Life Out of Death

Life Out of Death

Last spring, as Covid first set in and our church had to close its doors, I was reminded that Easter did not begin with churches filled with people – accompanied by choirs and joyful organ music. It began with an empty tomb, a few scared disciples, and a tomb emptied of death. It began even while it was still dark…

The promise of Easter is not that God is always going to make things turn out how we want, or even bring things back to the way they were before. Nor is the promise that God will take away the most difficult times in life. But Easter is the promise that it is exactly within the darkness and heartache and disappointments of life that God is at work… And the last word has yet to be spoken.

Easter is the promise that ultimately, fear and darkness are not the last word; the Coronavirus does not get to have the last word. Addiction, betrayal, illness, and suffering – do not get to have the last word. Because of Easter, we have hope. Because of Easter, we know that we worship a God who brings light out of darkness, hope out of despair, even life out of death.

Let us pray: We thank you, Gracious God, for raising Jesus from the dead. We thank you for the hope that Easter brings. Breath new life into us – even now. We ask in Jesus’ name. Alleluia. Amen.

Problems are Opportunities

Problems are Opportunities

Today’s message was written by my friend Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

Friend of Dial Hope, I have a confession to make. Are you ready for this? I am an incurable hoper and I want you to follow suit. I have a bias that no problem on earth is ever truly insoluble; problems are opportunities filled with possibilities. I do everything in my power to solve problems rather than create them. And I firmly believe that hope is our sustaining friend. It keeps us going through the good times and the restless nights of our souls.

To be sure, you will be sorely tempted to despair at times. Some of you listening to or reading this message are terminally ill, some of you are lonely and depressed, some of you are learning how to live with physical and emotional pain. I advise you: ward off cynicism and cultivate hopefulness. It is a choice you will be called to make daily.

The cynic says, “Blessed are they who believe in nothing, for they shall not be disappointed”. The hopeful person says, “Despite all of life’s ills, pains and problems, it is still a beautiful world.” Such an attitude will make all the difference in your world. For the hoper, unlike the wishful thinker, is willing to work his or her head off that it might just come to be. We live as we hope. Good friends Kathy and Harry Dodge reminded me that Emily Dickinson wrote, “Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.”

Let us pray: Loving God, it’s morning again…another day knocks. The tide of light rises, slides down the walls, across the ceiling, into my eyes, purging the darkness, slowly smoothing the crinkles of sleep. A particle of light has pierced our hearts reminding us to begin again, to get up and go. You promise to bless us so we may be a blessing to others. You give us contagious enthusiasm, so we can go on limping, hoping on every step a testament of gratitude. We scratch the ears of dogs, laugh at the ballet of cats and Pelicans, and dolphins. Help us this day to hear the cry and gurgle of the newborn, to learn from hundreds of teachers, some of them homeless, poor, and uneducated.

Awaken us to the beauty of the mockingbirds, the Milky Way. For You alone, O Lord, are our hope. You alone are our safety, our strength. May we – even with our fears and anxieties, our insecurities and uncertainties – trust, totally trust in your loving care and plan for our lives. Thank you for hearing this prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

All that I Am and All that I Have

All that I Am and All that I Have

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul promises us that nothing in life or in death can separate us from God’s love. And, he shares with us that God intends to restore and renew all of creation, everything, including you and me. Then, in chapter 12, he shifts the emphasis, and writes:

“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Richard Foster is realistic about this verse. He writes, “The problem with a “living” sacrifice is that it always wants to get off the alter!”

And so it is that Paul reminds us that we are blessed and cared for. We are loved and given a new lease on life.

Today, on this Holy Saturday, as we wait between the cross and the empty tomb, we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. In response, let us live this new life to the fullest – giving our entire being to God – allowing God to use us as instruments of hope and grace, and peace. Today, let us stay on the alter.

Our prayer today is inspired by a 4-H youth organization prayer. Let us pray: Loving God, Today, I pledge my head to clearer thinking. I pledge my heart to greater faithfulness. I pledge my hands to larger service, and I pledge my health to better living. May my head, heart, hands, health, all that I am, and all that I have be used to show your love to this world. Amen.

Good Friday

Good Friday

Jim Elliot was a missionary who was murdered by a tribe of Auca Indians in Ecuador in the late1950’s. In the wake of his death, Jim’s widow, Elisabeth Elliot, sensed God calling her to move back to Ecuador to continue Jim’s work among the Aucas. In spite of all her fears and possible resentment, she followed God’s call. For many years she carried on a beautiful ministry among the Aucas – demonstrating Christ’s love with her very life.

