk than I had planned. I was a little frustrated, but after walking only half a block, I noticed the neighbor's magnolia tree was blooming. As I admired an unfolding blossom, I felt the residue of my frustration slip away. I then realized that my morning felt askew, not because of the dog, but because I started the day with expectations.
I am currently leading a study of the Psalms, and we are intentionally reading not just the comforting Psalms, but also some of those that express anger, frustration, and despair. I believe the exploration of these Psalms may teach us to pray a little more honestly.
My experience this morning leads me to believe that some of the psalmists' sufferings were rooted in expectations. They were expecting life to be different, and they were pleading, and sometimes demanding that God do something to return life to what the psalmists believed to be good order. However, as we know, God is God, not a Pez dispenser. Sometimes we must accept the gift of the Spirit that is patience, and let life unfold as it will. God is always doing something new. I think that is why most Psalms end with gratitude or praise. Because the psalmist prayed honestly, there was room in the psalmist's heart for the mystery of God once more. Surely what we truly yearn for is to dwell in that sacredness that is so much more than we can imagine or control.
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
YAHWEH'S PROMISE REGARDING JESUS "...'The days are coming' declares the Lord, 'when I will raise up to David, a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land... in His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety...this is the name by which He will be called... THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:1-6
WE ARE GOD'S HOLY TEMPLE "...you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus --- Himself as the chief cornerstone...in Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord...and in Him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit..." (Ephesians 2:11-22)
IN LOVE JESUS' MINISTERS "...when Jesus landed and saw a large crowd ...He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd...so He began to teach them many things..." (Mark 6:30-34,53-56) "...they begged Him to let them touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed..." (Mark 6:56b) Quotations To Think About "...if you wish to drown, don't torture yourself with shallow water..." (Anonymous) "...my life is in the hands of any fool who makes me lose my temper..." (Joseph Hunter) "...the mass of humanity lead lives of quiet desperation..." (Henry David Thoreau) "...the efforts which we make to escape from our destiny only serve to lead us into it..." (Ralph Waldo Emerson) "...you can fool some of the people some of the time... ...you can fool most of the people most of the time... ...but you cannot fool all the people all the time..." (Abraham Lincoln) WE'LL REMEMBER THIS ONE "...if you hate a person, you hate something in that person that is part of yourself...what isn't part of ourselves doesn't disturb us..." (Hermann Hesse) Prayer Gracious, loving God, This is the day you have made for us to live in. We have a choice to make and you leave that up to us. We can choose to be judgmental, critical, and negative. Or we can choose to accept your invitation that we take the high road in life. We can give thanks for all situations we will face. We can make the best of every single circumstance. We can trust that you won't let anything to happen that isn't part of your perfect plan for our lives. We promise to do our best, and as in past days, we ask that you forgive us our sins, and know that you will forgive us when we fall short of our goal of pleasing you and acting according to your purpose. We know that you are a compassionate God and we love you for it. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Now Jesus of Nazareth makes His appearance. His ministry to the common people sets off a dynamic chain reaction throughout Israel, including avid note within the royal household.
The day of the "forbearer" of the promise made to David (2 Samuel 7:13) passes with John's death... Enter...Jesus of Nazareth (Galilee) The years of ministry and eventual passion have begun. Emmanuel made His appearance. ["Emmanuel" means "God with us"]. God Almighty took on human flesh through Jesus. Even King Herod heard about Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus' name had become well known, even in sophisticated Jerusalem. Up until the sixth chapter of Mark's Gospel, Jesus called His disciples, taught in the synagogue in Capernaum, cast out evil spirits, healed Simon Peter's mother-in-law who has fever, healed leprosy, healed a paralytic, taught by the Sea of Galilee, and even calmed a storm or two. The deed which really got King Herod's attention was when Jesus raised up Jairus' daughter....Herod exclaimed, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!" God in human flesh, commissioned for service through baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, had begun a ministry among the people. The Gospel of John (1:10ff) says this about Him: "He was in the world, and though the world was made though Him, the world didn't recognize Him...He came to that which was his own, but his own didn't receive Him ...the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us...we've seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth..."
Word spread quickly about the healing hands of this special man from Galilee...
