Inspiration

“Are you Brother Bo?” asked the nervous fiftyish woman. I was peacefully seated, waiting for the prayer meeting to start when this frenzied lady appeared before me.

“Uh…gee…,”I stammered, “I don’t know. What will you do to me if I say yes?”

“Oh my gosh! You are him!” she cried aloud. She started jumping up and down, her hands shaking.

“Ma’am, whatever you’re accusing me of, I didn’t do it!”

“Brother Bo, I’m Liza, and ever since I read KERYGMA, I’ve always dreamt of seeing you face-to-face…and here you are!

Oh my goodness…” her breath caught in her throat, “I think I’m going to die!”

“No please, don’t! Not here! They’ll think I did it.”

“Brother Bo, can I just touch you?”

“What?!”

“Just one slight tiny touch, “she pleaded, “perhaps your holiness will rub off on me.. ” Her trembling forefinger was now poised a loft, ready to touch me on my right shoulder. Believe me, I had never felt so creepy in my entire life. Suddenly, I felt like an ancient relic being venerated.

I stood up abruptly. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, Liza.”

“But…” Her face turned pale and totally devastated.

I opened my arms wide and smiled my best smile. “But can I give you a warm hug instead?”

It felt good giving her the hug.

When Liza left, I sat down and the truth hit me in a fresh way: God’s Love. All we needed was a touch. But He decided to give us much more. On the First Good Friday ever, He opened His arms on the Cross.

And that was the greatest embrace of all time.

from The BOSS (Thank God it ain’t me!) by Bo Sanchez
a Kerygma Collection Book published by Shepherd’s Voice Publications,Inc.

Jesus went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley where there was a garden
John 18:1

At home, we keep an olive branch with its fruits and leaves intact preserved in a bottle. It also preserves our memories of the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem which we found out was actually an orchard of olive trees.

In that pilgrimage, we burned our letter petitions to God. It had been more than 10 years since then and not all my petitions were answered. I know now why. I figured that some must have been self-willed.

In a way, Jesus had a similar problem at the Garden. He knew the difficult things to come and His human part agonized and wavered. But in the end, He said, Not my will; but yours.

The Passion of the Christ fittingly chose to start with the scene in the Garden. There, victory was won when Jesus submitted to the Fathers will. From there, Jesus overcame the pain in the way of the cross and the crucifixion.

The spiritual battle always starts in the mind. When we say yes to the Fathers will, the battle is won. Rolly E.

REFLECTION: Do I seek the holy will of God when I pray?

Father, not my will but yours be done.

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30 (NIV)

As I watched the XX Winter Olympics, I couldn’t help but wonder about some of the athletes and the pain and suffering they have endured over the years. Most longed just to have one slight chance to stand upon a podium surrounded by others like them, adorned with a precious medal and having the world proclaim that they are “Number One!”

I think of the many snowboarders, skiers, ice skaters and lugers and the interviews conducted with each of them. A typical competitor might reveal that they’ve had several broken bones, nine surgeries, two concussions and a whole lot of “minor” injuries over the years of hard work, training and competing. For many, these injuries have been enormous and the physical pain and rehabilitation necessary to come back and perform again, almost inconceivable.

Why would these athletes risk their lives, in some respect, just for a split second where they can step into the spotlight of glory? Is it really worth it? As I thought about this question, I remembered recently watching a snowboard cross race where American Seth Wescott gritted out a dramatic finish and won by the nose of his board. When the mile-long smile crossed his beaming face and he lifted an American flag high above his head, in that very special moment, he knew he was the best. All of the endless hours of preparation, the brokenness of his body, and the hurt from critical words of those who criticized him, led up to that moment in the sun. And, YES, it was worth it.

Now, think back more than two thousand years ago to a lonely cross on a hill called Golgotha. It wasn’t an athlete that day, but a sinless and perfect man whose body was being beaten beyond recognition. His beard was savagely pulled out of His face and the pain from the nine-inch nails being slammed into His wrists must have been unbearable. Many surrounded Him and called Him terrible, degrading and unspeakable names. He was “adorned” with a disfiguring crown of thorns as they continued to hurl insult after insult at Him. He courageously endured the pain and the suffering intended for Him before the beginning of time.

As He fought to breathe His last breath and felt the fading sunshine against His brow, He called out to His Father in heaven and said “It is Finished.” Then, His loving Father, as He looked into the eyes of the many souls that would be saved, and with tears streaming down His Holy face agreed, “yes, my beloved Son, it is finished.”

And, at that moment in time, we now know that Jesus did what He had to do because WE were worth it! And, that very special “We” includes You!

Contributed by Diane Check: calvarycheck@comcast.net Diane has enjoyed writing short morning “thoughts for the day” for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. She is currently working on her first prayer devotional.

“… he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”
Matthew 14:19

Here’s how the story goes: Jesus had just gotten word that his cousin, who’d been in prison, had been killed. He got into a small rowboat they used for fishing, with some of the guys, and quietly set out for a spot off the beaten path.

The paparazzi were right on top of this, however. Literally thousands from the entire area walked to the place where the boat was going to land. When Jesus saw all these people who had come because they were sick in some way, He had compassion for them. Even though He’d planned this to be a private getaway, Jesus began to heal them.

When it started getting late, one of the disciples said, “Hey, there’s nowhere to get food around here. Let’s take a break, and people can go buy something to eat in the town nearby.”

Jesus answered, “They don’t have to leave; you give them something to eat.” It was af He had said, “It’s their problem, but now it’s yours since you’re concerned about it.”

