It Rains on the Just and Unjust Alike
Joe Albright

It Rains on the Just and Unjust Alike

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Mark Twain once said, “The rain is famous for falling on the just and unjust alike, but if I had the management of such affairs, I would rain softly and sweetly on the just, but if I caught a sample of the unjust outdoors, I would drown him.”

I think most of us can relate! It is a good thing God is God and not us. Here’s my take on it: because God is merciful and gracious and abounding in steadfast love, we ourselves are assured of forgiveness; there can be redemption; and there are second chances.

In the book of Isaiah, it is written,

Seek the Lord while he may be found,
call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way,
and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

Let us pray: God of hope, we praise you for you are Love Unconditional. We thank you for offering us forgiveness, and for loving us so much that you continually invite us to change and to grow. As we have received mercy and grace, so empower us to be people of mercy and grace. We pray today for the ability to love and serve all your children. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.

Adam and Eve
Joe Albright

Adam and Eve

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Let me say how grateful we are to those who make gifts that enable this ministry to touch so many. Your generous support is a real Godsend.

There is a funny story about Adam and Eve. Adam stayed out late one night in the garden of Eden. When he got home, Eve was really upset. “Where have you been, Adam? Have you been seeing someone else?” Adam replied, “Don’t worry honey, there is no one else even here. It’s just us.” Well, later that night, Adam woke up with Eve poking him in his side. “What in the world are you doing, Eve?,” asked Adam. “I’m checking to see if you still have all your ribs!”

The story is funny. But it also reminds us in a humorous way about how jealousy can get the best of us. It can lead us to jump to conclusions. It can make us anxious and worried and stressed out.

Often jealousy is based out of a fear that we will lose something dear to us. Or, it can be grounded in a fear that we are somehow inferior to others who have something we do not. In either case, jealousy is seriously unhealthy.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his younger colleague Timothy, “…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

My prayer is that when you feel the pangs of jealousy that you would recognize it as fear. Don’t allow that fear to dominate you. Count the blessings you do have. And, may you remember that God has indeed given you a spirit of power and love and self-control.

Let us pray: Loving and gracious God, today we pause to give you thanks for the many, many blessings you have showered on our lives. We thank you for rain and sunshine, for friends and family; for laughter and smiles; for food and shelter, and for the beauty of your creation. We know that you love and care for us. Help us to trust more fully; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Think on These Things…
Joe Albright

Think on These Things…

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The much beloved hymn, Fairest Lord Jesus, is was written sometime in the mid-sixteen hundreds by an anonymous author. It first appeared in a Jesuit hymnbook in 1677. Whoever wrote this beautiful hymn obviously had a deep devotional life. A life that focuses on the beauty of Christ, is a life put in perspective.

A good antidote to negative thinking is to meditate on the positive. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.

Our prayer today comes from the hymn, Fairest Lord Jesus. Let us pray:
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the Son. Thee will I cherish. Thee will I honor. Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight. And all the twinkling starry host. Jesus shines brighter. Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast. Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations Son of God and Son of Man. Glory and honor, praise, adoration now and forever more be Thine. Amen.

You Are the Light of the World
Joe Albright

You Are the Light of the World

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There is a funny story about a woman who read that dogs were healthier if fed a tablespoon of cod liver oil each day. So, each day she followed the same routine. She chased her dog until she caught it, wrestled it down, and managed to force the fishy remedy down the dog’s throat.

Then one day, in the middle of this taxing effort, the bottle was accidentally knocked over. With a sigh, she let go of the dog so she could wipe up the mess. To her surprise the dog trotted over to the puddle and begin lapping up what had been spilled. The dog loved the cod liver oil! It was just the owner’s method of application to which the dog objected!

This story reminds me that there is often more than one way to go about things. Sometimes people try to use scare tactics to get other people to believe in Jesus. They talk about hell and damnation – and most often people are turned off. On the other hand, when we love people and serve them and listen to them, our faith shines through in beautiful ways. It is not Jesus that people most often object to – it is the method of sharing our faith that makes all the difference!

Let us pray: Loving God, you have called us to be light of the world. We remember today that it is through love and sacrifice that we are drawn closer to you. And it is through love and sacrifice that others most clearly see your love and are drawn to your message of hope. As we serve as your light, may your peace and healing grace rest upon us. Amen.

I’m Sending You!
Joe Albright

I’m Sending You!

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One of my friends, Dan Brooks owns Sunrise surf shop in Jacksonville Beach, and for several years he organized a surf camp for children who have autism.

I’ve had the privilege of helping out with this ministry – and what a blessing it was for me personally as a volunteer. This young boy I worked with never actually stood up on the surfboard. But what a thrill when he would catch a wave and just laugh. His mom was a single mom, and she told me what a blessing it was for her son to have an activity that brought so much joy. She also shared how rare it was for her to be able to come to the beach – or really get out anywhere – and just be able to relax for a few hours knowing her son didn’t need her immediate supervision.

I think about how all this started – my friend Dan saw people who are in need. It’s almost as if he heard God asking him, Dan what can you do? What do you have to offer? So, Dan begins with what’s in his hand at the time – he knows surfing, has some boards and some kayaks, connections with the lifeguards. Dan offers what he’s got, and God blesses it and multiplies it.

Not only does this ministry open a new world for some of these children, it gives hope to the parents – and some respite. It also touches the volunteers in a very deep and significant way. And, it raises awareness in the community and beyond.

So often God works like that. Touches our heart in some way. As God said to Moses, “I’ve heard the cry of my people… I’m coming to save them… Go now, I’m sending you.”