Later, reflecting on all of this, Elisabeth Elliot wrote:

Only in acceptance lies peace, not in resignation nor in busyness.

Resignation is surrender to fate. Acceptance is surrender to God.

Resignation lies down quietly in an empty universe. Acceptance rises to meet the God who fills that universe with purpose and destiny.

Resignation says, “It’s all over for me.” Acceptance asks, “Now that I am here, what’s next, Lord?”

Resignation says, “What a waste.” Acceptance asks, “In what redemptive way will you use this mess, Lord?”

I am inspired by her story. On this Good Friday, as we wait between the cross and the resurrection, may we too surrender our lives in trust to God who will redeem and make whole again.

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for people like Elisabeth and Jim Elliot, people who give their very lives to show your love, mercy, and grace. Help us also rise up to boldly answer your call; to trust that you have a plan for us, and to live in such a way that your redeeming grace shines through. In the midst of the world’s darkness, your resurrection light is breaking through. Thank you, Lord! Amen.

What Wondrous Love

What Wondrous Love

There’s an apocryphal story about traveling salesman who spent much of his time on the road battling loneliness. One year his daughter gave him a little gift to help with his homesickness. It had black beady eyes, a red bow tie and orange feet. It was a stuffed penguin that stood about five inches tall. Attached to its left wing was a cardboard sign bearing the hand-painted declaration, “I Love My Daddy!”

The salesman of course, granted it a place of honor on the dresser in whichever hotel room he happened to be staying in. Later when he was going through customs in New York, a customs agent pulled the penguin out of the man’s suitcase. Holding it up, he said, “It’s a good thing we don’t charge a tax on love. Or you sir, would owe a bundle!”

When we think about God’s love for us in Christ, it really is a good thing that there is no tax on love…  because we could never pay.

In the first letter of John we read… “We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us…”  And then he adds, “and we ought to lay down our lives for one another… Little children, let us love not in word or in speech, but in truth and action.” (1 John 3:16,18)

Friend of Dial Hope, I pray today that you would know God’s love for you in the very fiber of your being. And, may you find ways to share that love with a world desperately in need.

Let us pray: Help us, O God, to accept the forgiveness, grace and love that you have first offered us. May that love then in turn overflow from our very lives; in Jesus name. Amen.

Rejoice Always

Rejoice Always

The apostle Paul wrote about God’s will for us very succinctly in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:16-18), “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I used to really struggle with this. I used wonder how I could rejoice and give thanks during the darkest times in life. I thought, “Really, Paul? Rejoice always? Give thanks in all circumstances? Maybe you could have written, ‘Rejoice often. Give thanks in most circumstances.’”  But that’s not what he wrote, is it?

The Benedictine monk, David Steindl-Rast makes the point that we really can’t be grateful for everything. We can’t be grateful for violence, or war, or injustice. On the personal level, we can’t be grateful for the loss of a friend, for unfaithfulness, for bereavement. We can’t be grateful for everything, but we can be grateful for something in every moment. Even in moments of crisis, there are opportunities to learn and to grow, opportunities to stand up for people in need, opportunities to make changes and to carry ourselves forward in new ways. And, even in the most difficult times, if our eyes are open, we will always see the hand of God providing.

Let us pray: I pray today for those who are really struggling in life, for people who feel as though they are near the end of their rope. I pray that even in that place, they would know your grace, your faithfulness, your providence. I ask you to meet them today, guide and direct them, give them what they need to carry on. In the midst of it all, may they know your peace which surpasses all understanding. Amen.

Lift Up Thine Eyes

Lift Up Thine Eyes

Norman Rockwell has a painting titled “Lift Up Thine Eyes.” Shown in his painting is the magnificent entrance to an urban cathedral. Vaulted high above its carved gothic doors are statues of the prophets, apostles, and martyrs. Right in the center is Jesus, sitting on a throne at the right hand of God. On the sidewalk below the cathedral, you can see the busy throngs of people moving amidst the noise and fumes of cars and taxis. You can tell that the pastor of the church has just finished changing the public bulletin board. The sign, reads: “Lift Up Thine Eyes!”

The irony, of course, is in the scene below. Each person in the passing crowd is caught up in their own thoughts. No one looks up. Most appear gloomy, harried, and depressed. They hurry on with eyes glued to the pavement. Some are lugging their briefcases like millstones.

What a picture! It really raises the question: How often are we just running through the day, and we miss the glory of God right in front of our eyes. Today, I pray for each of us the frame of mind to look up and look around. There is great beauty, and miracles abound, if only we have eyes to see. May we notice the holy, the sacred, and the Divine even in the midst of the ordinary.