Many had come from afar. They were there in the thousands. Some had lost their jobs and needed to hear a word to give them confidence and hope. Some had lost loved ones and needed to be comforted. Some were disabled and mistreated, a fate for many worse than any human being should ever be treated. Some were in pain, many with long-term illness. Many were disabled. Some had nothing at all...no job to support their family, no food to eat, some with no family, no means means of transportation, and no home to live in...homeless---out on the street. Some had been sorely abused all through their live and needed to hear a word that would bring them peace and a sense of well-being. They had one hope, even if, only, to touch the hem of His garment to be healed or made whole. They were all assured that Jesus would help them.
He had compassion on them. They were like sheep without a shepherd...a sad, beaten-down crowd. What a ragged bunch! Jesus' heart went out to them. He knew what they needed...personal comfort took a back-seat within Him... The phase comes in the 34th verse, "...so He began teaching them many things..." I've wondered for years, what did Jesus say to them. What did he teach them? I can't wait to ask Him that question some day... Perhaps He let them know, as Saint Paul (Romans 8:28) would say, "...in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose..." Perhaps Jesus shared what Saint Peter later wrote, (1 Peter 1:6,7), "...for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials...these come so that your faith---of greater worth than gold [which perishes even though refined by fire]---may be proved genuine and result in praise, glory and honor...when you receive the goal of your faith...the salvation of your souls..." We just don't know what Jesus said to them, but I'm sure it made a great deal of positive difference in their lives.
The Lord Jesus not only had the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and feed five thousand with extremely limited resources...but---He had compassion...for the Gospel writer Mark this fact seemed so very important.
It causes us to take note of the importance of being a compassionate person at all times, especially when it's inconvenient for us...especially, like Jesus and the disciples, when we're weary and hungry, to be motivated to serve others anyway. That's the real test for a heart bent upon pleasing God. We'd have to admit we aren't always up to it. I'm sure the disciples weren't. I guess that's the great difference between the mindset of Jesus and just trying, on our own terms, to do the right thing and look half-way decent before others. The call to follow Christ Jesus is to sometimes be tired, weary and hungry, and yet, have the vision to have "compassion". That's the real test. Are we up for that? I rest assured that's what the folks who prepare the lessons for the Sundays of the church year had in mind. May you have a Sunday and the week following blessing after abundant blessing to carry you through. May the Lord have mercy upon us and grant us peace and joy, no matter what the "enemy" and the world may give us! We're more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us. Cordially, Tom
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings, everyone, and blessings! Thank you for accepting and sharing these meditations. Thank you for praying for the ministry of SpiritCare. Some of your communities have been able to make a donation to the ministry, and please know how grateful we are. Donations can always be made at www.spiritcareministry.org. Our prayer for you all is that your communities are loving and healthy. May all residents and staff know that they are being held and guided in God's love. Remember, God wants us all to be loving, happy, and free. This is our divine inheritance, and is for all.
Meditation
There is a small family owned produce market less than a mile from where I live. I shop there frequently. I love seeing fresh food, and even with the drought, beautiful produce is one of the blessings of living in California. At the market, I can peruse the day's offerings, and decide which fruit and vegetables look the most appetizing. Those I tend to buy.
As tempting as it is to believe the gift is for us alone, that is not God's way. God's banquet is for all, and we are asked to share our abundant harvest with all life. Accepting the entire gift and sharing that gift allows all creatures, including us humans, to live more fully in wholeness. Such sharing is how we are called to live, and how we can "work for the good of all (6:10)."
May we not fear to accept and be your healing presence. May we not fear being a blessing in our families and communities. May we remember Jesus' commandment to love you, our neighbors, and ourselves. May this commandment be our sustenance and our guide. Not only for today, but for the rest of our journey.
Thank you, for giving us good travelling companions as we continue to move closer to who you are calling us to be. We thank you for nourishing our souls. We lift to you our lives as an offering of gratitude to you. 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
From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe
Scripture Readings The remarkable comment of King Herod about Jesus... "John, the man I have beheaded, has been raised from the dead!" (Mark 6:16) The remarkable comment of Saint Paul in Ephesians... "you were marked in Him with a seal of the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13c) "I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in a sinful palace" (Psalm 84:10b - Eugene Peterson's translation - The Message) "I will spare them no longer" (Amos 7:7-15) We could perhaps say that God has His limits when it comes to "drawing the line" in allowing His people to act out... "The Plumb Line" means that God is getting ready to judge,
In the Bible when God begins to measure length or weight, the reader can be sure that the people haven't measured up to God's requirements...He won't be visiting the people with His prophet any longer.
