"Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.  Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.  And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also" (Acts 12:1-3).

The church that is referred to in this passage is the "people" who follow the teachings of the apostles of Christ (cf. John 17:20-21).  When the "church" lives as it should it truly is inspiring to see.  However, those who oppose the teachings of Christ find the "church" very adversarial and contentious.  Why?  Because they (people who oppose God) like not to be exposed by the light of Christ (cf. 1 John 1:5-10).

Thank God for James who stood his ground for Christ and was delivered a physical death blow.  Thank God for John who continued on in Christ even after the death of his brother.  Thank God for the "people" who solidified their faith in Christ and continued to spread the word of God even in the face of immediate persecution.  Thank God for Jesus, the Messiah, who promised grace to those who believed in Him through the apostle's word

May the Lord see you as a representation of Him.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
Add Comment
 
 
"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree.  And he asked that he might die, saying, 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.'  And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, 'Arise and eat.'  And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.  And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, 'Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you'" (1 Kings 19:4-7).

It's time to get some good food and proper sleep when you're tired and depressed.  It's all about seeing clearly whatever life situation you are in.  Food and rest help a person reenergize their body and reorganize their mind.

We live in a society that is constantly on the go.  We live in a world with a lot of stressors.  Please take the opportunity to relax and refress yourself so you can continue to face life's evil headon.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves 
Add Comment
 
Be Prepared 02/27/2010
 
"The kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom"  (Matthew 25:1).

Today, an extremely powerful and destructive earthquake happened in the country of Chili.   As a result, it created a monstrous and potentially destructive tsunami that is heading toward the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.

Why did the earthquake happen?  Well, it comes from the earth crust shifting - igniting a tremendous force through earth and water.  The force is transfered to the water; thereby, as in this case, creating around 500 mph waves through the ocean.  It's not something that mankind has the ability to stop but it is something that can be prepared for ahead of time.

In fact, the State of Hawaii has been preparing for such an event for years now.  The People know where to go for shelter.  And they know how to physically prepare themselves.  Unfortunely, knowing and doing are two different things.  In fact, some Hawaiians may not be wise in thier preparations.

Jesus taught about the "Kingdom of Heaven".  People must be ready and prepared ahead of time.  For, when the "day" comes - if you're not ready it will be too late.

Follow the example of Jesus teachings and be prepared, with excitement and joy, for the Bridegroom.

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