Category: Suffering

Above Reproach

7/22/2010

"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

7/3/2010

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"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

6/19/2010

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"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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Encouraging Words

5/11/2010

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Mosab (Author of The Son of Hamas)

What an awesome opportunity for you to continue to grow in Christ. Our biggest example of sacrifice, Jesus, wasn’t excited about His death on the cross.

It was shameful to Him.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

He wanted the suffering to pass.

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will’” Matthew 26:39).

I don’t have all the answers myself but God does. Continue to reach for the strength that is not your own.

“If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again” (2 Corinthians 1:6-10).

The Lord’s humbled . . . Who prays for you.
John A. Reeves

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