"...righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for His steps..." (Psalm 85:13) "...and He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment---to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ..." (Ephesians 1:9) A Thought Or Two "...man is equally incapable of seeing the nothingness from which he emerges and the infinity in which he is engulfed..." (Blaise Pascal, 1623-1662) "...big ideas are so hard to recognize, so fragile, so easy to kill...don't forget that, all of you who don't have them..." (John Elliot, Jr.)
We glorify your name forever...great is your love...you have delivered us from the depths of the grave. The arrogant may attack us, O God; a band of ruthless people may seek our lives---people without respect for you and your Word... but you, O Lord, are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. We commend ourselves into your care this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Message Grace and peace in transitional times! I want to thank you for your patience in connecting up with the message for today. Priscilla and I have been dealing with a remodeling of our kitchen, (we're living in our dining room while drinking out of water bottles)...and in addition, yesterday was my 78th birthday...time ran short for completing the message that normally comes out to you. However, the insight I received in the Lord in terms of these Scriptural passages is worthy of comment. I have given the message title as "the plumb line". In the past I had considered the functional use of the plumb line in construction as a measuring device, and finally, came to the conclusion that "the measuring line" in the Bible --- at least --- in Isaiah 28:17, Jeremiah 31:38-39, and also Zechariah 2:1-2 --- indicated that God (Yahweh) was at the end of His rope in terms of putting up with the wayward tendencies of His people and was about to judge them... and judge them harshly. I also came to the conclusion that God did so, not so much to harshly punish them, as much as free them from themselves.
This quote, of course, isn't expressed in a time and place a person might think. The "affirmative sense" of the passage seems out of place. Jerusalem is being rudely and completely destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar. It is the most horrible event in the history of Israel, with the exception the death of Jesus on the cross. The assumed author is Jeremiah himself. In spite of all the evidence to the contrary, the prophet is able to "vision" beyond the obvious total destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC to a more profound sense of what it is to be the People of God...the "plumb line" scenario has literally moved from proclamation to become a stark reality.
This notion gives us the idea that God will hold us responsible for what we do, how we act...perhaps in anger (which scares some of us)...but with great compassion to allow us the privilege of envisioning a broader, higher, and more profound vision and of what it means to take faith, live in a real world, and experience Spiritual awareness we wouldn't have without the prophetic "plumb line". Sitting here in the present, the idea of God getting ready to bring about judgment, and all that may do to impact my life and those around me, makes me sit up and take notice. At the same time, the affirmation of the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations gives us great hope that no matter what happens, we can trust that God knows what He is doing and we will prosper, and spiritually so, not matter what may befall us in terms of what happens all around. With that thought in mind, I would like to turn to what I consider to be the most profound passage in all of Scripture. As I do that I want to put forth John 3:16 NIV (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.) and Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV (Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.) as manifestly essential Scriptural points of focus in our faith lives. The Scriptural passage I am referring to is: Ephesians 1:9 - He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, In this passage Saint Paul wants to present to us the mystery of God's will, and in addition, the Lord's good pleasure for the present position and the future of His Holy Church, the world and it's people, and the universe. There is a direct connection between "the plumb line" in the Old Testament passages, and the profound nature of God to get our attention, a means to allow us freedom, but not to the extent that we fall into life-styles and means of living that are not in line with the mystery of God's will to bring all things together in heaven and on earth under one head. That "one head" would be the ultimate, eternal kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. How that will be brought about, we are not quite sure, but we have the assurance that we are part of that great plan of convergence, and that, the Lord will not abandon us in the process...once again...in the midst of our human failings... we need always to place our trust in Him... "...the Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him...to the one who seeks Him...it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord..." (Lamentations 3:25-26) Just stay in there with Jesus. Cordially, Tom
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.
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.
