More Like Jesus
Today I would like to say a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Your gifts make this ministry possible!
In a play on Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan, Barbara Johnson once wrote her own poignant parable:
A man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out. A subjective person came along and said, “I feel for you down there.” An objective person came along and said, “It’s logical that someone would fall down there.” A Pharisee said, “Only bad people fall into a pit.” A mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit. A news reporter wanted an exclusive story on his pit. A fundamentalist said, “You deserve your pit.” An IRS worker asked if he was paying taxes on the pit. A self-pitying person said, “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen my pit.” A charismatic said, “Just confess that you’re not in a pit.” An optimist said, “Things could be worse.” A pessimist said, “Things will get worse.” Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit!
On seeing the need in the world around us, may we be more like Jesus.
Our prayer today was written by Alan Paton, a South African writer, author of “Cry the Beloved Country” who made a courageous stand against racism.
Let us pray: Help me, O Lord, to be more loving. Help me O Lord, not to be afraid to love the outcast, the leper… the traitor to the State, the man out in prison. Help me, by my love, to restore the faith of the disillusioned, the disappointed, the early bereaved. Help me, by my love, to be the witness to your love. And may I, this coming day, be able to do some work of peace for you. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
