Let me say how grateful we are to those who make gifts that enable this ministry to touch so many. Your generous support is a real God-send.

In his book, Holy Sweat, Tim Hansel tells a story about a time he and his son Zac were out in the country climbing around on some cliffs. All of sudden, he said he heard a voice above him say, “Hey Dad! Catch me!” He turned around just in time to see his son joyfully jumping off a rock straight at him. Hansel said, “I became an instant circus act, catching him.” They both fell to the ground and after catching his breath he asked,
“Zac! Can you give me one good reason why you did that?” His son said calmly, “Sure… because you’re my dad.”

Zac could embrace the moment without fear or worry because he knew he could trust his father.

How often are we paralyzed by worry or fear? How often do we get stuck dwelling on the past or worrying about the future? How often do we miss the beauty and joy of the present moment because we fail to trust?

Paul wrote from jail, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds…”

Let us pray: God you are faithful. You are good. We’ve seen your hand at work time and again in our lives. But we admit that sometimes we can’t let go. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the problems at hand, that we miss the bigger picture. You are our Rock, and we turn to you now.

I pray today for those who are carrying burdens that feel beyond their ability to bear; for others who are under tremendous stress, and for those who are in truly dangerous situations. Lord, we pray for your deliverance, your mercy, and your grace. Be near to those who need you – even now. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

My friend Robert McCrary used to have a prayer attached to a bulletin board in his office titled “Hands.” The content speaks of transformation and grace. It moves from a preoccupation with the self to a love of others. The author is unknown, and today, we will make it our message and our prayer.

As we pray, begin with your hands clenched. Then, as the prayer instructs, slowly open them, and finally, if you are comfortable doing so, raise them.

Let us pray: I see, Lord, in my tightly clasped hands the representation of myself. I hold onto myself – my cares, possessions, pride. I shut you out – lest you change me. I shut out other people – lest they know me – lest they would hurt me. In fact, with these fists I could strike out against those who would threaten me. But I see in my whitened knuckles what this is doing to me. I am uptight, enslaved, imprisoned with myself. I am tired, tense, lonely, and am destroying myself.

And now in slowly opening my hands, I release myself to you, Lord. Take my guilt, cares, burdens, emptiness, and loneliness. My arms no longer hurt! My knuckles are no longer white! Thank you, Lord, for your release – for freedom – for peace. With open hands I can no longer shut you out – shut out other people – or strike out against those who would threaten me. Open hands are for helping. Fill them with your love. Show them what to do – how to serve.

Suddenly I am aware of the hurts and needs of other persons – of other situations. In my mind’s eye, I place them in these hands and lift them to you for your sustaining grace and healing love. I realize now, that I am no longer alone. Thank you, Lord, for your grace. Amen.

Today is the giving challenge put together by the Patterson Foundation of Sarasota. If you able to give, starting at noon today – every gift to Dial Hope up to $100 is matched by their foundation. Go to our website – www.dialhope.org to find out more.

I recently listened to a TED talk given by Ron Gutman who is the founder and CEO of Health Tap. Ron reviewed a host of studies about smiling and shared some amazing findings.

Did you know that even when you are not feeling happy to begin with, a simple smile will make you feel better. In fact, brain imaging studies have found that one smile gives us the equivalent boost as 2,000 bars of chocolate! And one smile also gives us the same boost as we’d feel if we received a gift of $25,000 cash!

Studies have also found that smiling can also make you healthier. Smiling reduces the level of stress inducing hormones and increases the number of mood enhancing ones. It also has been proven to lower blood pressure. A recent study out of Penn State found that smiling makes us look good in the eyes of others – not only more likable and courteous – but also more competent. On top of all that, smiling is contagious. It is very difficult to frown when looking at a smiling face!

Mother Teresa once said, “I will never understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish.”

Smile!

Let us pray: We thank you, Gracious God, for a built in health enhancer, mood lifter and attitude adjuster. Help us remember to make full use of our ability to smile. We smile even now as we remember your blessing in our lives, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Friend of Dial Hope, how are you dealing with worry? Worry is a major contributor to physical illness. But we must not confuse worry with concern. We should be concerned about the conditions of the world, the plight of the poor, the diseased, and the abuse of children. We should be concerned about our own health. Worry on the other hand is destructive. God’s resources are at our own disposal, and God is anxious to help.

Remember these words of scripture:

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:15)

Cast all of your anxiety on God, because God cares for you. (I Peter 5:7)

My grace is sufficient for you. (II Corinthians 12:9)
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God. (Romans 8:28)

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

Friend of Dial Hope, when you and God are working together, you can live without worry!

Let us pray: God of gentle dreams and awesome space, cultivate in our hearts a faith that is tall and sure. Create in us a spirit that overcomes hopelessness. No mind is without doubt or worry and we would not ask for that. May we believe enough in your Spirit of Grace to risk the hurt of love in order to find the joy of love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Many years ago now, I remember reading an article in our local newspaper about a woman Barbara Gilbert. At that time, Barbara was a single mom, part-time college student, and a waitress. She worked two part time jobs just to pay rent. At some point, Barbara learned about people down in Jamaica who have almost nothing – who are living in shacks. She also learned that for about $2,000 you could build a pretty decent 12’ by 12’ home down there, and for another $500, you could furnish it. So Barbara decided she was going to do it. Her kids of course, thought their mom was crazy, and they scolded her, “Mom, you’re poor yourself.” But she did it. She saved $200 a month until she had the money. She gave somebody else – somebody she’s never even met the gift of a home.

Her story inspires me! So often I get caught up in my own problems and issues that I can’t even begin to think about others who have so much less. I so often forget that in moving beyond myself, in reaching out to help others, there is great joy, healing and redemption. I believe that’s what Jesus meant when he said, “…those who want to find their lives must lose them.”

Let us pray: God of mercy, we don’t have to look far to see tremendous need in the world around us. And, we don’t have to look far to see how much we have to give. You have blessed us richly. We thank you for Barbara and others who inspire us by their actions. May their deep joy in giving bring you glory and praise. And may there example stir our souls and move us to serve. Amen.