Joyful Reunions

Brain Games for the Soul

My mom used to recite all the presidents and vice presidents to keep her mind sharp. My mental exercise involves naming the multiples of nine, forwards and backwards. I also recall facts from the past, such as, “29 Army Trail Road,” my childhood address. Can you remember yours? How about your zip code? Hopefully, our recollections include more than history and math facts. All the verses and hymns we learned long ago are hidden in our hearts and minds. When we revisit these treasures, they not only challenge our brain but build our spirits and soothe our souls. Brain games, although fun, can’t compete with the living and active power of the Bible. When learned, memorized, and remembered, God’s Word brings strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

I’m Praying for You

Lately, I have been dealing with cancer, and I appreciate receiving get-well cards with Bible verses on them. I’m amazed how so many cards contain different Bible passages that all speak about God’s healing ability. Actually, I really appreciate the get-well cards where friends wrote, “I am praying for you!” One person offered to pray for me over the phone! St. John wrote about prayer: “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” So, John here prayed that God make them physically healthy, but also that God make them spiritually healthy, as they received Christ’s forgiveness and strength. Thus, our friends’ prayers can make a difference!

Raised Up for a Purpose

The children of Israel were in constant trouble after the death of Joshua. They fell to the temptation of the idols around them. That put them into conflict with God’s plan. Their disobedience came with a high price. When they cried for help, God raised up judges who rescued them. That was a reoccurring cycle: people sin, they cry for help, God sends a judge, people repent, peace is restored — rinse and repeat. We can celebrate that we have a Savior in Jesus. Unfortunately, we still repeat the cycle. But rather than the temporary peace enjoyed by the children of Israel, we can dwell in the continuing peace of Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be messengers of grace, mercy, and peace in a troubled world. God desires to raise us up for that purpose.

We’re Just Passing Through

Years ago, as a New York City police officer, my friend, Mo, had spent months combing the wreckage of 9/11. Mo had experienced the death and destruction up close. When he recently reminded me, “We’re just passing through,” he reflected life through a vivid, personal lens. Now retired, Mo carries bodily reminders of those days digging through the rubble on Manhattan. As a Christian, he knows, “We’re just passing through.” And yet, aren’t those words a clarion call for us as older adults? We don’t need to stand at the 9/11 Memorial to be reminded of our lifespan. These days, our wrinkles and age spots are obvious. For some of us, perhaps even today, Jesus is preparing space in His Father’s house (John 14:2). Today, we are “just passing through.” How will we use God’s precious gift of time?

A Good Listener

Sometimes I wonder if God really and truly hears my pleas and requests. Isn’t He too busy to tend to my pains and problems? Does He get irritated when my thoughts wander and I forget to finish my prayer? This verse clearly squashes any doubt that almighty God does not hear our prayers. God speaks in the first person, saying, “I will answer ... I will hear.” These words in Isaiah portray our Lord and Savior actively, attentively, and most earnestly listening to the prayers of His children. Imagine a father patiently hearing his child tell of his problems when you read, “while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” God our Father knows what is best and will answer with a loving, good, and divine response.