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Father Of Lies Produces His Own Children

7/29/2010

"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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Consume Jesus

7/24/2010

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So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever" (John 6:53-58).

Some people have studied this passage and use it for teachings about the "Eucharist/Communion/Lord's Supper". But the context doesn't attribute these teaching to deal with worship specifically.

Jesus is stressing the importance of consuming Him; that is, His teachings, godliness, and lifestyle. If we truly choose Jesus and follow Him we will have everlasting life. So, consume Jesus and be humbled before Him

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

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Above Reproach

7/22/2010

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"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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Fill Yourself Up With . . . ?

7/20/2010

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"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:17-21).

Within the Book of Ephesians the Apostle Paul teaches about living the life of a real Christian as apposed to living as a Christian in name only. How many Christians do you know who are not very serious about their life in Christ? Sadly, it seems like alot. It is true, fortunately, that Christians are not saved by perfect law keeping; rather, through the grace of Christ. Yet, does God want a fake Christian?

Paul speaks of drinking in the above passage. Now he does not say it is wrong to drink but he does say that one whose lifestyle is of drink when they are a Christian is ungodly. He says, basically, don't chose a lifestyle of anything other than Christ. In fact, fill yourself of the Holy Spirit by "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5: 19-20).

If this understanding is not sure for you, please read and study the Book of Ephesians in context from front to end and this teaching will become more and more clear.

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

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Self-Control

7/7/2010

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"A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls" (Proverbs 25:28).

What is the purpose of walls around a city? The most obvious answer is for the purpose of protecting a city from marauders. However there is another purpose behind walls, that is, boundaries.

Many people build "invisible" walls around their person so they can keep others at a confortable distance: physically and emotionally. Yet, what happens when a person does not have appropriate walls/boundaries for themselves?

People who drink alchohol or take drugs are primary examples of someone who lets down their boundaries; i.e., feels "more open" with their feelings. These people become more willing to do, or say, things they wouldn't normally say or do because of their lack of self-control.

Self-control is essential when dealing with people and personal emotions. Without self-control the chances of acting in a way that puts "your city" in jeopardy becomes reality.

What helps your city/boundaries/defense/self-control remain intact? Sleep? Healthy lifestyle? Forgiving others? Not being drunk on alchohol? Proper nourishment? Godly living through Jesus? Maybe, all of the above?

Be a person of self-contol and keep your boundaries in check. This may allow you to be a better example for Christ to others.

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

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Freedom

7/4/2010

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"But their (Jews) minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil (seperation of God and man) remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed (no seperation between God and man). Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we (Christians) all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:14-18).

What happens when Americans of the USA reject the freedom that the Declaration of Independance offers? It may be similar to what Jews rejected when they refused to follow the teachings found in Christ - freedom.

Interestingly, people come to understanding when they listen to the author of freedom. People, who become free, grow in that freedom and become more than mere followers but; rather, leaders. Leaders who understand where true freedom comes from truly are followers of the One who gives freedom - Jesus. If you give up on freedom and refuse to follow the thing that makes you free; then, you are not free.

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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Father Of Lies Produces His Own Children

Consume Jesus

Above Reproach

Fill Yourself Up With . . . ?

Self-Control

Freedom

Anger

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