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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Hospitals 08/29/2011
 
I spent the most of the last half of last week, in the hospital, with a friend.  It reminded me how couped up a person may feel when sick for an extended period of time. 

Spiritually, there are many sick people who are also couped up.  They are couped up by the penalty of sin - without Christ - the Great Physician.

If there is a moment to seek spiritual healing it is now.  Turn to God's face, seek His word, and recieve the blessings of healing that can only be found through Jesus.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Prayer Of Love 05/23/2011
 
A friend lost a child, of nine years old, in a hunting accident.  There is nothing I could say . . . .   For those who truly believe in Christ, please pray that God strengthen this family as they continue on in their grief. 

Please be humble before God as you cry with those who cry.

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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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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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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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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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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Anger 07/03/2010
 
"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil" (Ephesians 4:26-27).

The apostle Paul, in this context, is speaking to Christians who are working on a maturity in Christ.  It is true that Christians need to learn basics of what it means to live a lifestyle that is worthy of Christ.  Yet, it is another issue all together to impliment a mature lifestyle change in Christ.

Does a child behave perfectly in all areas of his/her life.  No.  Is the training to a mature adulthood ongoing or immediate.  Definately ongoing.  Living for Christ is an ongoing process as well.

Anger, innapropriately utilized, is a facet of life that needs to be controlled by our understanding of Christ.  Is anger something that should be festered.  No.  Anger should be dealt with and talked about.  People should share their pain and suffering.  Anger which is not dealt with becomes destructive and without cure.  But Jesus wants us to mature in how we deal with the hurts and pains in our life.  Why?  It is a matter of wholeness.  How can you be whole when you continue in unresolved anger?

It is a hard heart that remains in anger.  It is a godly heart that moves on toward peace.  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).
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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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