Earthly Examples
Joe Albright

Earthly Examples

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The Apostle Paul wrote, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”

Early on in life, I looked to my grandfather as a role model, someone I admired. Not that he was perfect – my grandmother made it perfectly clear that he was not. But he obviously cared deeply for others, and he served the church with dedication. He never had a lot of money or fine things, but he had a deep love of life itself. And from a young age, he was someone I looked up to. And I often thought, “I want to live like that.”

We all need role models. Of course, for those who seek to follow him, Jesus is our ultimate example. But we need other earthly examples too. We need people who have modeled a way of life, a way of giving, a way of serving, a way of loving. 

If you were to have a personal board of directors, people you admire, people you look up to, people who could hold you accountable, who would they be?

Let us pray: God of all generations, I give you thanks for Popsi – my grandfather, and for the many others who have influenced and shaped my life for the better. We each give you thanks for the positive role models we’ve had in the past. And we ask that on this journey of life, you would surround us with those who would show us the path and draw us closer to you. Grant us teachers and leaders who are worthy of following. And, grant us wisdom and discernment so we may choose them wisely. Amen.

Remember…
Joe Albright

Remember…

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In his novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude Gabriel Garcia Marquez writes about a strange disease that slowly infiltrated the old village of Macondo. This disease that emerged from the surrounding swamp, was a form of insomnia that attacked the whole town. The initial outcome was the inability of people to sleep. Although the villagers do not feel any bodily fatigue at all, a more serious effect slowly comes about, and that is the loss of memory. Gradually folks in the village realize they can no longer remember or recall the past. Soon they find that they cannot remember the name or the meaning of the simplest things used every day.

Those of you who have had loved ones who have battled Alzheimer’s Disease know how heartbreaking loss of memory can be. Of course, there are things in each of our lives that we would rather forget, but for the most part, our memories are a precious gift. They connect us with friends and family across great spans of distance and time. They allow us to experience the warmth of summer in the midst of a cold winter, and they offer us an opportunity to not duplicate past mistakes and failures. Our memories also root us in vital traditions that add meaning and depth to our lives.

During the Last Supper, when Jesus told his disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me,” he was offering them hope. And through their memories, he was offering hope to the generations to come. Remember my life. Remember my sacrifice. Remember my love. 

Remember…

Let us pray: God of all time and space, we thank you for the gift of memory. Today we especially remember friends and loved ones near and far. We thank you for the good times we have shared with them – for laughter and for tears. We thank you also that in Jesus we have a reminder of your love for us – a love that is unconditional and unfaltering. Finally, we thank you that you are a God who remembers us. Be near to us this day. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Living Sacrifice
Joe Albright

A Living Sacrifice

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In the Hebrew scriptures, our Old Testament, animal sacrifices were a huge part of worship and faith. The priests of that day were responsible for making the sacrifice, then cleaning them and cooking them. As a pastor, I am so thankful we don’t do that anymore!  

But there is something about this ancient ritual that is still relevant. The sacrifice of an animal from the herd or flock was costly for the ancient Israelites. The meat was a rare luxury in that world, so the offering was genuinely sacrificial.  

Whenever I read about these offerings in scripture, I think about the sacrificial nature of a life of faith. There is no doubt that when we give generously of ourselves, when we sacrifice for the sake of others, when we commit wholeheartedly to a particular ministry, our faith matures and deepens.  

The Apostle Paul wrote, “I appeal to you brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship…”

Let us pray: Loving God, we give you our hearts, we give you our hands. We give you our feet and our minds and even our words. Lead us where you will. Use the gifts we offer to serve your people and to glorify you. We ask that you would continue to heal us, redeem us, and move us along the path to new and abundant life. Amen.

That Was the Interview
Joe Albright

That Was the Interview

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

There is a story about a man in a large city who was on his way to an interview for a new job at a highly successful company. Well-groomed, wearing a nice suit, the man made his way to the corporate headquarters. As he was waiting for the elevator, an elderly janitor walked by, slipped on the wet floor, and fell down awkwardly. The young man chuckled to himself, unconcerned that the older man might have been hurt. He actually stepped over the fallen janitor, boarded the elevator, went up to the twenty-ninth floor, and entered the reception area of the firm. Soon his name was called, and he was used not a beautiful executive office.

