The Halo around His Hands
Roger Kunkel

The Halo around His Hands

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

The famous artist Rembrandt did a fascinating thing in one of his paintings. Instead of painting a halo over the head of Jesus, in one work of art, he painted a halo around his hands. Not over his head, but around his hands. Why? Over the years, art critics have debated why Rembrandt did this. It seems to me that he was reminding us of all the ways Christ used his hands to do his ministry. With his holy and sacred hands, he healed the sick, fed the hungry, blessed the children, and raised the dead. With his hands, he showed us how to live our faith and how to put our faith to work. With the shared touch of his hands, he gives us a self we can live with and a faith we can live by. Christianity is not just a creed we profess; it is a lifestyle we live. My prayer is that God, through the power of the risen Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit, will enable us to live each day fully and make each day a masterpiece.

Let us pray: O God, whose grace is like a canopy of love spread over our lives, teach us how to fill our cups with cool water and reach out to thirsty persons. Enable us not only to walk the mile that is required of us but, finding our strength in love, to go the second mile as well. Make us a servant people, eager to draw others beneath the canopy of grace and into the banquet hall of the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

So We Do Not Lose Heart
Joe Albright

So We Do Not Lose Heart

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I remember when I first started at my first church as a lead pastor. I was just getting my feet wet, just learning the ropes of the church, when I learned about a member of our congregation who needed a visit. He was relatively young, in his 50’s, and recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. 

I went to see him, but I was nervous. What do you say in a situation like that? When I arrived, much to my surprise, this man was in good spirits. He laughed easily. His wife even joked, “I don’t know what’s gotten into him these last few months.” He said to us, “Well when you know your time is short – you realize how precious it is…” 

When we held hands to pray before I left, I could feel his inner strength. He was confident that death would not have the last word… and he knew that in the time he had left, he still had something to offer.

I’ve heard other stories too – about how just when life seemed to be falling apart – something deep inside started to grow: a hope that couldn’t be contained, a hope that you would see a loved one again, hope that tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as today – things can change – that there can be a new start. I’ve had others tell me that just at that moment when they thought they were just about beyond their ability to cope – a strange peace came over them, or an inexplicable sense of joy arose out of the darkness…

In 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, the Apostle Paul writes, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…”

Later he adds, “So we do not lose heart.” And then he makes this amazing statement, “Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day….” 

Let us pray: We praise you, O God, knowing that you can bring strength out of weakness, joy out of sorrow, and even life out of death. We ask you today to meet us in our brokenness, our failures, our shortcomings, our heartaches, and pains. We do ask for healing and renewal. Help us not to lose heart, but instead to trust. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

Essential Laughter
Joe Albright

Essential Laughter

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Today I am deeply grateful for the Dial Hope Board of Directors and for all who give so generously of their time behind the scenes to make Dial Hope a reality.

I love the old story of a minister who went camping up in the mountains. He was enjoying hiking the mountain trails until one day he found himself face to face with the biggest … ugliest … meanest … grizzly bear he had ever seen. He saw no means of escape, and the bear was coming toward him growling. The minister did the only thing he knew to do. He dropped to his knees, closed his eyes, and began to pray. The longer he prayed, the better he felt. The bear had not attacked. So, the minister opened his eyes, and lo and behold the bear was kneeling right in front of him. The minister was overjoyed and exclaimed, “O, Brother Bear, this is wonderful. It is a comfort to my soul to know that we are praying to the same Lord.”

The bear opened his eyes, looked at the preacher, and said, “Brother, your comfort is going to be short-lived because I’m saying grace.”

My friend Roger Kunkel used to regularly remind me of the power of laughter. 

As a young pastor right out of seminary, I asked Roger for any words of advice or wisdom. He said, “Take your faith seriously – but don’t take yourself too seriously. Humor is essential. Life is so much easier when you can laugh – especially when you can laugh at yourself.”

