Out of the Darkness – Beauty
Joe Albright

Out of the Darkness – Beauty

/in , /by

Many of us love the breathtaking music of Handel’s Messiah. It has a way of drawing us into the story of Christ in a way that is utterly compelling, moving. It touches something deep within us.

It was interesting to learn that this masterpiece was not written at the height of Handel’s career. It was written shortly after he had suffered a stroke, and while he was living in poverty. At that point in his life, Handel had been feeling tremendous despair about his failure as a musician. And it was out of the darkness that arose this inspiring and beautiful work of art.

Sometimes out of the darkest nights, comes the most profound inspiration.

Scholar Timothy Beal, writing about spiritual formation, makes the claim that, “Darkness and uncertainty provide the environment most conducive to growth of the soul.

Of course, it’s not that we are all going to achieve creative genius during these tough times. No. However, these moments, while they are scary and difficult, they are at the same time heavy with potential. There is potential for the soul to grow. There is potential to come out on the other side stronger, deeper, more beautiful, more faithful.

It is in these moments when there is nowhere else to turn, no further options, when it appears there is no way forward, that we must fall on our knees and turn to God.

My prayer for you is that when you encounter those dark times in life, may you stay open to God’s Spirit. And may you trust that God can do something new, something powerful, even something life-giving through you.

Let us pray: In the darkest of nights, O God, it is often hard to trust. But trust and hope are all we have. Please, Lord, be at work even now in our confusion or despair. Work new life and strength in us. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Peacemakers
Joe Albright

Peacemakers

/in , /by

Yesterday, my message was on peace, and the theme has stayed on my heart.

I was listening to Katherine Hayhoe speak the other day. She is an atmospheric scientist working with climate change, and an evangelical Christian. She bridges two worlds. In many ways, she’s a peacemaker.

She said that in her experience, talking to people across the country, the number one emotion today in public discourse is fear… And fear is a primary emotion, so, often, (it) is overlaid by anger or frustration… or judgment, or trying to control.” But what is underneath that anger is so often a fear of loss.

She went on to share with her audience that her favorite verse in the Bible, is in 2 Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and power…” And she said, “… when that fear comes against me, when that fear comes against us, I have a litmus test: that fear is not coming from God. And if it’s not coming from God, why do I want to entertain it? Why do I want to succumb to it? Why do I want to give in to it?”

God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love…

The problem is, at least for me, I don’t always know that it is fear that is driving me. So maybe in those moments, when I find myself reacting, or feeling angered or enraged, it is worth stepping back… catching my breath… maybe stepping aside from the whole situation. Maybe it is worth asking myself, where is this anger coming from? What is driving it? Is this fear? (Then it is not from God). If it is not fear, what is it?

And then to take it a step further, even though I might be feeling this anger or this frustration, this outrage, am I able to live up to my higher calling? Am I able to refrain not only from violence of fist and tongue but also of heart? If there is a real problem, are there constructive ways I can confront it – without aggression or violence?

Jesus once said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5)

My prayer continues to be that you and I, as followers of Christ, would set aside our fear, and heed his call.

Let us pray: Loving God, you have promised a coming kingdom where your peace abounds. We want to join you in bringing this kingdom. I pray today that you would bring healing, hope, and wholeness to each of our lives. Meet us in our need. And then, Lord, work in us and through us. We ask in Jesus’s name. Amen.

In the Way of Peace
Joe Albright

In the Way of Peace

/in , /by

One of the prophecies of the coming of Christ was that he would give light to those who sit in darkness and guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1)

What does it mean to be guided into the way of peace?

When I think about peace right now, I can’t help but think about Russian troops on the border of Ukraine. I can’t help but think about Israel and Palestine – this ongoing conflict that never seems to end. And closer to home, I think about recent school shootings…

And then, even closer, I can’t help but think about I think about the signs I’ve seen popping up in restaurants informing customers that their servers will not tolerate abuse. We’ve seen it also on airplanes and in schools. In fact, I was at a local hospital the other day and posted right up front, as you walk in the door, there is a large sign that reads, “Our hospital is a healing environment. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.”

