Too Wonderful for Words…
“Thank God for His gift that words can’t describe!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Indeed, God’s gift of His Son – Jesus Christ – is too wonderful for words to describe. We thank God that Jesus came to live with us – and to die for us – so that we could live with Him forever.
While much of the world begins packing away Christmas decorations already, I pray that Christmas endures for you, particularly as we continue to celebrate the Birthday of birthdays – of the King of kings and Lord of lords – for these entire 12 days of Christmas (until January 5th). The light of the Christ Child has come into the world. So, invite Jesus’s light to invade your situation, pierce your darkness, penetrate your heart, and permeate your home. Welcome Him in. “Let every heart prepare Him room.”
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5 NIV) Just as a tiny candle illuminates a darkened room, so can the light of Christ dispel the pervading darkness surrounding us. We are each called to be living candles – giving our lives away for the sake of others, and bringing the light of God to a darkened world.
If these holidays have been neither holly nor jolly for you, I want to encourage you. “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright.” Ask the One Who created the dawn, the “bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16) to fill your heart and your home with a fresh, new sunrise of God’s enduring JOY. Happiness may come and go, but joy remains…regardless of circumstances.
“Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart.” (Psalm 97:11 CSB)
Claim this promise of Scripture as your very own. I know from experience that it works. I know it to be true.
God was faithful 21 years ago in 2003 when He brought me glimmers of light and hope during that first Christmas following the aftermath of the drowning deaths of my wife and all 4 children just a few months before (on 8/30/2003 in Kansas). Even though I was alone, I did not feel lonely – as I espoused the Holy Spirit in divine companionship and fellowship. The Joy of the Lord and the promise of Eternal Life remained alive in my heart, amid the tears and the journey of grief recovery.
Jesus is our everlasting hope – a gift too wonderful for words – “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
Even this Christmas, without my wife’s father (Dr. Doug Fisher) and without my oldest brother (Dr. Paul Rogers) – who both passed away about 2 years ago at Christmastime – light has dawned for us all since then. Joy came…and remains. Yes, we still have tears and very difficult moments. We still miss their presence in a palpable, tangible way. But we still chose to delight in what is good. Our loved ones in Christ are not dead. They are more alive now than ever before. They have merely changed location. Their goodness and their love continue to live on through us in countless ways.
For example, since October of 2021, I have donated 12 units of blood through the Red Cross for the sake of others. After all, Jesus shed His blood to save me. The least I can do is shed a few pints of my blood to help give life to others. Every time I donate blood, I honor and remember my big brother, Paul – a cardiologist.
These past 1½ years, I also biked in 3 cycling fundraiser events in Ohio to help raise $6,767 for innovative cancer research through Pelotonia, thanks be to God and to all our donors! I cycled 100 road-miles twice in August 2023+2024 and 32 hilly gravel-miles in September 2023. Our team (the Paulinators) has collectively raised over $28,531 to help others. All glory be to God!
After my previous family died in 2003, I was taught to do something constructive rather than destructive. That is what I strive for and do my best to do – through my life, my family, and Mighty in the Land Ministry these past 21 years – sharing at least 1,468 times to over 320,000 people personally – “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Through Mighty in the Land FOUNDATION, we have granted $602,891 since 2005 to help care for orphans and special-needs children worldwide. Just last month (Nov 2024), we granted another $14,000 to fund the 2nd year of operational costs for the Rogers Rural Health Center in Emmanuel, India – providing for medicine, a Doctor, a Village Nurse, two helpers, and a driver for emergencies. Over 100+ poor and destitute individuals weekly receive medical help freely, are prayed for, given a Gospel tract, and shared the Good News. Free remote village medical camps are also offered, where – after receiving medication – each patient is prayed for, given a Gospel tract, and a food packet.
So, if the blood I donate, the testimonies I give, the grants we contribute, or the dollars we raise cycling can help positively impact even one life, they are worth it all. This is the beautiful circulation of the light and love of Christ, coupled with the ever-living love of our dearly-departed family members, flowing through our hands and feet. Love never dies, “for love is as strong as death.” (Song of Songs 8:6) Light dawns!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
I thankfully pray and declare that light dawns for you in your life, in your home, in your family, and especially in any darkness you may be experiencing right now. Invite Jesus – the Light of the world – into your heart and into your situation. You will never regret it.