Many citizens, in the United States, are very concerned about the “welfare” system because it seems to encourage dependency.  So, people who are able to better themselves tend to become more reliant on government rather than being productive with quality work.  The concern for the nation is that people are taking advantage of “handouts” rather than working for a living.  I have actually met people who truly enjoy living on-the-streets without a care in the world except where they will find their next meal.  With these people it is hard to forget the passage that Paul wrote to Christian brethren, “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command:  If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).  

Yet, there are those who are truly in need.  And God loves people who take care of those who can’t make it easily without help.  “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14-17; cf. Exodus 23:3, 6, 11; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:14; 1 Samuel 2:7; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 7:22; Galatians 2:10). 

But the reality is, people tend to feel uncomfortable around others who are not similar to them.  This can include, but not limited to, the poor – even poor Christians.  Part of the reason for this aversion to developing close relationships with the downtrodden is because people tend to forget what makes a person a focus of God.  It’s not their intelligent quotient, good looks, finances, family relations, or education; rather, it is their soul that can be saved through the saving blood of Christ.  Hmm?  I wonder why Paul had to write, “Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16).  Take a permanent stance to associate with all people – even the lowly.  Do it for the sake of Christ.                               

John A. Reeves
www.thelordshumbled.com

The concept of “one another” in Scripture is very important for Christians.  It strikes the very heart and nature of any Christian because all of us must work on these very things.  We are not, to use an old phrase, “an island to ourselves”.  Some of the areas that these “one another” passages deal with are:  ministering to problems of other church members, loving others, creating of unity, servant attitude, and evangelism (by how we treat each other; cf. John 13:34-35).  Every member, in the Lord’s church, is in need of these things and the Lord expects/demands us to do them – from the heart (cf. 1 Peter 1:22).  For those who truly work on this, I know that you will please the Lord and your spiritual life will be healthier and selfless.  Remember, Jesus said to love “one another” as “I [Jesus] have loved you” (John 13:34).

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

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). 

I wrote this poem with the seeker in mind.  It's actually an indictment. I accuse myself and others of their lack of determination to live out God's mission - to seek and save the lost. 

Cry For The Seeker
By John A. Reeves

Who will cry for the child lost?
With pain, sorrow, and fear!
Who will cry for the child lost?
Who doesn’t know what to hear!
Who will cry for the child lost?
Who doesn’t know the meaning of love!
Who will cry for the child lost?
Who can’t seek the lost for God!
Feed My Sheep.


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

"Time passed.  Cain brought an offering to God from the produce of his farm.  Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat.  God liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering didn't get his approval.  Cain lost his temper and went into sulk" (Genesis 4:3-5 MSG).

Why was God displeased with Cain's sacrifice?  Was it because Cain didn't sacrifice animals?  He could have easily traded his produce for one of Abel's quality animals.  Yet, the text doesn't specify that animals were the only sacifice God required at this time.  So, his land produce may not have been the issue.  A likely reason God wasn't happy with Cain's offering was because Cain didn't offer the best of his wealth and prosperity?  Perhaps he offered the second-rate produce to God. 

This text, as well as so many others, is dealing with our attitude toward God.  Was Abel "more" perfect than Cain?  No.  But it seems that Abel's worship to God was accepted because he used the best of what he had to offer; thereby, honoring God for who He truly is - the provider of all blessings.

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

God 

        I just wanted to thank You for keeping Your promises. When I was young, You taught me Your ways. As I grew in age, You helped me to not forget Your teachings. You disciplined me in my arrogance. You helped me understand Your love with respect to those who seem to struggle with godliness.  Funny?! When I asked to be like You - I didn't know it would take sooo long.

(Will I ever get there?)

Anyway - Thank You for teaching me to become like You.

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

My parents were great examples of givers.  They gave to God at their local congregation.  They gave to help the needy and distressed.  They gave to their family and they gave to each other.  So, how come I have found "giving" somewhat of a continual challange. 

I do give.  I give my time and I give my sweat and tears.  But I have struggled, in the past, with planning and preparing the gift of financial support.  But I thank God that living debt free for almost 3 years helps me to be a better if not a more natural giver.  It's natural because I plan to give and I work the plan. (Thanks Dave Ramsey).

Currently, I've been reading through the Bible in a 90 day program.  I am passed 30 days.  One of the things that I have been reminded of is how Isreal was instructed to give God of their "First Fruits" - their material wealth.  I have a personal budget and plan all my spending, saving, and giving.  But I realized that I usually give toward the end of the month in case some "surprise" happens and I need money for something else. 

Well, this month I have resolved to give my budgeted giving its proper place - before all other things; i.e., "first fruits".  First, this shows honor to God in putting him first before all my other wants and needs.  Second, it shows my commitment to budgeting.  Third, it reminds me that I love God.  

Giving doesn't just happen because parents were givers.  Giving happens because you want it to happen.  Giving happens because one's focus is in correct form.   Part of living the Christian life is to keep growing.  One area of my lifestyle in Christ that is growing is my giving.

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