(Jesus said) "... When he (the devil) 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." John 8:44b-45

A number of years ago, Saddam Hussein said his country was involved in "the mother of all wars."

Now it appears North Korea is involved in the "second-cousin of all lies."

And what is this really, really big lie? On April 15th the military of North Korea put on a parade. The parade was big, it was long, and it was impressive. Of special interest to the world were the missiles North Korea showed off for the first time.

The missiles, like the parade, were also big, long and impressive.

Oh, there is one other thing you should know about the missiles: they were fakes. The experts came to that conclusion because of three different reasons:

1. The missiles didn't fit their launchers.

2. The missiles were made up of an impossible mixture of liquid and solid-fuel components.

3. As the parade moved, the "skin" of the missiles also moved. That means the casing is too thin to take the pressures brought about when a missile flies.

And why would North Korea do such a thing and work so hard to tell a lie? Truth be told, they did it because it's very hard for a self-centered dictatorship to tell the truth. Despots always have to make themselves look good and everybody else appear bad.

If you look through Scripture, you will find that is exactly what the devil does. He lies. He lies by putting down the Lord and His representatives, even as he tries to elevate himself, his plans and his suggestions.

Only later, sometimes much later, do those who have swallowed his falsehoods recognize they have been hoodwinked.

Thankfully, there is a way to come out ahead when you hear Satan whisper his sinful suggestions into your ear. That way is to check with the Word. That's right. See what God's Word says about the matter.

See what God's Word has to say and follow it.

And suppose, just suppose the devil comes up with an idea which sounds really good, really creative, really fun and really profitable? Well, that's when you need to follow God's Word really, really closely.

If you do, ultimately -- and finally -- you will come out really, really far ahead.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Your Word is truth. May I listen to and follow that Word. I ask this so Satan's suggestions may be rejected and my life will be lived in thanksgiving for my Savior and Your many graces. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 7-8    John 7:28-53

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"