May we all take Roger’s advice to heart.

Our prayer today is a prayer Roger wrote back in 2003. Let us pray: Loving God, who changes rivers in their course and alters the paths of the stars, infuse us and flood us today with joy and hope. Let the radiant power of your Holy Spirit destroy any negativity or cynicism in us, and fill us with positive feelings of love and affirmation. Help us to say yes to the things that are good, and no to things that devalue life. Mold us more in the image of Christ that we may hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heart of Gratitude
Roger Kunkel

Heart of Gratitude

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

It is no secret that I have a passion for encouraging people to base their life on gratitude. Paul put it like this, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18a).

Let me point out that Paul didn’t say to give thanks “for” all circumstances. Obviously, we don’t give thanks for cancer or heart attacks, arthritis or blindness, Alzheimer’s, or terrorist attacks. But we can give thanks “in” all circumstances because God is with us, come what may. And when we realize that and embrace that and reach out to God in faith, he will give us strength and see us through. We can count on that. And that is cause for great thanksgiving. 

There is an old legend that tells about a man who came one day to the barn where Satan stores the seeds that he scatters across the earth. The man noticed that the two most abundant seeds in the barn were the seeds of bitterness and discouragement. He asked Satan about those seeds. “Oh, yes,” came the reply, “bitterness and discouragement; they are, without question, my most effective seeds. Why, these seeds will grow almost anywhere.” 

Then, with a solemn look on his face, Satan said, “However, there is one place where the seeds of bitterness and discouragement will not grow.” “Oh?” said the man, “and where is that?” Satan answered, “They will not grow in a heart of gratitude.” 

Let us pray: God of love, we come to you with hearts full of love, souls full of trust, and minds full of thanksgiving. Your lovingkindness is as far-reaching as the stars, your care for us as deep as the sea. Help us to turn with childlike trust. Open our eyes to the wonders of Your Word and send us on our way with hope and courage. Watch over those traveling. Teach us that we never journey beyond your loving care. Through the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Kingdom of Heaven is Among You
Joe Albright

The Kingdom of Heaven is Among You

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There is an old legend about a blacksmith whose time on earth was at an end. God sent an angel to carry him to heaven, but to the angel’s surprise, the smith refused to go. He did not want to appear to be ungrateful and was looking forward to having a place in God’s kingdom, but he asked if could simply put it off for a while. He reasoned with the angel that he was the only blacksmith in the village. It was time for all his neighbors to begin their spring planting, and he certainly would be needed. 

God heard the man’s case and agreed.

After the harvest, the angel returned to bring the blacksmith to heaven. But again the smith asked that his return to God be postponed. “I have a neighbor who is very ill and needs my help. Please tell God, ‘Thank you for his blessings, but please, come for me later.’” So the angel left. 

This went on for some time. Every time the angel would come to bring the faithful blacksmith to heaven, the smith would shake his head and explain to the angel that he was still needed by someone on earth. 

The day finally came when the blacksmith was very old and weary. The angel appeared, and the man said, “If you still want to take me home, I’m ready to live forever in God’s kingdom.” 

The angel smiled at the blacksmith, “Where do you think you have been these years?”

I think this is what Jesus meant when he told his disciples, “The kingdom of heaven is among you.” They had been out in their own communities teaching, healing, loving, and giving.

When we serve others, God’s kingdom is at hand. And indeed, blessings abound!

Let us pray: Almighty and Eternal God, we thank you for your presence – your reign among us. Continue to tune our hearts to your heart. By the way that we live, by the way that we speak, by the way that we love and give, may we join your Kingdom work – here on earth. Amen.

Sacrificial Love
Joe Albright

Sacrificial Love

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A word of thanks is extended to all who so graciously support the Dial Hope ministry. Hope happens because of you.

