Last night our family started to read the gospel of Mark.  Each of us took turns reading from Scripture.  Afterword, we talked a little, had a prayer, and hugged each other on the way to bed.

There are benefits to studying the word with your family.  (My oldest two children are 9 and 10 years old.)

Improve reading skills.
Improve study skills.
Improve family structure.
Improve dedication to God's word.
Improve relationship with God through an obedient faith in Jesus Christ.

We love our children.  Yet, we know that if God isn't first in their life, because of our lack of teaching, we have done a disservice to God as parents.

Remain humble before the Lord.

The Lord's humbled
John A. Reeves

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I read an article on "Fox News" website about a Christian "pastor" who refused to recant his belief in Christ.  According to the laws of his land, he must be put to death.  Evidently, they (the Iranian court system) said that since his ancestors were Muslim then he must take on the Muslim faith or die.  Evidently, the death penalty will be carried out today.

Pray for him and his family to have the courage to continue to stand for the name of Christ
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A Tough World 07/18/2011
 
It's a tough world for people - even children.  I talk about the tough world in a new article entitle "Plans A, B, C, or God's Plan".  If you let your kids read these articles, I suggest that you read this one with them and guide them through some of these tough concepts.

Remember, be the Lord's humbled when looking for a plan to live by.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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The Thief 04/06/2011
 
Today, my family were victims of an attempted scam. 

I put an ad in a local sales paper.  From that, these people, called my phone number using a relay service that is normally used for the deaf.  (The bank said this is a common technique.)  This person promised payment in a money order.  They said that they would need to use a driving service that would pick up the purchase from me.   Yet, they also sent more money than needed.  Their reasoning was so that "the driver service" could also pick up other purchases.  Anyway, the bank caught the fake money gram and informed me of the fraud.  Fortunately, there is no harm to my family and I thank God for protecting us.

Theives come in all shapes and sizes.  Yet, they are cold and calculated - selfish to the core.  It is no wonder Jesus said, "The thief comes to kill and steal and destroy.  I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10  ;cf. John 12:5-8, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Peter 4:15).

Christians must be wary of the thief because they are just like their master - Satan.  They wish to destroy.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves 
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Hello everyone

I wanted to share an e-mail my boss sent out to our work staff.  In it he, basically, shares how important it is to have Christ shared to others.  God has been a wonderful blessing to me and my family.  I am happy to glorify God through the kind words of another.  Thanks Nathan.

Yesterday at Greenlawn church there was an unusual event. The sermon was on testimony and witnessing.  After a brief introduction many Greenlawn elders came forward with prepared cardboard signs.  Each sign held by each elder [. . .] had their sins or struggles written on one side.  They presented this to the audience in silence one at a time from the center podium.  Then they flipped the sign over and written there was the change God had done in their lives.  For me, it was a powerful example.

The preacher then asked everyone in the pews to pull out a comment card and do what the elders had done.  We were to write struggles and what God had done on opposite sides of the card.  We were supposed to do it right then and the service paused for five minutes.

Some of the girls in cottage [. . .] and John and Crystal Reeves sat behind my family and I during the service.  I had kept on eye on the teen girls, as always, and noticed that, as always, they were drawing pictures and reading books and writing notes.  One was studying her softball playbook. They do this respectfully, but generally unaware of the sermon.  They are teenagers.

However . . . apparently the elders action got their attention.  I was able to read one of the girls notes afterward, offered freely.  On the "Struggles" side of the note it said 'don't live with parents'.  On the "What God has done" side it said 'God gave me two godly foster parents who love me'.
 
In case anyone forgot, what we do here matters greatly.  We do it in the shadows it seems, and get very few pats on the back or big awards or recognition.  Jesus tells us "Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."  I have a hunch that the secret rewards will be worth the wait.
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The Ark 01/03/2011
 
The biblical story of the world-wide flood crosses many ancient cultures in this world.  It was a time of great evil against God when people did what was right in their own eyes (Genesis 6: 5-6).  Yet, everyday, people need to be aware of a "flood" that may end their time - death itself.

When people die then, according to Scripture, their eternal fate is sealed.  How important is it, then, for people to choose God now instead wait when it is too late?  Teach yourself and others to be humble before God.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.'  But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.  He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish.  So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD" (Jonah 1:1-3). 

If you have ever studied the book of Jonah then you know of the difficulty Jonah has in carrying out the commandments of the Lord.  Have you ever had similar failings in following the commandments of God?  Have you ever wanted to "run away" from godly tasks.  Please humble yourselves before God in all ways.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Overwhelmed? 08/06/2010
 
"The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot" (Proverbs 10:7).

Yesterday, my dog was taken to the vet.  It turned out to be a situation of dire-straights.  Surgery was needed or he would die.

It wasn't long ago that my wife found out that she had cancer.  Talk about dire-straights.  Well, she eventually died.  I have never been so distressed in my life.

I was amazed at how the situation with my dog flooded me with emotions.  I had to deal with a doctor, sickness, money, loss, lack of control, tears, and fear.  It took me back to my wife and the love and challenges that came with illness.

But in all things, I remember that I can turn and should turn to God.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Scouting 06/25/2010
 
"For I (God) have chosen him (Abraham), that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him" (Genesis 18:19).

My son, who is 8,  and I are going on a cub scouting trip this weekend.  I, myself, followed the tradition of my dad who also went through the scouting experience. It is a good program for boys and I recommend it.  I am glad my boy enjoys being outside and learning new things.  I want to be a part of his life and help him as he grows.  Is this something God expects from every dad?  How involved should parents, especially dads, be involved in their children's lives?

Abraham was also expected to be involved in his family's lives.  Why?  Because God knew he (Abraham/dad) would naturally have an impact, whether good or bad, on the future development of his children.  Did Abraham play with his kids?  I am sure he did.  Did Abraham discipline his children?  Hopefully.  Did he show his family the love he had for his wife?  I believe so.  How much more important then did he take the responsibility of teaching his family about the love of God through "the ways of the Lord"?  It was imperative.

Should fathers/parents today be any less involved in teaching and loving their children in the "ways of the Lord"?  Absolutely not.  Please recognize your task and be about parenting your children in the Lord.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Frustrated 06/19/2010
 
"Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews" (Nehemiah 4:1).

Have you ever been around those who were jeolous?  Jeolous, or angry people, who live a life of frustration, seek to frustrate others.  This reality is exactly what the Jews were facing when they were building walls of protection. 

"When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work" (Nehemiah 4:15).

It can be scary when unruly people attempt to demoralize and destroy the plans of others.  This behaviour is evident, even today, within societies all around the world.  Yet, when God is on your side and your plans are good and godly, know that God will be there to see His people through any ordeal.

"From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall . . ." (Nehemiah 4:16-17a).

Seek God through Jesus.  Let God lead your life.  Be prepared for battle.  Keep you eye on your task and stand firm by being ready to defend yourself.  If God is on your side, and He is if you are living for Jesus, then He will take care to ensure His plan will be realized.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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