A Larger Idea
Joe Albright

A Larger Idea

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I went to visit my longtime friend Fran Meza the other day, and she had just happened upon a quote by her late husband, Herb. Herb fought in the South Pacific in WWII as a Marine and then spent the rest of his life working for peace. He was my pastor when I was called into the ministry. Near the end of his life, he wrote this, and I share it with you today:

“I have committed as much of myself as I could to as much of God as I have discovered along the way. But the thing that has sustained me has been a lesson I learned from the Spanish mystic Miguel Unamuno. ‘Most men,’ he wrote once, ‘are Don Juans about ideas. What we should do is find a large idea, marry her, and set up housekeeping with her.’ That is what happened to me. And I have come to the conclusion that, for those of us who love humanity, we must not be satisfied to serve the power of any one race or nation. We must insist on a larger idea, particularly in this nuclear age. For those of us who have seen that idea in Jesus Christ, we must remember that in the complexity of this modern world, only a tough-minded and resolute determination to think all things through in the light of the revelation of God’s purposes, and in the style and love of Jesus Christ, will see us through. For the world is too small for anything but love and too dangerous for anything but truth.”
— Rev. Dr. Herbert Meza

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for Jesus, who shows us your love and bids us to follow him. Meet us today along our journey as we seek to draw closer to you. Amen.

He’s Never Failed Me!
Roger Kunkel

He’s Never Failed Me!

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

In Chicago, a man was about to cross a busy street when a lovely young girl walked up, led by a seeing-eye dog. He realized that she was blind. The lights changed, and the people started crossing. He was about to offer to help her across the street when a big fellow stopped his truck, jumped out, and said, “Lady, can I help you across the street?” 

“Oh, thank you, but no,” she replied. “l have to trust in my seeing-eye dog. If I depend on someone else, the dog won’t guide me.” “How can he tell when the lights change?” the man asked. “l don’t know how he knows,” she answered as the dog began leading her across the crowded thoroughfare, “but he knows. And, he’s never failed me!” 

You know, this is just how it is with us when the lights in our lives are changing and we’ve got to move ahead…we can’t panic. We’ve got to trust our guide – God…and walk by faith. We can’t see the way, but God can. And, he will guide us to safety- He’s never failed! In Proverbs we read: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…and he shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Let us pray: God of all beginnings, and God of all middles and endings as well, we bow in your presence to confess our dependence on you. Lord, we trust you. Clearly you have made everything beautiful in its time. Everything good that has ever happened to us…we owe to you. For only by your grace through Jesus Christ do we understand life as we do, and value those things that give meaning to our existence. Now grant that when our life is ended, we may hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Like a Loving Parent
Joe Albright

Like a Loving Parent

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There is a story about three friends who went deep-sea fishing. Suddenly, a storm arose out of nowhere and threatened to sink the boat before the friends could return to shore. Two of the men began to pray for deliverance, but the other man just sat there, watching the growing waves. His companions begged him to pray, but he hesitated. He said that it had been years since he had prayed or been to church. They insisted, so he finally said this short prayer: “O Lord, I have not asked for anything for fifteen years. If you will deliver us safely from this storm, I promise you that I will not bother you again for another fifteen years!”

The man in that story obviously has a distorted idea about God! God is not like Santa Claus or some great cosmic gift giver. No, the scriptures tell us that God is more like a loving parent who wants to hear from us and who is not bothered by our prayers. And while it is true that God doesn’t always give us what we want, a life lived in communion and conversation with Him is a life that is grounded in deep peace.

May you know in the very deepest part of your being that God is reaching out to you with love. And may you live your life in such a way that you have time to listen and respond.

Let us pray:  Today, loving God, we ask you to speak deep into our lives. Help us to know beyond any doubt that you are with us, that you know us, that you care. We long to have your guidance and peace at the very center of our lives. Again this day, we turn over to you anything that may be separating us from you… We pray now also for those we know who might need an extra measure of your grace. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pattern of Prayer
Joe Albright

Pattern of Prayer

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I was reminded recently that when Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer, he was teaching not only a prayer in itself but also a pattern of prayer. Using Jesus’ pattern, I offer this prayer for you today:

Our Father, who art in heaven, and who art on war-torn battlefields, in joyful celebrations, in homes that are broken and homes that are full, and who art even right here in this room with us.

Hallowed, holy, sacred, beautiful be thy name, and thy heart.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in our lives, in our communities, and in our world – even as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. Give us eyes to notice your providence for our basic needs. Help us not to take too much, to share when we can, and to receive everything with deep gratitude.

