Five Minutes with Tony Agnesi

FMWT-164 That was Yesterday

My friend was an atheist and a struggling alcoholic.  In one of several attempts to overcome his alcohol addiction, he placed a 3X5 card on our shared bulletin board with the words, “That was Yesterday.”  In this podcast, Tony talks about experiencing a metanoia, and turning away from yesterday and looking forward to tomorrow.

Scripture: On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  He said, “Who are you, sir?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.  The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one.  Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing;so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.  For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.  Acts 9:3-9

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. –Romans 8:18

Reflections:  Was there an experience that turned your life around?  Have you put your old self behind you? Can you say “That was yesterday” about a time in your life before Christ?

FMWT-163 You're Gonna Serve Somebody

One evening, while driving to the jail, I realized that, in my haste, I hadn’t prepared anything to talk about.  As I began to reflect on what might be a good theme for the night, Bob Dylan’s old song, Gotta Serve Somebody, came on the radio.

FMWT-162 Jesus Take the Wheel

Then, my navigation screen flashed, the car slowed to 40 mph, and the message on the navigation system read, “Powering Down, Seek Service Immediately!” In this podcast, Tony talks about a breakdown in South Carolina on a trip to Florida, and how everything worked out, as if by divine intervention, once he surrendered to God’s will.

Scripture: He who plans a thing will be successful; happy is he who trusts in the Lord!  Proverbs 16:20

But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.  Proverbs 28:25

The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord is safe.  Proverbs 29:25

Reflections:  Have you ever thought you were in complete control and found out you weren’t?  Have you ever been in such a tough situation that you simply had to turn things over to the Lord?  Is is difficult for you to give up control?

FMWT0161 Healed Not Cured

In this podcast, Tony discusses the difference between being healed and cured.  He talks about the paralytic and his encounter with Jesus from Luke’s gospel.  As we live our lives, with the trials, diseases, and infirmities we might experience, it’s OK to pray for a cure, but more importantly, let’s pray for healing!

Scripture: One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing.  And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set [him] in his presence.  But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.  When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”  Luke 5:17-20

Reflection:  Do you understand the difference between healing and a cure?  What is more important, you are cured or your sins are forgiven?  What do you think was going through the minds of the friends of the paralyzed man following his encounter with the Lord?

FMWT-160 You Give Love a Bad Name

As I pulled into my office parking lot, I was approached by a man with a gasoline can.  “Hey man, can you help me with a few dollars for gas?” He asked. “No,” I replied hurriedly, as I made my way into the office.  What he didn’t know, is that he has approached me three times with the same gas can story, and that he has been observed in our parking lot and a few  of the nearby lots with the same story for the past month.

In this podcast, Tony discusses the question of what we should do when approached by a panhandler on the streets.

Scripture: And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.  When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.  Luke 16:20-23

Reflection:  What did you do the last time you were asked for money on the street?  Do you ever stop and give a donation to a panhandler on the freeway exit or street corner?  How can you tell if the person is really in need or just a scam artist?

FMWT-159 Two Dollars and a Bus Pass

It was a cold winter day and I decided to stop at the local fast food restaurant for a roast beef sandwich and a coke.  Although it wasn’t yet one o’clock, the restaurant was nearly empty and I was the only person in line. In this podcast Tony talks about what happened next, and how it changed his view of generosity.

Scripture: When he looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a widow putting in two small coins.  He said, “I tell you truly, this poor woman put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.  Luke 21:1-4

Reflections:  What can we learn from the poor widow in the gospels?  Do you find that the people who have little and more inclined to share what they have than people with more?  The young girl didn’t have much but she offered to share what little she had.  Have you ever been in this position?  How did you react?

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FMWT-158 The Homeless Bible Study

As the season of Advent began, my friend, Jeff, asked if I would facilitate a Bible Study for the homeless on Friday nights, after dinner.

“Who would go to a bible study during the cold winter months,” I asked.

“I really don’t know,” he replied.  “But we could set it up, announce it at dinner, and see what happens.”  And we did.

In this podcast, Tony recalls the miracles that happened during the homeless bible study.

Scripture:  God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Reflections:  Do you ever feel stuck in your current situation without a way out?  Do you trust that God will not test you beyond your strength?  Do you agree that God is faithful?

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FMWT-157 My Little Black Book

Growing up in the 60’s, I realized that no self-respecting bachelor would be caught dead without his little black book.  The little black book was the place where he kept track of all the beautiful women he was dating at the same time.  I have to admit, I never had a little black book, until now!  And, my wife is aware of it and even approves! In this podcast Tony discusses his “Little Black Book” and why you might want one too!

Scripture: And the prayer of the faithful will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up.  If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.  James 5:15

Reflections:  Do you believe in intercessory prayer?  Do you keep a prayer list of people you are praying for?  Are you a member of a prayer circle?  How does praying for others help you in your own faith journey?

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FMWT-156 A Leap of Faith

In this podcast, Tony talks about our personal leap of faith and what are the things keeping up from taking the leap.  He discusses the could have, might have and should haves.

Scripture: When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”   Matthew 14:26-31

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Quote: “The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” —Louis E. Boone

Reflection:  What is keeping you from making a leap of faith?  Do you hear God calling you?  Do you have enough faith in God to jump?

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FMWT-155 Beautiful People Don't Just Happen

When we think of beautiful people we generally think of physical beauty, a beautiful young girl, a smiling baby, a handsome athletic man.  Beauty, as defined by Hollywood, the cosmetics companies, and clothing lines, are now the norm.  Their image is what most people describe as beautiful. In this podcast, Tony talks about real beauty and beautiful people.

Quotes: “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

“Do not assume that he who seeks to comfort you now, lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life may also have much sadness and difficulty, that remains far beyond yours. Were it otherwise, he would never have been able to find these words.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Reflection:How do you define true beauty?  Can you name a beautiful person in your life?  Who would that be and what makes them beautiful?  How does the Hollywood version of beauty fail?

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