Five Years 02/19/2011
 
It is about 5 years now since my first wife passed away with cancer.  I have noticed that my irratibility factor has fluctuated much during the last few weeks.  It is interesting how cyclical pain can be on a yearly basis.

Now, I have the opportunity to assist another person who has just lost their spouse to illness.

One might think that five years are enough healing to "get over" the loss of a loved one; like, a spouse.  Not for me.  I am touched everyday by thoughts of happiness and sadness.  I pray God uses me to assist in the stuggle for others who are and will be confronted by such challenges.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Self-Control 07/07/2010
 
"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls" (Proverbs 25:28).

What is the purpose of walls around a city?  The most obvious answer is for the purpose of protecting a city from marauders.  However there is another purpose behind walls, that is, boundaries.

Many people build "invisible" walls around their person so they can keep others at a confortable distance:  physically and emotionally.  Yet, what happens when a person does not have appropriate walls/boundaries for themselves? 

People who drink alchohol or take drugs are primary examples of someone who lets down their boundaries; i.e., feels "more open" with their feelings.  These people become more willing to do, or say, things they wouldn't normally say or do because of their lack of self-control. 

Self-control is essential when dealing with people and personal emotions.  Without self-control the chances of acting in a way that puts "your city" in jeopardy becomes reality.

What helps your city/boundaries/defense/self-control remain intact?  Sleep?  Healthy lifestyle?  Forgiving others?  Not being drunk on alchohol?  Proper nourishment?  Godly living through Jesus?  Maybe, all of the above?

Be a person of self-contol and keep your boundaries in check.  This may allow you to be a better example for Christ to others.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Peace! Be Still! 04/15/2010
 
"But he (Jesus) was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.  And they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!'  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'  And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, 'Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?'" (Mark 4:38-41).

There are many storms in life that can make a person feel scared and conflicted.  In the time of Jesus, people were concerned about being caught in a storm on this particular sea.  These storms were known to be great, powerful, and scary.  In fact,  the general population would have understood this experience as a time of uncontrollable evil; that is, when the storm raged.

What did Jesus show when He spoke?  First, He showed His power over nature.  Second, He showed His power over the fears of evil.

Who is this Jesus that can speak the words, "Peace!  Be still"?  Who is this Jesus who can control nature and create an atmosphere of peace - not only physical peace but, more important, spiritual peace.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Pain 04/09/2010
 
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away'" (Revelation 21:3-4).

By itself, this passage is rather powerful.  But by truly understanding the context of the work of Jesus, this passage becomes remarkable.  Children of God feel pain.  We hurt when there is a loss; whether, spiritual or physical.  We're sad when others ridicule us or speak ill of us.  We're frustrated when we realize that we can't fix the brokenness of mankind.  And, yes, we are demoralized when we just don't understand the "why" part of things. 

Someone once said that if we, as humans, felt no pain we wouldn't know joy; hence, we couldn't truly live.  However, where is true life?  Where is the blessings of perserverance?  Is it in pain?  No - not ultimatley. 

Like the penalty of sin so is pain.  When the penalty of sin is cast away through true, obedient faith in Jesus Christ, then a person knows peace.  When the kindness of God finally removes all of our anguish and pain then we will know real life.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"And going a little farther, He fell on His face and prayed, saying 'My Father, if it is possible let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will'" (Matthew 26:39).

A few years ago when I was in school, I had an assignment to go to a secluded place for quiet time between God and myself.  It was a practical assignment that was supposed to last between 6 and 8 hours.  I was to take my Bible, journal, and food.  I decided to go to a local lake area finding a nice place that was rugged and secluded.  The spot had a view of the lake and climbing areas behind me.

I started off the day excited about the chance to "get away" from the day-to-day grind but was unfamilier with spending a whole day in meditation and prayer.  By the end of the day I found myself at peace even desiring not to end the experience.  

I spoke freely with the God about His greatness, power, wonder, and glory.  I acknowledge my love and desired dedication to the Godhead.  I also faced my many failures in my walk with Christ.  I cried, laughed, yelled, and stood around with bewildered awe by the glory of His creation.  (How nice it is to look at God's creation without all the impact of civilization around to distract me.)  There were times, though, when I shared my frustration and anger/misunderstandings for the experiences in life.  And I read from the Psalms and Proverbs.

By the end of the day I didn't want to leave.  It was as if I had found a close friend who I wanted to always hang around.

I would encourage a lifestyle of prayer and meditation with God.  It is a time of peace and encouragement.

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