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

Scientific research is now confirming what many of us have suspected all along – that love plays a big part in the healing of a hurting body. The poet Elizabeth Barrett was an invalid for many years, unable to lift her head from her pillow. But one day she was visited by a man named Robert Browning. It was love at first sight, and in just one visit, he brought her so much joy and happiness that she lifted her head. On the second visit, she sat up. On the third visit, they eloped! Love has the power to heal both physically and emotionally. No wonder people were healed by coming into physical contact with Jesus. He was love incarnate, and that’s what he is calling us to be today – love made flesh, love personified, love lived out. Think of it – love heals! 

Let us pray: God of love and hope, when we are weak, you are like a rock to us. When we are befitted or endangered by life’s events, you are our fortress. Open our eyes to the beauty of the world you have created; open our ears to your still small voice that seeks to influence us; open our hearts to your amazing grace and forgiving love. Now melt us, mold us, fill us, use us, so that our lives will more closely reflect the life of Jesus, the Christ, whose we are and whom we seek to serve. In his name. Amen.

At the very end of the book of Deuteronomy (34:1-12), we get this picture of Moses standing on Mount Pisgah, at the very end of his life. The scripture tells us he could see the land that had been promised to his ancestors. His whole life had been leading up to this point. He knew he wouldn’t live to enter it – so he could see the future in which he would have no part.  

Now we don’t know if he did this, but if Moses had turned to look in the other direction, he could also have seen much of the desert that had been his past. 

Whether he actually turned to look or not, I have to believe that standing on that mountain at the end of his life, he would have reflected back. Yes – remembering some of the hardships.  But also on the blessings. And I have to believe he also would have remembered those who had helped him along the way:  his father-in-law Jethro; Miriam his sister; Aaron his brother, all the elders and leaders.  And I have to imagine he would have felt a debt of gratitude. How could I have made it through life without them?

And then, I can picture him looking forward over the promised land, knowing that he would not be going with them physically – but knowing that he would very much be going with them in spirit – his life and his way of life would be carried on in the hearts of the people he loved. And he would have to think – my life meant something. This faith, this great tradition, did not begin with me – and it will not end with me – but in the time I had, I made a difference. I made a contribution.

It strikes me that we all reach points on the journey when can look back and reflect on where we have been – yes maybe we reflect on some of the hardships – but hopefully also on the many blessings and on the many who have helped us along the way.

And as we reflect – hopefully we can see how at some point we moved from being the one receiving to being the one who in turn also gives; from being the one who is fed – to being the one who in turn also feeds others.  We go from being the one who was brought into the faith – or brought up in the faith – to the one who builds on what we’ve been given and then hands it down to others who will come after us. 

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, for the many blessings in our lives; for friendships and family, for your love for us, and for the faith that was handed down to us. May we, in response, ever be looking for ways to be a blessing to you and to others; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

From the Bible, the Manufacturer’s Handbook, come these inspiring words that lift our spirits:

“While (the Prodigal Son) was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” – Psalm 100:1-2

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” – 1 John 4:18

“As each has received a gift, empty it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21

Let us pray: O God of light, who makes the sun to rise each morning, we praise you for your Son Jesus, who came into the world to bring the light of life to a darkened world. Lord, what are you up to today? We want to be a part of it. Help us this day to walk with hope. We love you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dr. David McLennon once wrote about his very first job in a small-town general store. At age thirteen he was hired as a handy boy. He would sweep the flour, bag items for customers, and put up stock. One Saturday, he heard the owner say to one of the clerks “It’s that time of the year again, it’s time to take inventory.”  He wasn’t quite sure what that meant, so he went up to the kindly older man and asked, “Sir, what is an inventory?” Patiently the owner explained that an inventory is when you make a list of everything that you have – from groceries on the shelves to wrapping paper and string. Still somewhat confused, McLennon asked the owner why.  “Well,” he responded, “it is easy to forget exactly how much you have each year. Every now and then you have to take an inventory just to see what all you have.”

This little story raises the question for us: Have I taken inventory of my life lately? Have I made an effort to count all the blessings I have in my life?

So often we are apt to complain about the challenges we face or about what we are lacking. What if instead, from time to time, we sat down to list the gifts, blessings, and opportunities God has given us?

It is easy to forget just how much we have. Every now and then, let’s take inventory. This week would be the perfect time to start!

Let us pray: You are good, O God, and you have been good to us. As we make our lists, may your peace rest on us. And, may we remember again that we are blessed to be a blessing. Amen.

Zig Ziglar once told a story about an old man who many years ago stood on a Virginia riverbank. He was waiting to cross the river and since it was bitterly cold and there were no bridges, he would have to catch a ride to the other side. After a lengthy wait, he spotted a group of horsemen approaching. He let the first one pass, then the second, third, fourth, and fifth. One rider remained. As he came close, the old man looked him in the eye and said, “Sir, would you give me a ride across the river?”

The rider immediately responded, “Certainly.” Once across the river, the old man slid to the ground. “Sir,” the rider said before riding off, “I could not help but notice that you permitted all the other men to pass without asking for a ride. Then, when I drew abreast, you immediately asked me to carry you across. I am curious as to why you didn’t ask them and you did ask me.” The old man responded, “I looked into their eyes and could see no love and knew in my own heart it would be useless to ask for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, I saw compassion, love, and the willingness to help. I knew you would be glad to give me a ride across the river.”

The rider was touched. “I’m grateful for what you are saying,” he said. “I appreciate it very much.” With that, the rider, who just so happened to be Thomas Jefferson, turned and rode off to the White House.

Following this story, Ziglar asked this question: “If you had been the last rider, would the old man have asked you for a ride?” 

I hope people see love and compassion in my eyes – and in yours. Many have in fact said that the eyes are windows into our souls. We know our souls are healthy when they are filled with love, compassion, and a willingness to help.

Let us pray: Loving God, I pray today, especially for those who are feeling depressed or who are carrying heavy burdens. I lift up all who are struggling to feel love and compassion even for themselves. Fill us again this day with your love, mercy, and hope. Bring healing into our souls and set us free again to be bearers of your grace; through Jesus Christ. Amen.