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The following is an unpublished poem by him for me and my second wife after my first wife passed.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

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

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