“‘If you wish to anoint me king over you in good faith, come and take refuge in my shadow. Otherwise, let fire come from the buckthorn and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'” One of the more comforting themes that has been surfacing throughout our daily Scriptures is that God is always close to us and just cannot wait to hear from us. He is better than our shadow because He is not just outside of us but also deeply and intimately calling with our very hearts and minds. This is why it is so good to keep the Bible open and keep listening for what The Lord truly wants to impart to us.
“The word of God is living and effective and able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.” When life seems to heap onto us just a little more than we care to carry, it is good to remember that our true goal in this life is not just to make it through the day or the week or that job or the other but to find our final moments ready to enter Heaven. Nothing else matters!
“Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” This particular Gospel passage has always made me smile. Obviously, the landowner is God who pays everyone the same daily wage the point of angering the laborers who began earlier in the day. This is no act of injustice but divine justice. Just as the landowner has a right to do what he wishes with his own money, so does God have the right to have mercy on whom He will have mercy. However, it’s more than that! The payment is made at the end of the day when all accounts are settled. That sounds quite close to the discussion about what’s going to happen at the end of our lives when all the accounts and all the “bills” are due. Jesus wants all of us to enter the glory of Heaven, and because of the mystery of life itself, some may take longer than others to understand that. The message, then, should be clear: we should rejoice when others come to God and be happy for all who know, love, and serve Him. Anything else is simply Pharisaical and smacks of hypocrisy. The finish line is marked at the gate of Heaven, and that has to be our only focus.
A very good friend of mine once made an astounding observation which I never forgot. He said that there will be 3 different surprises when we get to Heaven after death. We will be surprised by those who ARE there, those who are NOT there, and that WE are there. So you see, real justice is served at the end.
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.”