He was greeted by the company president who conducted the interview. She began by saying, “By the way, on your way up to see me, did you see anyone who needed help? ”Yes,” he replied, “A janitor fell right in front of me as I was waiting for the elevator.” “Did you stop to help him?” She asked. “Well, no because I believe in promptness and I didn’t want to be late for this important interview.” “Of course.” said the company president, “But you see, that was the interview! As a business executive, I know that many people do try to push and shove their way to the top. But as a person of faith, I have come to realize that love is the most powerful thing in the world, and anyone who wishes to rank first must learn how to serve others. I’m very sorry, but I am afraid you are not the kind of person I have in mind for this position.” 

As Jesus made his way to the cross, the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest. When they entered the upper room, Jesus took a towel and a basin and he washed their feet, showing them and us in a dramatic way that we Christians are called to be gracious servants.

Let us pray: Loving God, inspire us to loving gentleness and gracious service. May we seek to fulfill what you require of us: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Through the Brokenness
Joe Albright

Through the Brokenness

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I remember when I first started at Hodges Presbyterian Church – my first time serving as a lead pastor. I was just getting my feet wet; just learning the ropes of the church. Maybe my second week there, our children’s ministry director said, there is a member of our congregation – relatively young – in his 50s who was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. You really need to go see him.

And I went to see him, but I was really nervous. I mean what do you say in a situation like that? But when I got there, much to my surprise, he was actually 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, “I don’t know how long I have, so I don’t want to take a single moment for granted.”

I didn’t say this, but I’ve known plenty of people who wouldn’t take it so well. I’ve certainly known plenty of people who have instead grown bitter and cynical… 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 through that visit, he actually was the one ministering to me!

As I mentioned yesterday, over the years I’ve heard stories from people 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 they 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…

We worship a God who can bring strength out of weakness; who can use our brokenness; our failures; and our shortcomings and still make something beautiful.

Today I pray that your faith would sustain you – and also compel you. May it allow you, even in the midst of your own brokenness, to give beyond your means, to make a difference in other’s lives, and as you do, to find a deep sense of joy and peace.

Let us pray: We trust, O God, that your power and grace are at work, in us and beyond us. Even in our brokenness, even as we are being healed, may your grace, mercy, and peace flow through us to touch a hurting world. Amen. 

So We Do Not Lose Heart
Joe Albright

So We Do Not Lose Heart

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In 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, Paul writes, “We have this treasure in clay jars…” The clay jars are our own frail, faulty, human lives. This treasure is the Gospel. Here, Paul seems to have this understanding of the gospel that it is not just a message to be shared – though it is that – but it is also God’s power at work with us. 

Now we know from other parts of this letter, that Paul himself had really been through it. He had been shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, thrown in jail, and ostracized by his community. He had endured hardship after hardship. We get the sense that were it not for his faith, he would be hanging on by the last thread. In fact, he 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…

He goes on to write: “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.”  

Even in the midst of the trials and tribulations of life, there is an inner strength that is growing, a grace that arises.

Over the years I’ve heard stories from people 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 they 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…

Paul is saying, all that I’ve gone through, all that I’m going through – it’s bad – but it will not have the last word. And, I know that even in the midst of all that I’m going through, God is at work. And perhaps God can use this brokenness, this frailty, this clay jar – even this suffering to help others… to bless others.

I don’t know what you are going through right now. But the promise of the gospel is that those hurts can heal, that God can turn the pain of life into healing salve, and that if we are open to it, even out of suffering – great light can break forth.

Let us pray: We trust, O God, that your power and grace at work, in us and beyond us. Even in our brokenness, even as we are being healed, may your grace, mercy, and peace flow through us to touch a hurting world. Amen. 

Where is God?
Joe Albright

Where is God?

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You know, when trouble comes into our lives or when tragedy strikes, we ask, “Where is God?” And the answer is – God is in the same place he was when his son was on the cross. God does not abandon us; God is with us every step of the way. He is with us even closer than our hands and feet. And as we keep moving forward, living one day at a time, trusting in God, and doing the best we can, he moves with us; he brings us through the valley. 

In the fiftieth chapter of Genesis, this is what Joseph referred to when he said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20) What had happened was bad, but God brought good out of those terrible events. That is the good news of our faith. God is with us, and nothing, not even death, can separate us from Him. “Lo, I am with you always,” – this is God’s most significant promise, and when we claim that promise, it changes our lives. Now make this day a masterpiece for you are blessed to be a blessing to others. 

