Whatever is inside us always finds its way to the surface. It is that which is within us that makes us wise or defiled. Sometimes it takes a little reminder to invite Jesus to live deep within us so that whenever we speak or act, He will find His way into our lives and those we meet. Listen to this week’s insightful message of hope and clarity accompanied by original piano music.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.”
At any given time in our lives we can be the shouting young man. I know I have been and if I do not spend time with our Lord in deep prayer and introspection on a regular basis I can slip back into that shouting mind frame. Truly, any ugliness within me will present itself without warning. The City of Agape reflections help to keep me spiritually balanced and aware of any “shouting” inside. Thanks for being here.
You are absolutely correct, Margie! Any one of us can be the person we least understand and/or appreciate. Self-knowledge is as important as self-love and equally necessary for inner peace. Jesus completes the cycle by brining us His overwhelming love and mercy. What is even more amazing is that He loves the person we least want to show the world and yet need to love. Many appreciate your own mastery of self and the desire to become one with Christ. Thank you again!
“The shape of true love isn’t a diamond. It’s a cross.” – Alicia Bruxvoort
Love the commentary and the music but, more importantly, I love the message. We need to stay engaged in God’s message to us through others for sometimes that is how He speaks to us. The MercyMe song, “Slow Fade” is so true when we, inch by inch and moment by moment become disengaged from God and his words. Before you know it we are staring in the mirror at someone who used to be a fervent follower and and now we are lukewarm and half-hearted followers with little to no drive or inspiration. God uses many means to get our attention in order to draw us closer to him. If you feel distant from God, ask yourself, who moved?
Thank you so very much, Ron! It is so true that we either move closer to God or further away and never ever at a fast pace. Before we know it, as you pointed out, the distance is there, the damage is done, and the most important relationship in our entire lives and in the whole of universe is wounded. Thank God for His mercy and grace and especially for the tremendously generously outpouring of forgiveness! We thank you as always for the effort and time it took to share your thoughts with our readers.
Thank you for that beautiful story. I have to remind myself that my words mean something andI have to think before I react.
Thank you very much, Deborah, for taking the time and sharing with all our readers your thoughts about our podcast. It is true, our words can heal or hurt which is why they are powerful.
“Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you.”
If we invite God to live in our hearts first, what a remarkable world we would live in. It’s a shame that people are so easily taken in by those that make false claims. Another wonderful story with beautiful music.
Thank you for your comments, Denise, and for reminding all of us of the great possibilities we have right in front of us if we just shift our frenetic focus for just a tiny bit. We are all so very glad that you enjoyed our latest podcast.
Great message! This is a great reflection which causes us to stop, think, and realize who we really need to follow. I really liked the audio clip with background music! Well done.
Thank you very much, for the response. I am so glad you enjoyed it all. We all hope that these days for you and your family are richly blessed.
‘Being new parents just puts your whole world into perspective. Everything else just disappears.’
This proved my point. I have come across many people, sad to say but even family members, who always respond with anger instead of kindness. They are jeoulous instead of being grateful for what they have. If…and I said “if” they should do something for someone, it’s not out of the goodness of their heart but because they feel they have to do it. I always ask myself, do they have Jesus in their heart? No! They don’t go to church, they don’t pray or give thanks for what they have. I don’t understand! How can you not fall in Love with Jesus!! I feel sorry for these people and I pray for them everyday. I pray for their souls because I want everyone to get into Heaven.
Thank you for this beautiful story. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. God bless you.
This was a remarkable sharing of what many of our readers must pass. Why is it that so many respond with anger rather than kindness? Some would say that it is because it is easier to dig on the surface of emotions and find anger than to stop, reflect, pray, and then respond the way Jesus would. The sure-fire way to achieve this is to have Christ Alive in our hearts. Let us continue to pray for all of those who walk in this world without the Lord. May we be that invitation to them to walk with Jesus all the way Home to Heaven.
“We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God.”
― Max Lucado,
“Let us invite Jesus to live there first.” That’s the best advice ever! We are truly Tabernacles of the Holy Spirit. Praise God that He gives us the ability to shine His Light onto others, just as He has done with your words and meditation today. Thank you!
Yes, Mary Ann, this is exactly the point of why we belong and become the Body of Christ as the Church, as a loving community, and as a spirit-filled and animated force in this world for good! Thank you as well for the wonderful image of being Tabernacles of The Holy Spirit. What an amazing way to look at our own place in this world! God bless you and your family!
“Forgive me for being so ordinary while claiming to know so extraordinary a God.”
― Jim Elliot
So Beautiful! Great meditation.❤️
May God fill us with his Love and Mercy in all our Hearts and remove all what may keep us separated from him. God Bless you!
In the stillness of your presence, you can feel your own formless and timeless reality as the unmanifested life that animates your physical form. You can then feel the same life deep within every other human and every other creature. You look beyond the veil of form and separation. This is the realization of oneness. This is love.
Eckhart Tolle
God Bless you! So Beautiful! Great meditation.❤️
May God fill us with his Love and Mercy in all our Hearts and remove all what may keep us separated from him.
Thank you very much, Denise! May God hear and answer your prayer for each and every one of us!
Amen! “Whatever we say should sound and look like Jesus”…….beautifully reminder! With God first, everything else will fall into place! God bless you always!
Thank you, Veronica, for the support and encouragement you show us when you respond to our inspirational posts. Yes, indeed, whatever we say and do should reflect something more awesome and powerful than ourselves. That is precisely why Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead so we could be empowered by His Holy Spriit and protected by His/our Heavenly Father. God bless you always and may ALL the angels assist you in your new ventures in life.
Thank you so much, for your inspiration, as always your beautiful messages are so beautiful and touching.
Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.
Henry David Thoreau
Thank you so much, Caro Vanni You are an inspiration to all of us, thank you for your love to Jesus and everyone of us, may God continue to inspire you and Bless you.
May God be praised through your wonderful response and encouragement o all of us here at CityOfAgape Charitable Foundation. We are so happy that we could bring such happiness and joy into your life. Please continue to pray for all of us.
Wonderful meditation and. lovely music; it really draws me deeper into the message. Thank you so much!
Absolutely, Jeannie. I am thankful that these have provided inspiration to your life. We at the Foundation are humbled by your comments and will seek to continue to provide as much hope and encouragement in the future as possible.
God bless you always!
Thank you so much for sharing yours words from God. It is truly a blessing.
Thank you for your comments and the precious time you took to express them! All of us here at the Foundation are grateful when we know that our work has produced fruit and has made someone’s life that much more meaningful.
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
― Roy T. Bennett