Reb Rev's Blog

Have you ever heard the statement – when you see a turtle on a fence post you know he didn’t get there by himself?

The essence of that quote is that every one of us are who we are, what we are and where we are first by God’s mercy (otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this) and then by the contribution of so many folks who have built into our lives.

Think of that Sunday School teacher who, for absolutely no pay, prepared and came every Sunday to share the truth of God’s Word. Or that school teacher who, for far too little pay, patiently taught not only the subject matter but valuable life lessons of perseverance and pushing farther than you thought you could go. A parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or even a neighbor who believed in you and supported you when no one else even gave you a chance, much less a kind word or helping hand.

All of those folks helped you get on the fence post. Take time today to write a card or letter (yes, an old fashioned pen and ink letter) to let them know you remember what they did and you appreciate them for it. It’ll do more for them than you can imagine.

I’d like ya’ll to meet my dog – Reb. (OK so I’m not all that creative when it comes to names – but he picked that name). He’s a red beagle we “adopted” when he was a pup.

We had great visions of making a rabbit dog out of him. But “Reb” has a problem. He has hay fever. Oh, he loves to go after a rabbit and he can trail with the best of them. But, when he does, his eyes swell up and he sneezes until it seems he’ll never stop. So, Reb doesn’t hunt. He does like to sleep and eat and go for walks and get his belly rubbed and just be a “lap dog.” He doesn’t seem the least bit disappointed that he isn’t in a dog pen sneezing his head off. In fact, I think Reb enjoys being a part of the family. And that is just fine with us, too.

God has used Reb to teach me a lot about myself. You see, God adopted me into His family as well. The scriptures say He CHOSE me. But, unlike when we chose Reb, God did not choose me with any great expectations in mind. He chose me not for what I could do for Him, but simply because He loves me.

In fact, his agape’ love is based solely on what He can do for me. And, what He desires to do through me.

All of this is found in Ephesians 2:8-10. Sometimes, when we get discouraged, it does us good to remember to Whom we belong – to think of where we are and where we could be. How refreshing and encouraging to remember that we are now a part of His family. He calls us His own.

And that my friends, is better than a belly rub. 

A local gas station recently had a “little” problem. It seems, when setting the price on the pump, that “little” thing called a decimal point was in the wrong place and for 1 ½ hours they sold Exxon premium gas for 3.9 cents a gallon! (I’m sorry I missed out on that deal!!)

A decimal point is such a little thing. It can’t really matter that much, can it? Now, if I were buying the gas and it was $39.00 per gallon, that wouldn’t be funny at all.

So, I guess “little” things can mean a lot. Sometimes it’s a little word of encouragement for a friend, a little act of kindness or a little smile. A little thing in the right place can make all the difference.

Have a great day.   

I don’t know if you’re supposed to have a favorite verse from the Bible. So, maybe I would be better to call this my “life verse.” Either way it is found in Ephesians Chapter 3, verse 20.

In the New King James Version it reads like this – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. . .”

First, the “to Him” refers to glory given to God (v. 21). That is always to be first. If you are a Christian, everything you say, everything you do is to bring glory to Him. Pretty awesome responsibility huh? Or, you could look at it as an awesome privilege.

The next part says He is able to do exceedingly – meaning way past, abundantly – way more, above – way beyond, ALL that we can ask or think. Too often our prayers are so small in light of what God can do. What would it be like if we were to really push the envelope when it comes to what we ask of God? We must keep in mind it must be in His will, but so often what we receive is limited because what we ask for is small.

Lastly, look at the closing words, “. . . according to the power that works in us.” How amazing! The Creator God of the universe chooses to work through us.

What an awesome God! I’d like to hear what your favorite (life verse) is. Have a blessed day!

I heard a cute (true) story this week. A friend of mine shared this about his youngest daughter, Anna. 

One of the boys at her school (we’ll call him Johnny) got in trouble for saying a bad word. At lunch he sat across from Anna and asked her for her Oreo cake. She told him she would let him have it, but he had to say his blessing. He did, and she gave him the cake.

The next day she took an extra cake and told her dad she was going to give it to Johnny, but he would have to say his blessing first.

The third day, in the afternoon, Dad asked her if she shared a cake with Johnny – she said no, I didn’t take him one today, but I made him say his blessing anyway! And, he hasn’t gotten in trouble for saying bad words all week!

Just shows positive peer pressure works, doesn’t it? Way to go Anna!