Let us pray: God of all time, come into our lives and make us whole. As you entered time in Jesus the Christ, be born in us today and lead us to the light of your love. Be with all those in need of warmth and life and hope. Be with those who grieve. Be with those who are sick. Be with those who are afraid, that they may find themselves held in your strong arms. Lead us to your light, for we pray in the name of the light of the world, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Every Common Bush
Joe Albright

Every Common Bush

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Today, I would like to say a word of thanks to Beth Knopik, who was the keynote speaker at our Dial Hope “Friendraiser” yesterday evening. She is the author of, Beyond the Rainbow. Her courage and faith in the wake of great loss, are inspiring. Thank you, Beth!

Psalm 8 offers this prayer, “O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth. In Hebrew thought, a person’s name – was not just a word – but their name also represented their character, essence, and presence. 

O Lord, how majestic is your presence – your essence – your power in all the earth.

Think about those times when you’ve seen an awe-inspiring sunset; or when you’ve been on a mountaintop and it’s breathtaking, or you’ve been on the ocean and you have watched the pelicans soar just above the breakers. It’s moments like these when we feel connected to something so much bigger. It’s moments like these that you can almost feel God’s presence, right there.

Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, “Earth is crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes…”

Let us pray: Loving God, give us eyes to see your glory and presence in the world all around us. May we notice you in the laughter of a child, in the smile of a stranger, and in the beauty of your creation. Open our hearts to the Holy in this place here and now. And, may our souls be filled with awe and joy. Amen. 

Amid Uncertainty and Change
Joe Albright

Amid Uncertainty and Change

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I’ve been thinking about all that is going on in our world right now: the continued upheaval in the Middle East, the situation on our border… Ukraine…Russia. There is just a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Not to mention the political uncertainty in our own country… We live in a time when we as a nation are divided against ourselves. 

And then, think about how just over the last 50 years, there has been enormous social change. Some of the change has been much, much needed. At the same time, there has been a tremendous loss of trust – loss of trust in each other, loss of trust in our institutions, in our government, in our political system, in our schools, in our organizations, in our churches… The ground is shifting.

How is a person of faith to live amid this kind of uncertainty and change? 

There is no doubt that change and uncertainty often will produce a naturally stressful and reactive environment. We see this all the time, don’t we? People reacting, completely stressed out!

The truth is that it is very difficult to face the uncertainty of life if we have no stillness in our own lives. And it is very difficult to bring about any sense of peace in the world around us if we have no peace within ourselves… 

Yesterday, I shared that I’m more and more convinced, that the one gift we have to offer the world around us, is our own inner peace. It starts close to home, within our families, at our places of work, in our conversations with friends and neighbors, how we carry ourselves. We spread either our own dis-ease and anger and frustration, or alternatively, we can radiate hope, offering grace and peace.

My prayer again today is that you would carve out time in your own life for silence, for stillness – to allow that larger, stronger presence of God to fill you and nourish you. And may the peace and strength that you experience, be a gift you share with a world desperately in need. 

Let us pray: We pause for even just a moment in your presence, O God. Take our anger, our grief, our pain. Wash over us again with your grace, that we might be healed, restored, and filled anew with your peace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In Between Times
Joe Albright

In Between Times

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Back during the Covid shutdown, I read this great book by Susan Beaumont called, “How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going.”

Great title! It was a great book.

She talks about how there are times in history, when we find ourselves between the disintegration of the old and the emergence of something new – on kind of a threshold. 

And in these times, not only does anxiety rise; but sometimes motivation will fall. There is the temptation to give up or to give in. And if we are not careful, our fears will drive us.

She argues, however, if we are open to it, God’s greatest work occurs in this space. The Franciscan theologian, Richard Rohr claims that all transformation takes place here.

Some time ago, I was listening to an interview with a Benedictine monk, David Steindle Rast. He was talking about anxiety… which so many of us have been feeling these days. He said, “We have to acknowledge our anxiety, but we must not fear. There is a great difference.”  

We have to have space and time in our lives – to stop, to pause, to get in touch with what’s happening inside us. So that we are not driven by fear.

It is true that so much of what’s going on in the world around us is completely out of our control. And often we wonder, what can I do? What difference can I make? 

I’m more and more convinced, that the one gift we have to offer the world around us, is our own inner peace.

My prayer today is that you would carve out time in your own life for silence, for stillness – to allow that larger, stronger presence of God fill you and nourish you. And may the peace and strength that you experience, be a gift you share with a world desperately in need. 

Let us pray: We pause for even just a moment in your presence, O God. Take our anger, our grief, our pain. Wash over us again with your grace, that we might be healed, restored, and filled anew with your peace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.