I learned recently that the renowned scientist Louis Pasteur was frightened of dogs. Even a distant bark would terrify him. In his mind, he could still see a mad wolf that raged through his boyhood village killing many of his neighbors. “I have always been haunted by the cries of those victims,” he said time and again. Yet in 1882, past the age of 60, Pasteur gave up all his other studies in an intense search for a cure for rabies.

For three long years, despite his deep-seated fears, he risked his life living with mad dogs. Eventually, he discovered a vaccine, and on a July night in 1885, he tried the first injection on a small boy whose life was in grave danger. The boy lived. 

For the benefit of others, Louis Pasteur faced his deepest fears to find a cure for a horrible disease. This story is beautiful and compelling.

Today, I am grateful for all of those who have sacrificed their self-interest, safety, and even lives for the good of others. No doubt they are a blessing. May they also be an inspiration.

Let us pray: Almighty and loving God, when we remember the sacrifice of your Son Jesus on the cross, we are humbled. When we see the sacrifice of others it resonates deeply, and we are both inspired and grateful. We thank you for all those who give selflessly for the sake of others. Especially we thank you for women and men in the military and their families, firefighters, police officers, peacekeepers, aide workers, missionaries, and health care workers. We lift them up to you, asking for your blessing and protection. May their generosity ever be an inspiration to us. Amen.

Beauty in Diversity
Joe Albright

Beauty in Diversity

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Many years ago now, the church I was serving had a joint service with a Korean new church development. This fledgling congregation had been meeting in our building for just a few months. If you have ever been to a multicultural worship service, then you know the tremendous energy that can be present.

That day, we all sensed the deep joy that comes from spending time with our sisters and brothers with whom we share a common faith. We felt a breath of hope – that one day all God’s children will live, work and worship together in peace. And, we noticed a palpable sense of God’s Spirit moving among us and God’s love binding us together despite our differences.

This seems to me to be a lesson for life. So often we dwell on the issues that divide. We focus on our differences, or on what we are against. But that focus only leaves us feeling angry or depressed. However, when we get to know those who are different on a personal level, we often find that we are more alike than we ever thought. We are often enriched by the differences we do bring. And, I have to believe, God smiles.

One of Jesus’ most fervent prayers is that we would be one (John 17).

Let us pray: Creative God, we remember today that you invented all the colors of the rainbow in their infinite shades and hues. You have called into being more than a million species of animals; and you made us in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. We praise you for the beautifully diverse world in which we live and find our place. Today, we pray for those who are different from us. Help us to love them as you love them. Fill us with your grace and peace, that it would be ours to share. Amen.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Joe Albright

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

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When we were right out of college a few of my friends moved out to southern California – mainly for surfing, as the waves are considerably better there. One summer I went out to visit and I got to surf Black’s Beach just north of San Diego. 

I have this great memory of my friend Dan. When we got to the beach, he paddled way to the outside of the break. And I remember thinking, Dan, you’re never going to catch a wave out there! Sure enough, he sat and sat. But then out of the blue, this big set came sweeping in out of the south – and I see Dan gliding across this beautiful big wave.  

At that point, I followed Dan back way outside. And then I sat and I sat… After a while, I thought, enough of this, and I paddled back inside with the crowd. Not five minutes later, once again Dan takes off on a beautiful blue sweeping set wave. And so I paddled back out. And I sat and sat and sat before paddling back in. This same scene was repeated all morning. Dan getting the biggest and best waves – while we got the scraps. 

I asked Dan later, how do you know where to sit? How do you know when those big set waves are coming? You’re like the surfing mystic. Dan smiled and said: “Good things come to those who wait!”

But waiting is hard, isn’t it? And waiting for waves is one thing… It is another thing to wait for something more serious – like waiting for a diagnosis, or waiting for a teenager to come home in the middle of the night, or for the word to filter down about layoffs a work…

Waiting is hard. Especially in our fast-paced technological society. We live in this time when we have the world at our fingertips… And our expectations to have things where we want and when we want have grown exponentially… And more and more, when we don’t get it, when our expectations aren’t met, we get frustrated. We get angry. We get impatient. We become impatient with our children, impatient with each other, and impatient with ourselves. And even with small things then, what happens to our stress level? What happens to our sense of being at peace with the world around us?