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
From Rev Dr Tom Nibbe
HAPPY BLESSED FOURTH OF JULY! Quotations "...let the people think they govern...and they will be governed..." (William Penn) [Governor of Pennsylvania] "...indeed...I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just..." (Thomas Jefferson) "...people are not punished for their sins, but by them..." (Elbert Hubbard) "----to escape criticism----do nothing...say nothing...be nothing..." (Elbert Hubbard) "...there is luxury in self-reproach...when we blame ourselves... we feel no one else has a right to blame us..." (Oscar Wilde) "...the only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future..." (Oscar Wilde) "...there are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it..." (Edith Wharton)
"...I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven..." (Psalm 123:2)
"...for Christ's sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties...when I am weak then I am strong..." (2 Corinthians 12:2-10)
Prayer
"Gracious, freedom-loving God! You deserve our praise on this---the Fourth of July... As Americans, we are said to be a free people, but we cannot be truly free if we are bound by appropriate accusation, just conviction and consequent judgment. Jesus became "our sin" and freed us from these things. So, you free us from the stain of sin, and the fear of death, by the power of Jesus' precious, innocent and divine blood, shed as a sufficient sacrifice for all that would personally imprison us. Through the merit of your beloved Son, we are able to take on each new day as refreshed, energized persons, anticipating the assurance of eternal life, not based upon our deeds, but rather, based upon our Scriptural assurance that Christ died for this moment when we truly able to know "freedom of mind and soul" from above. Thank you, Lord, for this benefit we rejoice in this special day and all days, in which we experience true and complete freedom of mind, soul and body... You always give us only the very best... In Jesus' name. Amen.
Fallen human nature, apart from redemption in the Holy Spirit, in accepting Jesus, is dangerous and destructive. I should say, I hate to admit it, but it's the truth. We note that what will eventually happen in Ezekiel's time isn't so much to punish God's people as it is to rescue them from the influence of their rulers.
Currently, I keep up with the news to understand with a biblical mind-set what God has in mind for us, because I am convinced there is a direct connection between current events and what had already happened in biblical times. Another insight in regard to reading Ezekiel is to note the artistry involved in his proclamation, his use of allegory, and poetic language, indeed, without sweetening the beverage (so to speak). The saying goes, "You can catch more bears with honey, than with vinegar." That was not always true of Ezekiel's ministry, because, as we note, there were severe words he was called upon to deliver. But it was presented artfully and powerfully. It needs to be true of us as we preach in these days. In terms of the Gospel lesson, Mark 6:1-13 (and I'm really getting into Mark these days) reminds us that when we ministers go back to our hometown to preach, [and I've done that], we'll often get the same response that Jesus got. In essence, the attitude often is, "Who does he think he is now...?" We don't get to manifest the presence we have acquired over the years. We remain the kid we were to those who receive us at home after years and years. My father-in-law was once invited to serve as the first "native-born" Bishop of Karachi, but he refused that invitation because he was a Sindhi, and like Jesus, he would probably not have been well-received in his home territory.
In another section, that is, Romans 7:18 following, "...I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature...for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out...for what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I don't want to do---this I keep doing...
We hop down to Romans 7:22,23 - "...for in inner being, I delight in God's law, but I see another principle at work in the members of my body, waging war against the principle of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members..." The struggle isn't just Saint Paul's. The struggle is also ours. It's astonishing to read along seeing Paul with great transparency as he shared his very personal struggles. It's encouraging for us all to know we have permission to be open about our struggles and our shortcomings. Hopefully, let it be, that within the fellowship of faith we'll always be accepted for the person we actually are. Closing Remarks We're human, even though we're people of faith. At times, especially when we desire to be fit representatives of our Lord ---and we seem a contradiction to others---it's great to know Paul came right out to share the story of his full humanity, along with the outstanding ministerial feats. What an example for all Christians to follow. I do declare---it so liberating to be fully impressed with Paul's transparency. On the other hand, how uncomfortable it is when fellow believers present themselves as "holier than thou". Our congregations need to be hospitals for sinners rather than country clubs for saints. May our celebration of Independence Day be a blessing! Thank you for your fellowship in the Lord Jesus! Cordially, Tom 
Independence Sunday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Pacifica, CA with the Roger Glenn Quartet and Judge Quentin L. Kopp, 2019
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Greetings to all! Blessings as summer gets underway, and may you share many happy days with those you love, including the upcoming 4th of July.
