(Jesus said) "... 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?" John 8:44b-46

There are times when people just don't get what they've paid for.

Last summer Pam bought some breakfast cereal for some of the grandchildren who were visiting with us. I don't remember if it was Choco-Chumps or Purple-Popped Oats. I do remember when I opened the box, it was only about half full. Over the years the box has stayed the same, but the cereal inside has shrunk.

Last Halloween we had a whole herd of trick-or-treaters show up at our door. Dutifully, we gave them candy: you know, those bite-sized pieces of sugar overload. When I went to put the treats into the plastic pumpkins of the children, I was amazed that the candy was almost weightless. That's because that candy was almost not there at all. Over the years the candy has shrunk.

Finally, there's toilet paper. Do you feel like you're changing those rolls more often?

You probably are. National Public Radio shares that a double roll of paper today is just about what a single roll of paper was ten years ago. Last year Consumer Reports noted that some manufacturers have made the sheets smaller in size and fewer in number, but to keep the rolls looking the same size to consumers, the cardboard tubes at the center have become larger. The Wall Street Journal calls the process "desheeting."

Slowly and subtly, the companies have been giving less product for an ever-increasing price.

Of course, toilet paper companies are hardly the first to market one thing and deliver something less. If you want to take a look at the first time people were tricked that way, turn to Genesis 3.

Standing before the tree with its forbidden fruit, the devil has a unique sales strategy. "Look at this fruit" he says. "It's fine to both touch and taste and when you eat it, you will, like God, understand the difference between good and evil. Besides which, you will be really, really smart."

Well, Adam and Eve ate and they became smart, smart enough to know they had been tricked. Just like every generation of people get bamboozled. Using the same tricks and the same temptations, promising more and delivering less, the devil is still getting people to commit the same kinds of sins.

He is still desheeting us.

This is why we need the love of the Lord as found in the Savior Jesus.

God, who is totally honest and does exactly as He promises, tells us we need to believe on Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we do, our sins are forgiven, we are reunited with the family of faith, and we have a new home in heaven. It is a promise which can be trusted; it is God's truth which will never disappoint.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the devil can be very patient as he spins his lies to us. Help us realize that he simply can't be trusted and that salvation is only come through trust and faith in the Son of God, our Savior. In His Name we pray. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Exodus 7-8    Matthew 25:1-30

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