"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.  Which one of you convicts me of sin?  If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?  Whoever is of God hears the words of God.  The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God" (John 8:44-47).

Jesus called the Devil, ". . . the father of lies" (John 8:44).  I don't know about you but this is not something I would like posted on my resume.  Do you know people who lie?  How does it make you feel?  How comfortable are you with those people?  My question to you is, if the Devil is the father of lies, what does that make those who lie as a lifestyle? 

Children of lies only do what their father teaches.  Jesus is teaching that those who don't follow Him have to follow someone.  Jesus wants people to understand that if they don't follow Christ then they absolutely follow the Devil.

My question to you is, who is your father?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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'The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5).

People tend to be afraid, or intimidated, by knowledge.  This is unfortunate.  It seems truer that knowledge helps people deal with reality.  The reality is that people will physically die.  The reality is that all people have sin.  The reality is that some will choose a godly approach for sin to be removed from their lives while others - won't care.

Christians are asked to think, or meditate, on godly things regularily.  The purpose behind this is so our heart will not be consumed by evil; rather, goodness and godliness.  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phillipians 4:8).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.  The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death" (Proverbs 21:5-6).

It says it all.  Yes!

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel.  The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba.  Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain.  They took bribes and perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:1-3).

You may have heard the phrase, "The apple doesn't fall from the tree".  Unfortunately, this phrase is not applicable to Samuel and his sons.  Samuel was very focused on being humble before God.  He trusted God and was blessed for it.  However, whatever the reason, his sons did not follow their dad's example.

Samuel's boys perverted their leadership.  They conformed to the world and were not humble before the Lord.  Their reputation was poor and the people knew it.

You could be the best parent in the world for your children.  Sadly, they choose their life.  If your children don't walk in the path of righteousness continue to pray for them and continue to be there for them.  Yet, never-never-never give up on walking with God.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him" (Luke 15:18-20).

With my work, I normally deal with people who have been hurt a great deal in their life.  Unfortunately, as they go through their pain they tend to respond to it by purposefully or inadvertandly causing pain in others.  I haven't found too many people that aren't affected by others "negative" attacks.  

Recent attacks by others have caused me to pray for strength to withstand such assults.  As I prayed I was reminded about how people treat God.  We love Him one day and are mean to Him or His children the next day.  How painful is this for God to see.  How hurtful is it for Him to witness.

Remember, if you come to Him after running away He will show compassion.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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A question asked yesterday was, "How can a christian live in this world without feeling like you have to conform to certain things that are not of God?"

There seems to always be a pull towards a worldly life.  The reality is, if sin wasn't any fun - nobody would do it.  In fact, its "reward" is short-lived when compared to eternal LIFE.  The world offers immediate fulfillment and so does a credit card.  Sadly, once you start in debt it is really hard to get out of it.  What keeps me focused is that I hate displeasing God more than I like pleasing myself.

A "feeling" is like a temptation.  Temptation is not a sin even though it is a desire (James 1:13-15).  Jesus, Himself, was tempted to sin (Matthew 4; Luke 4).  What did Jesus do when He was tempted?  Well, He said, "It is written" (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).  Jesus knew the Word of God.  He relied on Scripture to guide Him.  He didn't rely on His own "feelings" or His strength.  He relied on the Heavenly Father during times when He "felt" temptations/feelings to conform to the world; i.e., His own desires.

I encourage you to study the Word of God, live the lifestyle of Christ, pray, and study again.

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