Scripture: Matthew 14:14-16
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, 'This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.' Jesus replied, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.'"
Being present with a listening ear and heart can be quite comforting. Our good intentions, while often subtle, can make a difference in someone's life. Remember, you can always offer a silent prayer. God will hear it.
My husband and I try to take turns walking our dog in the morning. Jack (the dog) and I walked in the neighborhoods throughout the pandemic. It was fairly easy to provide physical distancing when we met other walkers. Often we would say hello, but rarely was there much conversation. When we were finally able to go without a mask outside, people's behavior changed and people started talking to strangers once more. What a relief! I suddenly realized that in every meeting, Christ is present. I knew that intellectually, but it took a year of isolation to deepen that knowledge.
We can all treat one another as Christ-filled beings. If you are of another faith, you will word this differently. However, as long as our intent is to honor the sacred within every person, we all can silently offer blessings of acceptance and peace. This is true whether we are masked or not.
Prayer I have been sharing on my blog and Facebook page a set of novenas (a prayer a day for nine days) that I first shared in 2005. I have found returning to them enriching. I will share here the prayer from Day 3. Please note I have made one edit: In the first and last line, I substitute the word Christ for the word love. This has deepened the prayer for me. Feel free to make the prayer your own. I pray each one of you remembers that your soul is sacred, for it is God's own. May the world know peace. Day 3 I greet this day with Christ in my heart. I will love those I confuse as enemies and find ways to know them as friends. I encourage my friends as they become my brothers and sisters. I will find ways to applaud. I release harmful words and thoughts. When I am tempted to criticize, I will find compassion. When I am moved to praise, I will speak out clearly. I will join the birds, the wind ,and the sea as nature speaks praise for the Creator. I will become as music with the children of God. As I remember my resolve, I will uplift my life. I greet this day with Christ in my heart. Rev. Carol E. Parrish-Harra Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
"...for His anger lasts only a moment...but His favor lasts a lifetime... weeping may remain for a night...but rejoicing comes in the morning..." (Psalm 30:5)
"...and they didn't do as we had expected, but they gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us in keeping with God's will..." (2 Corinthians 8:5) "...when she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd, and touched His cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering..." (Mark 5:27-29)
The Message
Grace and peace to you! As the sun shines brightly overhead this morning, may the Son of God shine profoundly deep inside each and every heart. What a privilege to share the thoughtful wisdom and the uplifting message of the Holy Bible on this great day! May the Lord Jesus Christ dwell richly in you as you begin the day! The Scriptures this morning are truly remarkable. I'd like to take the time to share a few insights in passing as we gravitate toward the "heart of the matter" in the Lord's teaching for us today. The historical background of the Old Testament passage has been a huge surprise to many. The passage includes the following phrases:
These words definitely affirm the Prophet Jeremiah's trust in the Lord God of Israel. The surprise lies in the fact that Jeremiah makes this affirmation during the total destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The Prophet is present. He sees Solomon's temple destroyed, the temple priests being slaughtered on the altar, children being eaten by their parents because of terrible starvation. It was a horrible experience. It was the most disastrous event in the history of God's relationship with Israel, with the exception of the death of Christ on the cross.