Why do they have to post these signs? In our communities, there is a rage boiling over and people are forgetting not only common curtesy but human decency. They are forgetting that these are fellow human beings…

Some of this is out of our hands. But not all of it. For those who are following the Prince of Peace, haven’t we been called to a higher standard?

I am reminded of the way in which our faith both blesses us and summons us… It calls out the better side of our humanity. It calls us to move beyond ourselves. Again and again, the Bible tells us: think about the other, the stranger, the outsider…

Our faith summons us not only to receive peace and blessing but to be a blessing and to bring peace.

This raises the question: Even when I might be feeling anger or frustration or outrage, am I able to live up to this higher calling? Am I able to refrain not only from violence of fist, but also of tongue and of heart? If there is a real problem, are there constructive ways I can confront it without aggression or violence? And to take it even a step further, is there some way I might be a blessing in the given situation.

In this new year, 2022, I pray that Christ would indeed guide us in the way of peace. May his peace come upon us, and work in us, and even through us.

Let us pray: Holy God, You came as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. As we have been blessed, so too may we be a blessing. Work first in our hearts, and then in our lives that your will may be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Three Wishes
Roger Kunkel

Three Wishes

/in , /by

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

Some years ago, a ten-year-old boy named Johnny was sitting alone on a park bench one afternoon. It was a beautiful spring day and Johnny was watching some other kids play baseball. An older man happened by, saw Johnny sitting there, and sat down beside him. They entered into conversation. They talked about the gorgeous weather, sports, their families. Finally, the older man said, “Johnny, I want to ask you a question. If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?” Johnny thought for a moment and then said, “First, I would wish for peace and happiness in the world. Second, I would wish everybody would join a church. And third, I would wish that my best friend Billy, who is blind, would be able to see. That’s what I would wish for.”

The older man seemed amazed by little Johnny’s answer, and with a look of perplexity, he said goodbye and walked away. Johnny didn’t understand why the man was confused by the answer. He sat there for a moment, and then picked up his crutches and hobbled home! Now you know where Johnny got that gracious, loving spirit, don’t you? He got it from Jesus. He got it from the one who went to the cross for you and me.

On the cross, God showed us how much he loved us and how much he wants us to love one another. Faith, hope, love – that’s what the cross is about. Whether you are receiving chemotherapy, radiation, facing the loss of a loved one, whether you are calling from Baghdad, whether you are depressed and lonely, whether you are a teenager or a child, remember – God loves you! And you are blessed to be a blessing to others.

Let us pray: Loving God, who has given us a mentor and example of living in Jesus, we pray that you will give us the courage and will to see more clearly, love more dearly, and follow more nearly the Christ, day by day. Today, may we reflect the image and spirit of Jesus who was called “The one for others” because he sought to serve rather than be served. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

If I Had it to Do Over Again…
Joe Albright

If I Had it to Do Over Again…

/in , /by

Rev. Tony Campolo once wrote about a sociological study in which fifty people over the age of ninety-five were asked one question: “If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?” It was an open-ended question, and he received a wide variety of answers. However, three answers consistently reemerged and dominated the results of the study. These three answers were:

If I had it to do over again, I would reflect more.
If I had it to do over again, I would risk more.
If I had it to do over again, I would do more things that would live on after I am dead.

That’s interesting, isn’t it? As you think back over your life, I hope you don’t have too many regrets. If we are open to God’s healing grace, and if we are willing to do some reflection, many of our past experiences can ultimately lead us to be more compassionate, generous, faithful and loving human beings.

Looking forward, as long we can sit up and take nourishment, it is never too late to reflect a little more, to risk a little more, and to do a few things that will live on after we die.

As we sit on the edge of this new year, I do hope you will spend some time in reflection. I wonder where God may be asking you to step out in faith and to make an impact.

Let us pray: O God of ages past, O God of years to come, we thank you for your faithfulness to us throughout the journey of life. We thank you for the experiences we have had in life and for your ever redeeming grace. Help us today to hear from you. Open our hearts to any new opportunities you might have in store for us. Empower us to live and give fully. We ask in Christs’ name. Amen.