Author and Pastor Max Lucado once told a story about the day his wife brought home a monkey. His daughters were thrilled! But Max was not. He had all kinds of questions. Where was the monkey going to eat? His wife said that it was going to sit at the table and eat with them, just like the rest of the family. Then he asked where it was going to sleep? And she told him it was going to sleep in their bed. He followed up, “But what about the smell?” And she responded, “Oh Max, he’ll get used to you. I did.”

Lucado went on to reflect, “Before you comment on the odor of someone else, I guess we need to check our own odor first.”

This just reminds me that in our own relationships, when things aren’t going well, it is easy to point the finger. It is easy to lay the blame at their feet without ever looking at our own actions.

Jesus once said, “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? …first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.”

We want others to love us unconditionally. We often need their forgiveness and grace. We appreciate it when they listen to us and care for us. May this way of being begin with us.

Let us pray: God of Grace, we give you thanks for those closest to us, our friends, our loved ones, our caregivers. Despite their flaws and imperfections, we love them deeply. Despite our flaws and imperfections, may they also love us deeply. Today, help us treat them with profound grace. If forgiveness or reconciliation needs to happen, give us the courage to be the first ones to make amends. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In the book of Leviticus, we learn a lot about the worship of the early community of faith. In chapter 6, the priests are instructed to keep a fire on the alter burning at all times. This fire was a reminder to the community of God’s continual presence with them. They were on a dangerous journey through the wilderness. They would often feel lost and afraid and uncertain about the future. It was crucial to remember that God was with them.

Do you have any reminders in your life that God is with you?

At our table at dinner time, sometimes we’ll light a candle to remember that Christ is alive and present in our home. Other people have a cross or crucifix in hanging in a conspicuous place. I’m told that some Christians continue the ancient Celtic practice of splashing water on their face – three times as they wash first thing in the morning. As they wash they pray, “Let me awaken to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

You see we too will face troubling even dangerous times in life, and like the Israelites, we too need reminders that we don’t have to walk alone. Jesus said, “Behold I am with you, even to the end of the age.”

Our prayer today is another ancient Celtic prayer. Let us pray: As I stir the embers of my daily fire, I ask you, Living God, to stir the embers of my heart into a flame of love for you, for my family, for my neighbor, and for my enemy. Amen.

My friend Hunter was driving over the Bridge of Lions one morning while it was still dark outside. Fog had blanketed the bayfront. As he crossed the span of the bridge he noticed a shrimp boat in close, with its lights illuminating only the hull and the name of the boat – which happened to be “Amazing Grace.” Later, as Hunter told me about this beautifully named boat, he remarked, “There is a sermon in there somewhere!”

I agree. Even in the dense fog on the darkest of nights; when nothing else is certain; no matter what mistakes we have made, or failures we’ve experienced; amid confusion and heartache, there still stands God’s grace. For those who have eyes to see, it shines in the dark, beckoning, forgiving, guiding, loving, amazing!

Let us pray: God of Hope, When the clouds roll in and the storms threaten, you still stand firm. When we can’t see beyond the present moment and anxiety overwhelms us, you are there. Your light shines in the darkness. In those moments, help us to see, to feel and to know your amazing grace; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Yesterday, I shared with you about an interview I heard with George Forman. Today, I want to share just a little more. At the end of the interview, he was asked about his father. He never knew his father growing up. He wasn’t around. In fact, he didn’t meet the man until after he had grown up and made it as the Heavy Weight Boxing Champ of the World. He said about growing up, “My father never helped me. He never gave me anything. I could have said, ‘I don’t have a father.’ (But) Today I can tell my children, ‘Hey, your grandfather fought in World War II.” Why? Because forgiveness gave me a father. And forgiveness will give my children a grandfather…”

He had one last quote that I loved. He said, “Forgiveness is that subtle thread that binds love and friendship.”

In your own life, I hope that you will not cling to old grudges or bitterness or resentment. Don’t let the idea of revenge eat away at your soul. Remember that when we forgive – we are setting ourselves free.

Let us pray: God of Hope, so often we pray, ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” But it is not easy, Lord. We thank you for the forgiveness, mercy, and grace that you have shown us. Help us to share these gifts with others, and by doing so may we find healing and freedom and a second chance. Amen.

“Today’s message was written by the founder of Dial Hope, the Rev. Roger Kunkel” -Joe

Most of us are allergic to detours. Others are waiting for us, and we’re exactly on time… then the “Detour” sign appears. It may be that a bridge is being repaired or the road is being rebuilt. The fact remains that our planned journey has been interrupted. Detours also confront us as we travel through life. Illness comes. The company closes its doors when our need for work is greatest. Even in little matters, it happens. Our garage door won’t open, for example. Or, you have that flat tire on your way to a job interview. Murphy’s law sometimes seems to be the controlling force of life: If anything can go wrong, it will. Friend of Dial Hope, interruptions and detours will come. The big question is… How do you handle them? Let me suggest five positive ideas:

1. Never view a detour as the end of the road.
2. Don’t wallow in self-pity.
3. Think about detours and interruptions as fresh and new opportunities.
4. Try to learn from detours.
5. Trust the Lord of the road.

These are some of the most powerful words in the Bible: “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20); “All things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). You may stumble, but God is ready to pick you up. Trust God… trust God and move on to becoming the person God wants you to be.

Let us pray: Awesome God, we believe, help our unbelief. Help us to risk love and trust completely in you. Enlarge our hearts and move us to become hope-a-holics. Surprise us now with your grace in unexpected places as we make this day a masterpiece. In Jesus’ name. Amen.