Yesterday I spoke about patience. Today, I pray for patience. May God grant you a sense of peace in your waiting. 

Let us pray: God of Grace, As we wait, help us to trust that something deeper is at work in us. Help us look for the opportunities that present for connection, for giving, and for receiving that abound in the waiting. Strength our hearts and grant us peace. Amen.

In the Waiting
Joe Albright

In the Waiting

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James writes to the early Christian community: “Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7-8)

That’s easier said than done, isn’t it?  

Be patient…

It’s interesting. Almost every major philosophical and faith tradition teaches patience. Why is that? Where is the value in it?

In the Buddhist tradition, there are people known as Bodhisattvas. A Bodhisattva is someone who has been enlightened, and who has chosen to be a spiritual teacher for others. The only caveat is that ordinary people can’t tell who is a Bodhisattva and who is not. It could be anybody.

So in our family, we have kind of a running jest, that the difficult people in our lives are our Bodhisattvas. They are here to teach us humility, patience, and love… While it is kind of funny to think about that super slow clerk in the supermarket, holding up the entire checkout line, as a teacher, at the same time, it is a reminder that as difficult as this moment in time might be, there is something to be learned. Perhaps there is a deeper happening.

James says: “The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains…” The seed is there. And while we can’t see what is happening, clearly something is…

Perhaps there is inner work that is being done. Perhaps the waiting is opening up other opportunities… Maybe there is something I’m supposed to receive, or something I’m supposed to do for others. Maybe this interruption, this delay is actually a gift…

Korean American pastor and writer Joshua Kang claims that patience is a prerequisite for peace – inner peace – but not just that. He writes, “People who have patience lack nothing. People who have patience have everything.”

In your waiting, may you trust that something deeper, perhaps something imperceivable or yet undetected is at work in you. May you look for the opportunities that present themselves – opportunities for connection, for giving, for receiving – that abound in the waiting. And may your patience develop in you an inner strength and reserve.

Let us pray: Grant us peace in our waiting, O God. Strengthen our hearts and help us trust that you are near – even now. Amen.

Things that Matter
Joe Albright

Things that Matter

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In the 1870s, New York City had one of the most closely contested mayor’s races in its history. Mayor John “Boss” Tweed was running for reelection, and it was widely known that his entire administration was corrupt. Many in the city who were fed up with his kind of politics came together in an attempt to take on “Boss Tweed.”

At first, things seemed to be looking up. But as the campaign drug on, the opposition began to feel the pressures of machine politics. Many of these good people began to give up and drop out. When the election was held and the results counted, they discovered that Boss Tweed had been reelected. The next day the New York Times ran an editorial and analyzed what had happened. It said: 

“The good people quit being good before the bad people quit being bad.”

Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Sometimes we just get worn out. We feel as though our small actions don’t make a difference. We get tired and give up. In a world with so much darkness – so much brokenness and sin, the need can feel overwhelming. But the truth is that even small actions count. Even small acts of love, kindness, and generosity add up and make a huge difference – especially when we work together.

As I look at what churches are doing in our country and around the world I see impoverished communities being given a hand up. I see clean water systems being installed, medical clinics being built, and doctors being trained. I see suburban churches building relationships with inner city churches, and high-risk children receiving tutoring. I see the gospel being proclaimed and people’s lives being transformed.

My prayer is that you and I would be the kind of people who are not silent – either with our words or our actions – about the things that matter. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Those who labor in the Lord do not labor in vain!”

Let us pray: Loving God, meet us in our small everyday acts of kindness and generosity. Bless and multiply our actions, and encourage us with glimpses of your light overcoming the darkness. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.