Let us pray: Open our hearts, O God, to the need and the cry of your people all around us. Convict us and then consecrate us. Show us how our deepest joys and gifts might be used to serve others. For we remember that in giving we receive. We have indeed been blessed, Lord, so that we might be a blessing to this world that you so love. In Jesus name. Amen.

Heart of Gratitude
Roger Kunkel

Heart of Gratitude

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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 loving kindness 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.

Asking for Forgiveness
Joe Albright

Asking for Forgiveness

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In a movie about Beethoven, there’s a scene in which he becomes furious at his landlady. Later, he apologizes. It is a touching moment in which you can see that the woman was almost moved to tears. Beethoven then gives her two tickets to see his new symphony performed for the first time. She responds to him, “Mr. Beethoven, you’re not half bad when you have a civil tongue in your head.”

It is hard to say, “I’m sorry.” It is hard to ask for forgiveness. But admitting fault and asking for forgiveness are the first step towards reconciliation; they are the first steps toward repairing damage done to a relationship. If our pride will not allow us to apologize, our relationships cannot be sustained, and over the course of time they will only deteriorate.

In 2 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul wrote:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…

From time to time, we all fall short. We all make mistakes. May we be the kind of people who are able to apologize, and the kind of people who work for reconciliation.

Let us pray: Loving God, being human there are times when we miss the mark. We make mistakes. We mess up. Give us the courage, the humility and the strength to admit our shortcomings and the wisdom to start over differently. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.

Embrace Others
Joe Albright

Embrace Others

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The Apostle Peter once said, “Now I truly know that God shows no partiality!” (Acts 10) Jesus had spoken to him in a dream and made it crystal clear that even the gentiles, people so utterly different than Peter – were welcome and loved by the Lord.”

In his book, “Learning to Lead,” Fred Smith writes, “Immature individuals can’t enjoy people who are different. They prefer people just like themselves. Maturity is being comfortable with diversity.”

Pastor and author Joshua Kang builds on this. In his book Deep-Rooted in Christ, he writes, “Sometimes when people think differently from us, we’re quick to say they are wrong. But being different isn’t necessarily wrong… Those who refuse to embrace others are thinking only about themselves… As we expand our hearts to embrace others, we begin to accept, understand and love their differences.”

At this time in our nation’s history, when we are so polarized on any number of issues, I pray that those of us who follow Jesus might set a better example. May we live as he lived – loving, serving and embracing even those who think, look, and act differently from ourselves.

Let us pray: Loving God, sometimes we feel like we know best and others are simply ignorant. Save us from our pride, Lord God. So often it divides us from others. Remind us that you created and love all people. We remember today that in your kingdom there are people young and old, rich and poor, democrats and republicans, people speaking every language, from every nation and race. One day, Lord, we hope to sit with them and with you at the heavenly table. We pray in the name of the One who gave his life for the sins of all. Amen.

Outshining the Darkness
Roger Kunkel

Outshining the Darkness

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

In John 1:5 we read, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not over it.”

Friend of Dial Hope, many of you are groping in darkness right now. Separation and divorce come, but they always seem to happen to someone else, never to us. We have desperate times with our children (including adult children) that seem to last for weeks or months or years. Some of you are grieving over the death of a family member and you find it especially difficult at this time of year. And life is plunged into darkness. The good news, the TA-DA! of the gospel is that the light of Jesus outshines all darkness. So, we need to get in touch with the Light.

I love the story of a small church in a rural area that met for worship in a basement, where the room allowed for little natural light. It was often dark and murky when the people gathered. The pastor of this little congregation decided it would be nice to buy a chandelier for the room. He announced his hope to the congregation and called a special meeting for a vote. When the congregation came together, he told them he desired their vote on whether to spend money for a new chandelier for the worship space and asked if there was any discussion on the matter. One old guy stood up and said, “Yes indeed! I want to discuss it. I am against this purchase for three reasons. First, no one knows how to spell the thing; so, we couldn’t possibly order it. Second, even if we did get one, no one knows how to play it. And last, what we really need around here is more light!”

Darkness comes. It creeps into life. But the Light of Jesus Christ outshines the darkness.

Let us pray: O God of all precious things, who hears our pain even when tears block our words, create in us a heart of laughter and hope. May your sprit comfort those who are having a tough time right now. Surprise us with your grace and light in unexpected places. Through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Amen.

She Thinks I’m Real!
Joe Albright

She Thinks I’m Real!

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In their book, Radical Hospitality, Father Daniel Homan and Lonni Collins Pratt tell a story about a young couple who was in a restaurant with their four-year-old son. The waitress approached the table, took the parent’s order and then turned to the boy. “I want a hot dog,” he stated. His parents barked in unison, “No hot dog!” The mother scowled at the boy, who fell silent and said, “Bring him the grilled chicken, vegetable and milk…”

For some crazy reason, the waitress ignored the parents as she looked at the boy, “What do you want on your hot dog?” The amazed child said, “Lots of ketchup… And, could you bring some milk?” “Coming up,” She said and turned away, never even looking at the stunned parents. The boy watched her depart with astonished delight and then said to his dismayed parents, “She thinks I’m real!”

The point of their story is that many people in life feel as though no one ever listens to them – children especially – but plenty of other people feel this way too. When we feel as though we are not heard, it can feel as though no one cares. We can easily feel as though we are objects to be maintained or avoided or fixed, rather than real human beings. On the other hand, when someone listens to us, we feel loved and we feel real.

May you give the people around you this gift, today.

Let us pray: Loving God, we pray for the people in our lives today, our closest family and friends, those that serve us, the nameless bag boy, the cashier, the neighbor across the street. Remind us to treat each of them with grace and respect, to meet their eyes, listen and affirm whenever possible. Give us eyes to see your presence in them. We remember today that it is in giving we receive. Amen.