Forgive us now our debts, our sins, they are many. Grant us time and courage to amend our ways, and to make amends as needed. And then, Lord, as you have forgiven us, help us to forgive those who have sinned against us. They too are many. We turn them over to you now. As we let go, may we feel free.

Lead us not into temptation. But, grant us the ability to recognize it and the strength not to yield to it.

Deliver us from evil. Watch over us, guide us, and protect us. We add here our prayers for others… especially the most vulnerable.

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. With you, all things are possible. Amen.

Dancing in the Face of Guns and Bayonets
Joe Albright

Dancing in the Face of Guns and Bayonets

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Many years ago, Jim Wallis wrote about a time when the South African government canceled a political rally against apartheid. Desmond Tutu led a worship service in St. George’s Cathedral, and soldiers and riot police came in carrying guns and bayonets, ready to close it down. Bishop Tutu began to speak of the evils of the apartheid system and about how the rulers and authorities that propped it up were doomed to fall. He pointed a finger at the authorities who were there to record his words: “You may be powerful, very powerful, but you are not God. God cannot be mocked. You have already lost.”

Then, in a moment of tremendous tension, the bishop seemed to soften. Coming out from behind the pulpit, he flashed his radiant smile and began to bounce up and down with glee. “Therefore, since you have already lost, we are inviting you to join the winning side.” The crowd roared, and the people began to dance.

Dancing in the face of guns and bayonets!

So often, the world around us seems to be falling apart. We see poverty and violence all around us. There are gangs and drugs in our streets. Prejudice and greed seem to prevail. But God is not mocked. Those who have faith know that Love ultimately wins.

I pray that you and I would continue to be instruments of that Love. And in doing so, may we always be found on the winning side.

Our prayer today is the much-beloved prayer of St. Francis. Let us pray:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not seek so much to be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

The Spirit at Work
Joe Albright

The Spirit at Work

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Over the past few days, we’ve reflected on the gifts God has given us—not for our own benefit, but for the sake of others. Today, I want to share a few ways I’ve seen this play out.

At a previous church I served, I met a man who, at first, honestly intimidated me a little. He had a big beard, a shaved head, rode a Harley, and spoke in a loud, booming voice. But once I got to know him, I realized he had a heart of gold.

He worked in construction, and every year, he scheduled his vacation around mission trips so he could use his skills to serve God. He was always busy with his job, but I’d often catch him around the church, quietly fixing things—making our campus a little better. And if someone in our church was struggling financially, he’d be the first to step in and say, “Hey, I can take care of that.”

I think, too, about the church I currently serve. I think about Bonnie McCarty and her quilting ministry. She once told me she was reluctant to get involved because she didn’t think she had much to offer.

But years ago, I went with her to deliver a prayer quilt to Arthur Ludden, a man who was no longer able to attend church. The moment we handed him the quilt, tears started rolling down his face. Later, he told me, “So often, I feel completely forgotten. Can you please thank the church for not forgetting me?”

The thing is, it’s not always about big ministries. Sometimes, it’s the little things—teaching Sunday school, helping with youth group, mentoring someone, or stepping into a leadership role. Sometimes, the smallest gifts, when empowered by the Spirit, become greater than we ever imagined.

We often look around and think, This world is going to hell in a handbasket! I’ve heard that phrase so many times. And yes, there is so much need. On a large scale, it can feel overwhelming—like there’s not much we can do.

But within our own sphere of influence—in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, and churches—we can make a difference. And when we each do our part, that impact adds up.

Paul tells us that God has uniquely gifted you. And God’s Spirit is at work within you.

So I wonder—what does that look like in your life?

Let us pray: We thank You, O God, for Your Spirit at work within us. I pray for those who need You near today. We ask for healing, for peace, and for Your grace. And even as we are being healed, empower us to be instruments of Your love. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Power at Work Within Us
Joe Albright

The Power at Work Within Us

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Yesterday, we reflected on 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reminds us that each of us is spiritually gifted. Today, we continue that theme.

When I hear the word spiritual, I think about some of my friends who don’t go to church. They often say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”

But what does that really mean?

If you listen closely to the word spirituality, you can hear the word Spirit. In the church, we talk about the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of God.

I think what many of my friends are acknowledging is that there is a power at work in the world beyond us—a Mystery that can’t be fully explained. And deep down, there is something within them that longs to connect with that deeper reality.

In Christianity, we don’t just speak of a power beyond us—we speak of a power within us. Paul tells us that this power—God’s Spirit—is at work, uniquely gifting each of us for a purpose: to be used for the good of others.

Once again, I invite you to reflect: In what way are you gifted? And, more importantly, How are you using the gifts God has given you?