Two verses from the New Testament helped me to make that amplification of my faith life... "...and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose..." (Romans 8:28)
"...Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice...let your gentleness be evident to all...the Lord is near...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God...and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus..." (Philippians 4:4-7) Before that, I praised God for the things that pleased me and made me feel happy, affirmed, and satisfied. On the other hand, when I was displeased, disappointed, and left out in the cold, I would mumble under my breath and curse my situation. I would feel abandoned by God...and of course...deny it. After all, why would God ever allow bad things to happen, especially to me. In my own way, I would literally chew God out, and question His love for me. After all, why do bad things happen to good people! I learned through the affirmation of the Prophet Jeremiah to praise God, not only in the "feel good" moments, but also, when I thought I was at the end of my rope...when I would normally "take the lower road" like everybody else, without a substantial faith principle, to speak to my situation. When things are seemingly good and also pleasant I've learned to praise and thank the Lord. When things are seemingly bad, foreboding, and unpleasant, I still praise and thank the Lord. The reason for this is...I can't often see the larger picture involved. As a person of faith, I trust that the Lord allows what happens as part of His perfect plan for my life and those around me, indeed, those that I pray for. I have learned that there is no failure with God. His wisdom is more than remarkable. In accord with this understanding of genuine faith, not mere religion, mind you, I'm often reminded by Psalm 30:5b, that: "...weeping may remain for a night... but rejoicing cometh in the morning..." Without a firm, tested faith life --- that is trying out this concept of what it means to live spiritually while participating fully in the reality of our daily lives --- we ride the "roller-coaster" of life emotionally that so many millions do, who, reject faith, living ignorantly in self-imposed darkness, or being confused about the difference between the trappings of religion, and then, genuine faith. We note something in passing... Carrying this spiritual notion a bit further, the Apostle Paul expresses surprise regarding the Macedonian Christians who didn't do what he had expected (that is, falling short of what would be his way), but rather, gave themselves to place the Lord first in their lives and then to serve Paul and those who accompanied him. What an important consideration for those of us who follow Christ to place Jesus first, above all. For several of us this would be a frightening challenge...to surprise our sisters and brothers of faith by our priority of pleasing Christ before all else. Imagine astounding our neighbors by our successful attempts to serve them, beyond the neighborly thing to do - sharing with others the story of our faith journey to arrive at a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Could we do that without sounding like a religious fanatic or like somebody who was mentally unbalanced? A truly frightening thing to consider - inviting our neighbors and friends to come to church with us...(God forbid!!!) Is it possible in 2021 that we could develop a knack for doing this - keeping our church building and property in such great condition that all who pass by are greatly impressed by this expression of our respect for the Lord...(this is not a "dig" upon any particular congregation or property) - giving a tenth of our income to our local church and working as John Wesley used to do with each passing year to increase the percentage...(this is the real solid test to any person moving from "nominal participation" to the faith principle of the Scriptures). I hear the question being asked "How can we grow our church fellowship?" The answer from one of the greatest church stewardship leaders was...invite the people you think would be great, effective members of your church to supper at your home... [...such frightening thoughts...] Go ahead, church people...surprise your church leaders...!!!
I can understand the pitfall of folks who deeply desire personal healing, and then, when they think they are trusting God, they become disappointed. When healing doesn't come, they go on their way.
I prefer those who accept their circumstances and proceed to know that God is good and, if He so chooses, they will recover from infirmity. If they must go the route of suffering, and its eventuality, they do so willingly. The story of suffering and pain is still the ultimate mystery for me after all these years of pastoral service. Nonetheless, I am totally moved by the healing of this woman. I'm amazed at her conviction that Jesus would heal her, and then considering the masses around Jesus, all she'd need to do is to touch His garment to be healed. As mentioned before, I am captivated by the narrative. There's not a bone in my body that doesn't believe that this encounter took place. I get a powerful feeling from reading this passage that encourages me in my walk and opens my mind and heart to accept the healing power of Jesus to heal that part of each of us that needs wholeness. Jesus' comment, when she does so, haunts me...with all the thousands crowding around Him...He asks... "Who touched me?" The text relates in regard to this awareness: "...at once Jesus realized that power had gone out from Him..." What a statement by Mark... "Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering..." I love that sentence. It's so good to be uplifted by the power of the Word. May Jesus heal each one of us this day and those following. Great is Thy faithfulness! May the Lord bless each of us to know that there is a healing power in the Lord that goes beyond all reason and understanding. Trust in Him. He is worthy. Cordially, Tom
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Dear Friends, I am so grateful to see communities beginning to open up again. Yes, lots of precautions are in place, and that certainly makes sense. Please continue to take good care. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do, and when your community is ready for a Bible study, a small group meeting, or a worship service, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you!
Most of us who enjoy shopping and looking at nice things probably have had moments like my friend experienced, so these two parables are fairly easy to relate to. We know the excitement of finding something we believe to be perfect, or as my mother would say, something that is " just the ticket!"
However, we must remember that these are parables. Jesus is not giving us instructions about shopping or buying real estate. I believe he is talking about the pearls of great price that are our souls. Jesus is encouraging us to get focused, and take note of what really is of value. He is also telling us to get rid of anything that is of lesser value. After all, what could possibly be of more value than our souls? What could possibly compare?
