What is your goal?  This is a good question.  People without goals tend to live life somewhat aimlessly.  They hope everything just works out ok.  However, those with goals can make great strides toward accomplishing them because they are constantly aware that they need to make dedicated steps to reach their goal. 

I just wrote an article entitled, "Following Jesus Is My Goal".  It deals with goals in a spiritual way.  I hope you find this article rewarding.  Please share it with others.

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

I just wanted to share with everyone the two recent articles that I published on my blog. They are: "Does God Need Our Faith?", "Jesus' Flesh and Blood". I hope they produce a good measure of study on your part. Please share with others so they also can "Study to . . ." (2Tim. 2:15).

A friend of mine wrote poetry before he died. His name was Dallas Brown. He wrote two books: Intimate Voice of God, Heavy Rain and Light Breezes.

The following is an unpublished poem by him for me and my second wife after my first wife passed.

Under His Wing

Under the Wing of God

I found you

My love, my one and only,

We would have been married long

And happily

But your tragic death

Changed all plans.

Why? Why was I bereft

Of my youthful, loving,

My chaste virgin,

Who knew no man,

Who waited until we

Became one in our own home?

My love for her will not fade.

Healing trudged slow

And sadly, until a day

When he touched my face,

With a Light Breeze

Reminding me of his many

Blessings of life.

I could only love again,

By this power of God.

Don't think me rash,

Or hasty, or as giving up

On a dream I once had.

My dream remains

To do His Will!

If a friend join me

As a new wife

In the Lord,

We shall continue on

In His Steps!

Jesus’ love is illustrated as a husband who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his wife. “Husbands, love your wife, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25; cf. Eph. 5:22-33).  Jesus’ love consisted of obedience to the Father by standing up against those who would try to destroy His family; namely, Satan.  Jesus is a true example of one who cares for His family and who wants all people to come to know the truth of the Gospel of Christ.  “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).  There is no better example of love than the love of Jesus.  It is this love that needs to abide within all people. 

On Mother’s Day, people honor and celebrate mothers.  Mothers come in many forms; like, biological mothers, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, and even those ladies who may never have children of their own but who are motherly to those around them.  Mothers are wonderful people.  They tend to show their love through sacrifice, caring, and warmth.  On Mother’s Day, we may even give our mothers flowers, hugs, or make them breakfast in bed.  Yet, in the other 364 days of the year, how do we treat our mothers?  Jesus gave His very life for His wife – the church.  He loved, protected, and cared for her.  Therefore, always remember the example of Jesus’ love; especially, to our mothers. 

Have a happy Mother’s day every day of the year!

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

Yesterday evening, part of the lesson I heard dealt with the three "R's" of Scripture; they are:  remember, repent, and return.

Christians need to remember why Jesus came and what He did for all people - if they choose to follow Him. We need to remember that we go to church/worship to honor Him. And we should never expect other Christians to be "perfect" human beings and flawless.

Christians should recognize God for who He is. God has standards of how Christians should behave and live. Sadly, even the most dedicated faulter.  We need to be a people who repent.  Repenting is a turning toward God and away from our wrong deeds and/or poor lifestyle choices.

Those of us who have been backsliding from our relationship with other Christians, studying Scripture, and/or God Himself need to return.  How easy is it to say I'll just sleep in Sunday morning and find yourself eventually not going to church at all?  How easy is it for someone to hurt your feelings and then become too proud to "deal" with those people anymore?  How many of us have gone through traumatic experiences only to disown God for His, seemingly, lack of protection?  We need to return to Him and know that eternity is eternal and that this earthly life is just a vapor.

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

The early church faced many problems, but they were also the recipients of great joy.  Some of those joys included a repenting brother, assurance in their salvation through Jesus Christ, and the knowledge of being a part of a family - the family of God.  "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). 

The term "Golden Shackles" is a saying that is used in corporate society.  It is when  a company offers its employees just enough compensation that they will think twice about leaving for a possible better offer.  Therefore, one becomes shackled to their job for the money and benefits it provides even if the job is unhealthy and wearing its employees out.

In a similar way, Satan offers his own "Golden Shackles".  He has an ingenious way of providing people with just enough worldly lifestyle that keeps them enticed so that they don't want to change to something that is more spiritually healthy.  So, people become attached to what they know rather than giving up their spiritual "Golden Shackles" for something more rewarding and fulfilling - the lifestyle of Jesus (cf. John 17:20-21).

"The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). 

There is always a challenge, as a Christian, when we sincerely make plans.  Sometimes we seek a particular job or occupation and we don't get it. Sometimes we seek to live a certain standard of life and we don't seem to accomplish it. Sometimes, as missionaries we seek to go certain places only to find our way blocked by God.

The reality is that Christians should always realize God guides our steps for His good.  However, sometimes we feel defeated when life seems to throw its curve balls.

Recently, I left my last job seeking to preach again. Where will I go?  How will God use me?  Why does He say "No" under certain circumstances?  Will some try to treat me as Joseph's brothers did (Genesis 50:20)?

The reality is I am a servant of the Most High God. He will guide His children's paths.

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

Last week, I watched an extraordinary movie/documentary dealing with the awesomeness of God's creation from a scientific standpoint - physicists, biologists and other scientists who believe in God. I watched it and there were moments that I felt shame.

The reason for my shame stemmed from some personal challenges that I am going through. I decided to leave my job that carries a great deal of stress for my family and me. I am leaving it without another job lined up for me to go too - never done this before.

As I watched this show and saw all the MARVELOUS handiwork of God - I was shamed by my thoughts of worry and anxiety.  Just study the universe from the largest star to the smallest seed and be amazed. What would be too hard for God. Nothing.

If you find yourself perplexed in life just study HIS/THEIR creation and be amazed.

God. Thank You for answering prayer.

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

It is very important to remember that all of what we do as Christians is based on our faith in Jesus Christ alone. We love Him and we do (obedient) what He asks. We do because He loved us first and we choose to respect Him with our obedient faith in Jesus Christ.

It is true that Christians can't earn His love but we can show Him our respect/love in our obedient actions.

Remember, what the book of James says that faith without works is dead faith. (See if you can find this passage and study its context).

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