Let us pray:  We thank You, O God, for Your Spirit at work within us. I pray for those who need You near today. We ask for healing, for peace, and for Your grace. And even as we are being healed, empower us to be instruments of Your love. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gifted
Joe Albright

Gifted

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I’m not much of a football fan. My wife, Robbie, isn’t really one either—unless the Kansas City Chiefs make it to the playoffs. Since that’s her hometown team, when they’re in, she’s all in! And that means I’m all in!

Of course, we were disappointed by the Super Bowl results last month, but on the whole, it’s been exciting to watch Patrick Mahomes over the last few years. That guy can run, he can throw, and he thinks incredibly fast on his feet. If you looked up the definition of gifted in the dictionary, you’d think his picture would be right there.

But is that what it means to be gifted?

A few months ago, our church offered a class on spiritual gifts. It started with a simple but profound question: What does it mean to be gifted?

We use the word in many ways. Patrick Mahomes is certainly talented, and there’s no doubt he works hard to develop his skills.

But from a biblical perspective, what does it really mean to be gifted?

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul tells us that each of us has been given some sort of spiritual gift. In other words, we are all gifted. He goes on to list a few examples—some are given wisdom, some faith, some the ability to bring healing, and others the power to perform mighty deeds. But most scholars agree that Paul’s list isn’t meant to be exhaustive.

In verse 7, Paul writes: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

In other words, these gifts aren’t meant for us to keep to ourselves—they are meant to be used for the good of others.

This shifts the question from, What does it mean to be gifted? to In what way are you gifted? And, more importantly, How are you using the gifts God has given you?

Let us pray:  We thank You, O God, for Your Spirit at work within us. I pray for those who need You near today. We ask for healing, for peace, and for Your grace. And even as we are being healed, empower us to be instruments of Your love. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

When We Are Knocked Down
Roger Kunkel

When We Are Knocked Down

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

Years ago, on one of the Monday night football telecasts, the sportscasters were discussing the great running backs of professional football history. When they came to the late Walter Payton of the Chicago Bears, they pointed out that he was the all-time leading ground gainer in the National Football League. Then Frank Gifford said, “What a runner! Do you realize that all together, Walter Payton gained more than nine miles rushing in his career? Just imagine that, more than nine miles!” To which to other sportscaster, Dan Dierdorff responded, “And to think that every 4.6 yards of the way, someone was knocking him down!” 

Well, it happens not just in football. It’s true also in life. We do get knocked down a lot. The truth is that every now and then life will break our hearts! And the question is, how do we respond to that? How do we handle the defeats, the problems, the knock-downs, the pain, and endangering ourselves too much? We should follow the model of these men, who carried their friend to the feet of Jesus without accepting any alternatives. 

God can do amazing things. We know this, and we trust in it. And until there is no hope left, we should continue to commend those whom we love into God’s care. We should continue to await a miracle. God loves you, and God loves those whom you love. 

Prayer: Holy God, today I pray for my friends. I am worried about them, and I ask that you be with them. I ask that you bring healing to the damaging situation in their lives. I pray for you to help them, and I ask that you help me to stay with them, and care for them. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

We Need Each Other
Joe Albright

We Need Each Other

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There was a couple in a church I once served who were going through a very difficult time in their marriage. Around that same time, they stopped coming to worship.

One day, I ran into the wife at the grocery store. She started explaining why they hadn’t been attending but then stopped herself and admitted, “The truth is, I can’t keep pretending that everything’s okay when it’s not.”

How heartbreaking that she felt she had to pretend in order to belong to the church. It’s sad because Jesus made it clear that He didn’t come for the righteous—for those who pretend to have it all together. No, He came for the rest of us—for those who know we are not perfect.

It’s also sad because I thought of all the other people in that church who had struggled in their own relationships. So many of them would have sat with this couple, supported them, and given them strength and hope—no matter what happened in their marriage.

When life is hard, we often have a tendency to pull away from community—to withdraw and try to cope alone. But isolation leaves room for bitterness and cynicism to grow. Alone, it’s easy to lose perspective.

Scripture teaches us that God created us to live in community. We need each other in order to be healthy and whole.

My prayer for you today is that you would continue to find ways to stay connected with others—people who love you unconditionally, who care for you but also challenge you to grow. And may you love them in the same way.

Let us pray: Lord, we can only begin to imagine the depths of Your love for us. You created us all uniquely, yet You have called us to belong to one another—to care for each other and work together to make this world a better place. Give us the courage to share the deepest, most valuable parts of our lives with Your people. Nourish us, strengthen us, and then send us out as Your servants. In Jesus’ name. Amen.