Let us pray: Almighty God, may we experience your presence today in the laughter of a friend, the smile of a child, the feel of a gentle breeze, the tolling of church bells, the pattern of the clouds against the sky, the brilliance of the stars, or in the gift of a simple meal shared with a loved one. As we notice, may we rejoice and give thanks. Amen.

Not Just Stones

Not Just Stones

Today, I am deeply grateful for those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Hope reaches others because of you. Thank you!

While Victor Hugo was in enforced exile, persecuted by France, it is said that he would climb a cliff overlooking the harbor at sunset, select a pebble, and meditate for a time before finally throwing it into the water.  He seemed to gain great satisfaction in performing this simple ritual every night.  Local children sometimes watched him as he threw these pebbles into the water.  One evening, one of them grew bold enough to ask, “Why do you come here to throw these stones?” Hugo smiled gravely.  After a moment’s silence, he answered quietly, “Not stones, my child.  I am throwing self-pity into the sea.”

Maybe some of us need some pebbles to throw into the sea as well.  I know there are moments when I sure do.

We all face difficult situations in life. We all go through times of heartache and trouble. And we have to ask: how am I going to face these moments? How am I going to get through this? Am I going to let bitterness or cynicism or self-pity take over? Or, am I going to throw self-pity in the sea, look for the blessings, and trust God to give me the courage and strength to persevere?

If you feel the edge of bitterness or cynicism or self-pity begin to creep in, I pray today that you would find some pebbles, find some water, and cast those stones as far out as you can!

Let us pray: Loving God, we claim the promise of the Apostle Peter – that if we cast our cares on you, you will care for us. We lay aside in this moment, any discouragement we may be feeling. Help us, O Lord to notice the good, the meaningful, and the beautiful. Give us the ability to see beyond ourselves. Grant us the courage and strength we need to live with joy this day.  In Jesus name. Amen.

He’s Never Failed Me!

He’s Never Failed Me!

Today’s message was written by my friend Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope.

In Chicago, a man was about to cross a busy street when a lovely young girl walked up, led by a seeing-eye dog. He realized that she was blind. The lights changed, and the people started crossing. He was about to offer to help her across the street when a big fellow stopped his truck, jumped out, and said, “Lady, can I help you across the street?”

“Oh, thank you, but no,” she replied. “l have to trust in my seeing-eye dog. If I depend on someone else, the dog won’t guide me.” “How can he tell when the lights change?” the man asked. “l don’t know how he knows,” she answered as the dog began leading her across the crowded thoroughfare, “but he knows. And, he’s never failed me!”

You know, this is just how it is with us when the lights in our lives are changing and we’ve got to move ahead…we can’t panic. We’ve got to trust our guide – God…and walk by faith. We can’t see the way, but God can. And, he will guide us to safety- He’s never failed! In Proverbs we read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and he shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Let us pray: God of all beginnings, and God of all middles and endings as well, we bow in your presence to confess our dependence on you. Lord, we trust you. Clearly you have made everything beautiful in its time. Everything good that has ever happened to us…we owe to you. For only by your grace through Jesus Christ do we understand life as we do, and value those things that give meaning to our existence. Now grant that when our life is ended, we may hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Trust

Trust

Leslie Weatherhead tells a parable of a little boy who ran from a witch who had turned herself into a cat.  As the boy ran, he kept looking back fearfully over his shoulder. The first time the boy looked back, the cat was the size of a calf. The next time he looked, it had grown to the dimensions of an elephant. Then the boy fell, and was unable to go farther. At that point, he got up, turned and faced the witch. It stopped. So he took a step toward it, and it backed away. As he continued to move toward it, it began to shrink in size and began to retreat. Finally, it changed into a mouse and ran under the door of the cottage, never to be seen again.

The point of the story is clear: it pays to face up to your fears. When not confronted, they have a way of growing exponentially.

Do you know what the most frequent command in the Bible is? You might think that it is “Love God,” or “Love your neighbor,” According to Jesus, those are the greatest commandments, but, they are not the most frequent. Actually, the most frequent command in the Bible is: “Fear not!” Far more than any other command, over and over we read the words, “Fear not.”   Fear not.

As Jesus put it so beautifully in Luke 12:6, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Let us pray: Loving God, we admit that when we face difficult, confusing, scary circumstances in life, it is often hard to trust you. Fear rises up in us, and our minds are drawn to the worst possible outcome. Reassure us this day with your presence. Help us to trust that in life and in death, we belong to you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.