Prayer
Holy God, you who are closer to us than our own breath, forgive us when we become so distracted that we forget you. Forgive us when we forget ourselves, and when we forget that our souls are a sacred temple where we can meet you every day. Sometimes we treat ourselves rather shabbily, when we should be creating an inner temple worthy of your presence. Yet, you are always right with us, regardless. We thank you for your abiding presence. May we all come together, and begin creating a living temple of beauty and peace now. Amen -- Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Hello Everyone, I pray this email finds you, your families, and your communities healthy and in good spirits. Blessings as we move into the first day of summer. Let us pray that this drought will let up soon. Let us pray for farmers and all of those who tend to the land and harvest our food. I am also praying that your communities are beginning to open up for worship services and other activities. Do let me know! Also, please keep in mind that I offer a weekly Christian Meditation session via Zoom every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Drop me a note if you would like the link. I share a reading; we then sit in communal silence for 25 minutes, and then have a short discussion afterwards. We generally finish in under an hour. Our intention is to make room in our hearts and minds for Christ. Christ is always present, but sometimes our mental and/or emotional distractions keep us from the peace that Jesus offers.
Meditation
Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise, attributed to David whose reign flourished in 1000 BCE. I often forget how ancient the Psalms are. I have recently learned that the name David can be translated as Beloved One. That means that we could all address one another as David, but then, that would quickly get confusing. Still, I love the idea of everyone going about their day, addressing all they meet as the Beloved One. We can, at least, do that in our hearts. I am ordained United Church of Christ, and we do not hear much royalty language in our current liturgy. Some of this is probably because we are deeply rooted in the Congregationalists who fled to this country to flee the reign of English royalty. However, if King David did write this Psalm (or someone in his court), he is expressing humility as he refers to God as the true king., the One that he serves. The One to whom all creation must bow. Hopefully, not out of fear, but because God is so completely beyond our comprehension.
Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ www.slzchurch.org www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com
From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough
Dear Friends, I know some of you are experiencing many changes in your communities. May God give you the steadfastness you need to move through any lingering changes and challenges. A friend sent me a quote today that read, "Don't give up before you see the miracle!" That is good advice. Let us all keep going, and come together when we can. May we always celebrate God's love. Because of that love, we are never alone. Grace and Peace to each of you, your families, and the communities you serve.
My husband and I live just off of I 580, across from the Dunsmuir Ridge. This time of year the ridge turns gold and the grass will soon yellow as the heat increases. It is quintessential Northern California terrain. I love the tender green of spring, but I find the gold beautiful as well.
It is a system that has worked for generations.
What I have noticed over the past couple of days is that there are three primary colors of these goats: white, brown, and black. Yet, few of the goats are a solid color. The three colors combine in a myriad of ways, and while I have not done a scientific study, there does not seem to be a repetition of any pattern. Some closely resemble another, but there always seems to be a difference. Maybe one has black ears, and another white. Perhaps the patterns on the body vary. I can't get close enough to see the eyes, but I suspect they may vary some as well.
