Family 12/29/2010
 
The older I get the more I believe that it is not about the "things" in life; rather, it is about the people in life and what they do with their "things".  Everything seems to be heart-drivin.  If one has a heart whose priority is first-of-all the aquisition of things then their people relationships may be lacking.  If, however, a person focuses on family first then how they perceive the use and aquisitions of things will definately be utilized difterently.  Remeber, be humble before God.

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the Gentiles seek after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble"  (Matthew 6:31-34) 

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

 

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Above Reproach 07/22/2010
 
"For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:7-9).

What does it mean to be "above reproach"?  Does it mean that no one would accuse such a person of wrong doing?  If that is the case than, of course, all people would be above lying, falsehood, deception, and evil.  But that, unfortunately, is not the case - a work of the Devil to be sure.  So, can an elder/overseer be accused of something? Yes.  The question then is, upon investigation, will the charges of wrongdoing hold up (1 Timothy 5:19)?  Therefor, an overseer who is "above reproach" is not one who is not accused but one who is shown to be without wrong in such and such a matter.

Pity for the one who accuses falsely another for gain or evil (Luke 3:14).  Scary for the one who treates falsely the servant of God for he/she treats God that way (John 15:20).  Strong is the one who stands for Christ by living for Christ (Galatians 2:20; Philipians 1:21).

God will repay the one who lives for evil (1 Peter 3:12).

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