"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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"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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"They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns; they have tired themselves out but profit nothing.  They shall be ashamed of their harvests because of the fierce anger of the LORD"  (Jeremiah 12:13).

Being tired is good as long as it is for the right reason.  Unfortunately, some people are tired because they choose a wicked lifestyle.  Others are tired because of a godly lifestyle.  Which lifestyle is God pleased with?

"For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such a person we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.  As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good" (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13).

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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Reputation 03/09/2010
 
The apostle Paul knows the importance of a good reputation.

"Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work" (1 Timothy 5:9-10).

"Your reputation preceedes you".  I have used the phrase with people who don't understand why others don't or can't trust them.  People tend not to trust those who focus everything around their own passions and desires.

Is a gossip someone with a good reputation?  How about a person who speaks evil of others - do they have a good reputation?  What about someone who does not do good and godly deeds because of their lack of love and respect for God - do they have a good reputation?

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8b)
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