Many years ago, in a Peanuts cartoon, Peppermint Patty and Charlie Brown are shown gazing over the top of a wall, both looking quite downcast. Patty says, “I need to talk to someone who knows what it’s like to feel like a fool, someone who knows what it’s like to be humiliated, someone who’s been disgraced, beaten, and degraded… someone who’s been there…”
In the last frame, there are no words. Charlie Brown simply turns to Patty—arms outstretched.

We’ve all been there.

Every one of us has moments when we’ve needed someone to simply understand. We all need people who will stand with us in our pain or struggle. In those moments, we don’t need a sermon, or advice, or even wise words. We need presence—a warm hug, a listening ear, a caring heart.

I hope you can be that person for someone else—a friend, a neighbor, a loved one, even a stranger. When we open our hearts to others in love, we often receive far more than we give.

Just think about Charlie Brown.

Let us pray:  Giver of Hope, we thank you that we do not walk alone. We thank you that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We thank you that we can cast our cares on you and depend on your strength. And we thank you for the gift of the faith community—those who walk beside us. We pray today for all who are desperately in need of your grace and presence. We pray in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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

Friend of Dial Hope, do you sometimes feel like your problems are so overwhelming that you can barely keep your head above water? In the Bible, God tells you to cast “all your care upon him,” knowing he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) 

One of the most dramatic examples in the Bible of casting yourself upon God is Peter’s attempt to walk on water. It was liquid pavement beneath his feet. When Jesus bid Peter to come to him, Peter quickly stepped out of the boat, and, with his eyes on the Lord, he began to walk. But then he looked around at the heavy seas. Terrified, he began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Immediately, Jesus was beside Peter. And, arm in arm, they walked on the water to the boat. Like Peter, if you get your eyes off your source and onto your impossible situation, you’re sunk. But, if you keep your eyes on Jesus and walk arm in arm with him, you’ll be safe…because Jesus specializes in meeting human needs. Whatever is over your head in the way of problems is already under his feet. It’s in his control! Remember: “Cast all your anxiety, your care on him, because he cares for you.” (l Peter 5:7) 

Let us pray: God of love, who came into the world clothed in our garment of flesh and who willingly gave yourself to the cross, clothe us in your Spirit that persons will recognize you in us and receive your great gift of unconditional love and amazing grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

In 2 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul writes:

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away—see, everything has become new!
All of this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…
So we are ambassadors for Christ…”

In other words, God is saying: I’ve forgiven you and loved you. And now, I entrust you with this beautiful message of love, forgiveness, and hope. And it’s not just a message to speak—but also to live.

I don’t know what that looks like in your life. Maybe you have relationships that are strained or broken. Maybe there’s someone you need to forgive—or be reconciled with. Maybe your first step is simply to pray for the one who hurt you. Maybe there’s a conversation you need to have. Or something you need to let go of.

My prayer for you today is that you would accept the love and forgiveness Jesus offers you through the cross. May you share these gifts with a world—and with those closest to you—who so desperately need them.

Let us pray:  God of hope, we remember today that you have promised nothing can get in the way of your love for us in Christ. Help us to accept the mercy, forgiveness, and grace that you offer. Heal us, renew us, and strengthen us, that we would be ambassadors of your love. Amen.

By Rev. Dr. Roger Kunkel

Jesus made the point that real love is inclusive! It is goodwill toward all. Real love sees all people as children of God.

This got Jesus into trouble. He associated with the wrong people—questionable people—sinners, tax collectors, the blind, the lame, and the sick.

There’s an interesting theological point here: the religious leaders of Jesus’ time believed that when people were down on their luck, it was because they had sinned. They saw suffering as God’s judgment. So blind, lame, leprous people, and the poor were viewed as wicked or sinful.

But Jesus saw them as children of God—as persons of integrity and worth, members of God’s family, his brothers and sisters. And he loved them. He enjoyed them. He accepted all people.

The question is: When will we ever learn?

Let us pray:  God of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Jesus, we join the procession of those who, down through the ages, sought to serve and love you with heart, soul, mind, and strength. We thank you this day for your amazing grace and unconditional love. Make us more like the one in whose spirit we pray. Amen.

In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, the disciples are returning after being sent out on their own for the first time. They had been out preaching, teaching, healing the sick—going from town to town. When they came back to Jesus to report all they had done and seen, he said to them, “Come away to a deserted place by yourselves and rest a while…”

It is important to do that—for all of us. In today’s world, we tend to go and go and go. Sometimes that busyness can make us feel disconnected from others, and even from God. We clearly see in Jesus’ own ministry that he set a pattern: even when the need was overwhelming, he would still find time to break away and be alone.

But not in this passage.

When they arrive at their retreat, there’s a huge crowd already waiting. Mark tells us that Jesus had compassion for them, and he began to teach them. Later that same day, he feeds the 5,000!

The disciples had been running and running, and just when they thought they were finally breaking away—just when they thought they were going to get a moment’s reprieve—there’s a major interruption in the plans.

I’ve often wondered why Jesus didn’t follow his usual pattern here and slip through the crowds. Or why he didn’t take the disciples to a more desolate spot. He knew they needed a break.

The only reason I can think of is that sometimes interruptions can actually be blessings in disguise. Sometimes interruptions can actually be openings for new beginnings. Sometimes interruptions are opportunities.

Maybe Jesus knew this was something the disciples needed to learn. Maybe Jesus knows… it’s something I’m still trying to learn.

Let us pray:  Gracious God, help us to set time apart—to recharge, reenergize, and allow space for you in our lives. But may you also keep us open to the opportunities and blessings of the interruptions along the way. Meet us this day along our journey. Surprise us with your grace. And use us as instruments of your love. Amen.