Prayer
Holy, Eternal Presence, we thank you for this world so full of change and diversity. May we learn to honor your good creation, and to treat all creatures with the dignity they deserve. Help us to tread lightly on this earth. Help us to not fear one another, but to reach out to one another as brothers and sisters. We are all one for we are all your children. May we learn to come together, and befriend one another on this journey through this world. May we use our words not to cause pain, but to create bridges. Help us to come together in love. 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
Prayer
Lord God, We once again give you praise, in thanksgiving, for your wonderful gifts provided daily with abundant love: shelter, transport, food, clothing, medicines, good books, fellowship, and opportunities to help others in their needs. We are truly grateful. Still in the midst of pandemic, we are thankful you have brought us forth. Be with those who have suffered the loss of loved ones and those who have recovered from Covid. We pray for our world, our country, we pray for our state, and local communities. Guide us in our life in Christ Jesus and give us desire to reach out to others and provide for their needs. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Message
Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen! May this be a day of great blessing for you! Our Gospel lesson for this Sunday is from the third chapter of Mark's gospel, wherein, Jesus says: "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand...if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand..." Abraham Lincoln debated with Senator Stephen Douglas in 1858 over the choice prospective states of the Union would have if allowed to be slave states. I would've loved to have been on hand for that series of seven debates in the State of Illinois. Lincoln eventually lost the election, but gained national attention for the first time. He had served a term in congress. Opposing the Mexican War, he lost after one term. He used the quote of Jesus in Mark 3:24-25 to make a point about the eventual outcome of the struggle over the expansion of slavery in the United States. The suggestion was that our country as known up to that time would be dissolved. Indeed, that almost happened, as a result of the beginning of the American Civil War. It's little known that Abraham Lincoln read the Bible cover to cover a number of times, and, pretty much, knew the Bible well...well enough that studying his speeches as our president, we can easily assume that his use of language and understanding of human interaction, and morality, and government are directly influenced by the Bible... That is as it should be. Lincoln's knowledge of the Bible influenced the course of his presidency, without directly imposing religion on others. The lesson we learn from history is that all too often through the years, and the ages, whenever a regime combines religion and government there is always great trouble, ending up in persecution, destruction, and disaster. For that reason, a letter written to President Thomas Jefferson by the Danbury (Connecticut) Baptists in 1801-1802 seems so important in our understanding of the connection between our government and our faith concerns. The Congregationalists were giving the Baptists a rough time. It seemed the former group thought the Baptists didn't belong in their state, and needed to go elsewhere, or simply, cease and desist.
Did that sense of destiny fuel the imagination of young Abe...Why did Lincoln later on provide us with such an amazing tribute to his mother? These thoughts have often caused me to ponder, and look forward to meeting Mrs. Lincoln in heaven. Perhaps she'll have answers for me...
It also causes me to vision for those I love...my daughters...younger members of my family in former years...certainly the little ones and teens I have walked with and taught in the faith...We sometimes worry about them and the decisions they make presently and will make along the way. Perhaps we can be part of God's plan for those we care about by having the same frame of mind and heart as Nancy Lincoln had for her son, Abraham. Whatever that vision was, decidedly, it was there...and it worked. We're not called to run the show, Christian Church, but to provide the insight and wisdom to win the hearts and minds of those who rule and are governed. We have all the tools to live fully in God's truth and to use the gifts the Lord has given us to trust in His most perfect timing --- and to know that --- in the most dire, uncertain and scary moments, He is in control. Cordially,Tom
It doesn't mean that Church isn't allowed to influence the thinking and believing of American government officials or its citizens. It makes the point of declaring that no particular religious group should directly control government or society, and yet, as President Lincoln did, powerfully and greatly, influence political decisions, bolster up society, and improve government...without controlling them.
Faith should influence decisions made in government according to that presidential doctrine, and yet, not demand it... For this reason, it's extremely important to make that distinction. We can worship and practice our faith as we see fit to do so, and yet, not think, that others must be forced to believe as we do. At the same time, President Jefferson wanted to encourage people of faith to make essential contributions to society and government...that was their job! Evangelical? But how does that affect an evangelical like myself. I want all persons to know Jesus. I'm not shy or ashamed to share His story of great compassion and salvation. The answer isn't in "having leverage" over those souls we desire to reach. I don't want to have legislative or legal power over them. What seems to be a direction for a person like me? The answer is found in the verb infinitive, "to convince". One question is --- Do others recognize Christ Jesus in my actions and my words? Saint Francis said, "Preach Christ...and sometimes speak about Him..." Be yourself as a human being...as a genuine person. But...know your Scriptures. What about worship on a regular basis to uplift the spirit within? How many of us are in a good solid Bible study these days? If you're not, why not? Do you know your Bible as well as Abraham Lincoln did? Another question is --- Am I developing the skills to share Christ Jesus naturally, so that, when appropriate, I can provide just precisely what other dear souls need to come to terms with sinful behavior, despair, guilt, shame, defeat in life, and regret? Do I need to become another Billy Graham? No. Be yourself. Everybody else is taken. When you take it to heart, you will discover the evangelist within... Does a person have to appear "holier than thou"? No. Be yourself. A number of professional evangelists I am acquainted with need to discover the wisdom of the expression, "You can catch more bears with honey than with vinegar..." Develop the skill of being a delight to be with... However, that's not all...really get into worship and the Bible... Vision Sometimes, recurrently, I wonder about something. Abraham Lincoln once said, "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother..." |
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