“Is anything too marvelous for the LORD to do?” What is painfully clear in the Readings today is that prayer fueled by Faith is necessary to be preserved. The marquee down the street from our office reads, “Prayer is the best wireless connection to God.” And every prayer needs words, and those words must be inspired and lead us to the Word made Flesh in the very person of Jesus Christ. “The Lord has remembered his mercy.”
By most accounts, the human person comprises the body, mind, heart, and soul. There are some variations on that composite, but basically, that seems to wrap up what we know about ourselves. The body indeed has its physical needs and wants, the mind is either in control of the emotions of the heart or being whisked away depending on the maturity of the individual, and the soul is the very center and essence of the person, which hungers and longs for God as the body longs for air and water. We are all very well aware and versed in how to feed the needs of the body and the emotions, but today we focus on the way we feed our souls so that the wants of the other elements of existence are balanced and yield a life that is one of integrity and strength.
It is analogous to the difference between nutritious and fast food. One is easy, cheap, and fast but leaves one unhealthy, tired, and hungry very quickly. Good, healthy food is harder to come by and takes time to prepare and eat, but it does, in fact, satisfy the true nutritional needs of the body. Such it is with the startling difference between the fast talk of the world and inspired prayer of the soul who loves God. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
Read: open the Scriptures and let the words flow through your mind like a river through a dry, parched land.
Absorb: learn and study what those words mean. Consult. Listen. Pray.
Believe: place the Word of God squarely in your soul and commit your life to Jesus, who is the Word Made Flesh.
Act: Do something! Today and every day, God will present to us every opportunity to act on the Word.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”