TROUBLE DOWN IN PUPPERVILLE

     It was a beautiful day and Randy thought he would take advantage of the day and get out and walk the neighbor hood, and visit some of the families from church. His third stop brought him to the Peterson house and as he was about to knock on the door, the door flew open and Bill plowed right into him knocking him to the ground with Bill landing on top.

      “Help!” Randy called out, “I'm being attacked.” “Help?” Bill exclaimed, “I'm the one that needs help.” “What's wrong?” Randy said as Bill rolled off of him and sat up. “The great escape.” Bill exclaimed, “Martha just called from the hospital and I've got to go.” “Who escaped?” Randy asked as he sat up next. “Stella!” Bill said.

     “Does that mean she's still in the hospital?” Randy asked. “No!” Bill exclaimed, “She's escaped.” “Does that mean she's not better yet?” Randy asked. “Something like that.” Bill said, “But it may be worse.” “Who does she think she is this time?” Randy asked “Herself?” Bill said hesitantly. “Than she's alright.” Randy said about ready to say “Praise the Lord.”

     “Not according to the doctor.” Bill said, “According to him she's gotten worse.” “I'm confused.” Randy said. “Her memory has returned.” Bill explained, “But there's more wrong than just that. For starters, whatever she has, has become contagious.” “Oh, no!” Randy exclaimed, “You need to find her.”

     “I know.” Bill said, “Have you seen her?” “No I haven't.” Randy said, “And I've been out and about in the neighborhood.” “Are you sure?” Bill asked, “She's wearing a disguise.” “A disguise?” Randy said, “What kind of disguise?” “I’m not a hundred percent certain.” Bill said, “All I know, is that is how she escaped. From the hospital.”

     “Where did she get a disguise?” Randy asked. “My wife thinks the Miller twins brought to her.” Bill answered. “Surely the nurses at the hospital would have known it was her.” Randy said. “Martha said they claimed she was their sister.” Bill said, “And since they did it as people were changing shifts, everybody was still uncertain who all was there.”

     “Well, what’s the worse thing that could happen if they don’t find her.” Randy asked. “We may all end up losing our memories.” Bill said, But even worse, if it isn't treated, the doctor thinks we could all die.” “Well if it's that serious, why are you sitting here talking to me?” Randy said “Go find her!” “I’m going, I’m going.” Bill said as he stood up and took off. “I'll keep my eyes open for her.” Randy called out after him and then got up and headed to the next house on the block.”

     Does God like lying? Can lying ever be okay or needed? Can our lies cause more problems than they are suppose to solve? Does anyone know when we lie even when we keep it secret? Claiming Stella was A sister was a lie about like the one that Abraham told in Genesis 12:10-20 and while it may have seemed nobody would have known, it was known and caused a major problem.

     At that time there was a severe famine in the land, so Abram went down to Egypt to wait it out. As he was approaching the borders of Egypt, Abram said to Sarai, "You are a very beautiful woman. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, `This is his wife. Let's kill him; then we can have her!' But if you say you are my sister, then the Egyptians will treat me well because of their interest in you, and they will spare my life." And sure enough, when they arrived in Egypt, everyone spoke of her beauty. When the palace officials saw her, they sang her praises to their king, the pharaoh, and she was taken into his harem. Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her—sheep, cattle, donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. But the LORD sent a terrible plague upon Pharaoh's household because of Sarai, Abram's wife. So Pharaoh called for Abram and accused him sharply. "What is this you have done to me?" he demanded. "Why didn't you tell me she was your wife? Why were you willing to let me marry her, saying she was your sister? Here is your wife! Take her and be gone!" Pharaoh then sent them out of the country under armed escort—Abram and his wife, with all their household and belongings.

Genesis 12:10-20 (NLT)

     Does God like lying? Can lying ever be okay or needed? Can our lies cause more problems than they are suppose to solve? Does anyone know when we lie even when we keep it secret?

     Proverbs 25:26 Says - A good person who gives in to evil is like a muddy spring or a dirty well. (NCV) Abram gave into evil, he did what God hates, he lied. Proverbs 12:22 says - The LORD hates those who tell lies but is pleased with those who keep their promises. (NCV)

     Abram lied because he feared men over God.

• Proverbs 29:25 Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the LORD, you will be safe. (NCV)
• Luke 12:4 I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. (NCV)

     Lying originates with the Devil - John 8:44 says 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. (ESV)

     Lies come but they will not last forever even if we think they will for God knows all. Proverbs 12:19 says - Truth will continue forever, but lies are only for a moment. (NCV) Abram lied, but God knew what was going on and He brought trouble on Pharaoh's household. Abrams lie affected more then just himself. Stella's lie will affect others as well.

     So, Here's Something To Ponder

• What lies have you told thinking you were doing good?
• In what ways have lies got you into deeper trouble?