They were able to get a couple of dried fish and a few flat bread loaves. Jesus asked them to bring the food over to Him. He told all the people to sit down on the grass. He gave thanks to the Lord and broke the bread into pieces, then gave it back to them, who in turn gave it to the people. Everybody got to eat, plus they had left-overs.

Here’s the cool part. Jesus had compassion on the people, and what followed was a miracle. The miracle of ‘more’ happened in the distribution, and not before.

When something touches my heart, and there’s a need of some kind, whose problem is it? A federal agency? The church? Some organization? Or mine? Jesus always has compassion. That is His nature. We ((today’s disciples) are His hands and feet.

Today I hope to remember that whenever I am moved with compassion, a miracle can follow. If I give what little bit I might have to the Lord, He will bless it and give it back, so I can give it away, and He can work a miracle of more.

Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy: boca7565@bellsouth.net Sally is the author of “52 Little Parables from Ireland” Creation House Press.

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people.

His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: “Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?” Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying, “My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?”

Beverly said, “Why yes I do.” Edith said, “Well, what do you believe about Easter?” Beverly said, “Well, it’s all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up.” Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, “Beverly, don’t call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor’s office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, “Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?”

Dr. Phillips said gently, “Edith, I’m the doctor and you’re the patient.”

With a heavy heart he said, “Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you’re not going to live very long.”

Edith said, “Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I’m going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!”

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, “What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!”

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, “Will, I’m very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter.”

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a “religious nut”. She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, “Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you.”

Phyllis Cross said, “Well, you can quit praying for me, it won’t work. I’m not interested.” Edith said, “Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family.”

Phyllis Cross said, “Then you will never die because that will never happen,” and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, “God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I’m praying for you.” One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith’s room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, “I’m so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day.”

Phyllis Cross said, “Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, ‘Do you believe in Easter?’ but you have never asked me.” Edith said, “Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked…”

Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, “Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?” Phyllis Cross said, “Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life.” Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, “Do you know what day it is?” Phyllis Cross said, “Why Edith, it’s Good Friday.” Edith said, “Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!” Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter. When she walked into Edith’s room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face.

When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith’s hand, she realized Edith was dead.

Her left hand was on John 14: “In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, ” And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, “Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!”

Phyllis Cross left Edith’s body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, “My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?”

– Author Unknown

Many many times in my life, more times than I like to remember it hurt a lot feeling unaccepted and unacceptable, and I often wished that horn would be taken away from me. It wasn’t until much later that I realized what a blessing it was. It made me want to accept others because I never wanted to make anyone feel unaccepted by or unacceptable to me. Not that I have fully succeeded because basically I am a judgmental person. But I also know I have made a lot of people feel accepted and acceptable and I am very grateful for that.

Over the years, I often found myself in people’s doghouses, a most interesting phenomenon. I think people put people in doghouses out of a feeling of being right. They feel very justified in marching whoever has displeased them into their doghouses. It seldom occurs to them that the “offended ness” and displeasure could be mutual.

It used to bother me greatly when people and I were at odds with each other. Well, to be honest, it still does if the people concerned are people I love. But another lesson I have learned here is to just let people be cross if that is what they choose to be.

Because I am basically an angry person, I have been analyzing anger for decades and have come to the conclusion that two things make us angry:

1) when others try to make us be or do something we don’t want to (people in authority over us: God, parents, teachers, bosses) and

2) when others will not be or do what we want them to (God and people we have authority over: children, students, employees.) And of course, spouses fit both categories. =).

Gerald Jampolsky calls this desire to control and others’ desire to control us. We have our life’s agenda planned out and when they don’t pan out= major frustration. We ask God for things we want; He doesn’t deliver as we wish - we are upset with Him. We expect the people in our lives to think, talk and behave a certain way which of course they never do; so we’re bent out of shape. We are at the mercy of our scripts.

Here in Papua New Guinea, the term for angry is “belhat” or literally, “hot belly/stomach.” When someone wants to voice his anger towards you, he would say, “Mi belhat long yu.” (My belly is hot towards you.) So when any of my boys are cross, I simply remark, “Oh, here comessome belhat,” and leave it there. I have always quoted the Spanish proverb, “Cuando uno no quiere, dos no pelean.” (When one refuses to, two cannot fight.) But it is only now that I can just “leave it there.” My old stance used to be, “You wanna fight?”

I want to be able to make people feel loved and accepted and worthwhile. I want to put skin on Jesus. I want people to be able to understand how much God loves them by the way I love them. That doesn’t mean I have to accept emotional blackmail or fits or petulanceor rudeness, manipulation or intimidation. I can just leave the belhat there. Nowhere is it written that when someone throws the ball of anger at me, I have to catch it.

I SEE NOW THAT LOVE CAN ACCEPT ANGER.

Lolita Jardeleza
Papua New Guinea

Lolita used to work as a Missionary in Papua New Guinea.

Bayazid once said of himself: “I was a revolutionary when I was young. I always prayed to God:

‘Lord, give me the force to change the world.’

As I grow older, I realized that after all those years, I was not able to change a single thing. My prayers as an adult were different:

Now that I am old and my days are numbered, I am beginning to realize that I have been such a fool all my life. Now I only pray for one thing:

‘Lord, please give me the grace to change myself.’

If only I had asked this from the very beginning, I would not have wasted my entire life away.”

Everyone wants to change the world. But almost nobody wants to start by changing himself.-

Anthony de Mello, The Bird’s Song