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

In Psalm 8:1 we read: “O, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” 

The sun was taking its last breath of the day and the moon began to shine in its place of honor. Only a small sliver of moon was scheduled to show, but it arrogantly glinted on the opposite edge, attempting to reflect the glorious sun as it made its exit. My eye could fill in the complete circle of light, delighting in the stubborn nature of the moon in the sky of the gentle south. I made my way across the shifting sand, sinking in with each step. As I crested the small mound of sand I could see the Gulf, the setting sun, the rising moon. It was almost too much for my senses to accept. Each and every sense was stimulated. My eyes have never seen such color before. Only God could mix the hues before me. Only my creator could fade one color so perfectly into the next. The setting sun was brilliant. I could feel God. God was there enjoying the intensity of the experience with me. I felt cradled in his loving grace and oh, so grateful to be alive on this planet. I was blessed to stand in that one place, in that one moment of time. 

Let us pray: Thank you, Lord, for showing me a glimpse of heaven. Thank you for giving me the senses I need to experience you fully. Allow me to hold this memory forever and to remember this passage from Psalm 8:1: “O, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Loving God, we thank you for the majesty of each day and the mystery of each velvet night. Our lives are wonderfully made, fragile as lace, strong as spider webs. We pray for those all over your world whose days are gray instead of the ever-changing kaleidoscope of color that paints our lives. O, Lord, be thou our vision. Help us make this day a masterpiece. Through the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Several years ago now on a Saturday, I took my daughters Emily and Noelle and their friend Katie to help out with a local ministry. This ministry is an outreach to parents who have children who are Autistic or in wheelchairs or both. Every third Saturday of the month, volunteers try to teach these kids how to surf. 

It was an absolutely amazing experience. The smiles on the faces of the people as we pushed them into waves, the spray of the white water, the laughter. But I have to tell you, the feeling among those of us who volunteered was sheer joy – there is nothing else like it. As we got in the car to leave at the end of the day, my then 11-year-old daughter Emily said, “Daddy, I don’t ever want to miss this again.”

Since that day, we have been back to help; though not as often as either of us would like. Now getting ready to go off to college, Emily still asks me to take her to help at the event. There is indeed something about doing something kind for another person that is rewarding – even life-giving. 

The great Albert Schweitzer once offered this advice: “Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.”  

Beautiful!

Let us pray: Holy God, You give and you give and you give. And we remember today that we were created in your image with an innate desire to give. Continue to empower us to live more and more in your likeness. Tune our hearts to yours. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is this passage in the Bible, from 1 Kings, chapter 3, where we learn that King Solomon has a dream. In the dream, God appears to him and says, “Ask for anything you want…” And Solomon makes this amazing statement:  

“I am only a little child; (he was young at that point, but not that young!) I do not know how to go out or come in… Give your servant… an understanding mind…” 

In other words, I don’t know all there is to know… I don’t have all the answers… I need help.

What a stunning response! When was the last time you heard a politician say, I don’t know? Have you ever heard a politician say I don’t know? I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know all there is to know.

Now, if a politician said that today, we probably wouldn’t vote for them, would we? But in everyday life, the people we trust the most are those who don’t have all the pat answers. The people we trust the most are able to listen… The people we trust the most are those who have a desire to learn – even from those with whom they disagree.

When Solomon offers this prayer, the scripture says: It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

Why do you think that is? Is there something about a stance of humility, of openness to learn, of letting go of ego that is not only vital to a life of faith but also vital for human life to flourish?

My prayer for today is that you and I would be the kind of people who actively seek God’s wisdom, who listen intently, and who maintain open hearts and open minds. 

Let us pray: Loving God, we don’t have to look far to see that there is far more to this world than we can comprehend. We are confronted with mystery at every turn. Keep our spirits ever open, so that our relationships with You and others would flourish. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

One of my favorite artists, John Severson, said that his personal mission statement was this: “Make it a beautiful life.” I love that. I believe he meant that beyond the art he created. Make it a beautiful life for yourself and everyone else you meet. In part, simply by the way you live… through your generosity, hospitality, having open ears, an open heart, and open hands.

In 1972, shortly before his death, Abraham Joshua Heschel said in an interview: “I would say to young people a number of things… I would say, let them remember that there is a meaning beyond absurdity. Let them be sure that every little deed counts, that every word has power, and that we can do — every one — our share to redeem the world despite all absurdities and all the frustration and all disappointments. And above all, remember that the meaning of life is to live life as it if were a work of art… When you are young, start working on this great work of art called your own existence.”

I wonder what it might look like for you to live your life – to craft your life – as though it were a work of art… I wonder what it might look like for you to make life beautiful not only for yourself but with everyone within your sphere of influence… 

Today, I invite you to reflect on these things.

Let us pray: Holy God, we are created in your image. You are a creating God and a loving God. Empower us by your Spirit, to live creative and loving lives to the further beauty of this world and to your glory. Amen. 

Some time ago, I read about the funeral of Charlemagne who was one of the most powerful Christian rulers of the early Middle Ages. After his death, there was an enormous funeral procession from his castle to the cathedral at Aix. When the body arrived, with a lot of pomp and circumstance, it was met by the local bishop who barred the cathedral door.

In the custom of the day, the Bishop asked, ”Who comes?” 

“Charlemagne, Lord, and King of the Holy Roman Empire,” proclaimed the Emperor’s proud herald. “Him I know not,” replied the Bishop. “Who comes?”

The herald was a bit shaken, but replied, “Charles the Great, a good and honest man of the earth.” “Him I know not,” the Bishop said again. “Who comes?”

The herald, now completely unnerved, responded, “Charles, a lowly sinner, who begs the gift of Christ.” On behalf of Christ, the Bishop responded, “Enter! Receive Christ’s gift of life!”

The point is clear. We all stand on equal ground before God. We all are in need of God’s grace and mercy. But herein lies the good news. It is not a matter of how good we are, or how much success we’ve achieved, that earns us God’s love and salvation.

Romans 2 reminds us, “God shows no partiality.” And, Ephesians 2 promises, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for loving us just as we are. We also thank you for loving us so much that you invite us to change and grow. Open our hearts again to receive your love, forgiveness, and salvation. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.