What Lies Ahead

By Brian Shipman, WWJD Today (excerpts)
* jgat

Jessica knew she wasn't supposed to be at this party. But it wasn't
her fault --- not really. She was on her way to the movies, just like
she told her parents, when she and Kathryn ran into a group of friends
who invited them into the party. "Let's go!" Jessica said to Kathryn.
"I've always wanted to go to one of these parties." Jessica was surprised
at how easily the lie left her lips. At Jessica's insistence, the two
followed their friends to the abandoned warehouse. The party was already
in full swing.

Later, when it already became apparent that Jessica was going to be
late getting home, she found a pay phone and called her parents. "Mom?
Kathryn and I decided to stop for Pizza after the movie and ran into some
friends. I'll be late, OK? Oh, yes, the movie was great. You need to see
it. Yes, I'll see you soon, Bye."

It was just a little white lie. What could it hurt? And what could
it hurt to take her first drink of alcohol? She hated the taste, but the
lie in her smile said she loved it. And what could it hurt to dance with
this great-looking guy? And what could it hurt to take another drink that
he offered her?

When Jessica woke up the next morning, still groggy from the drug
the cute guy had slipped into her drink, she realized that her lies had
hurt more than she could have ever imagined.

Jessica found out the hard way that lies are a stairway that goes
only one way: down. She lied to her friends. She lied to her parents. She
lost the trust of her parents and her best friend, and she lost her
innocence to a guy she never saw again.

...Jesus explained that Satan is the father of lies. His tactics are so
sly. If he can just get you to tell one little white lie today, then
tomorrow he can take you one step further down the stairway with a bigger
lie. Before you know it, you find yourself some place where you never
intended to be, and Satan is laughing all the while.

...Don't hold Satan's hand and start down that stairway. Run to Jesus,
hold His hand, and always speak the truth.

----------------
DEAR LORD, I pray for my child out there amidst the dangers of this
world. Help her to live a holy life. Let her boldly say no to drugs,
premarital sex, and any temptations that would try to keep her from
walking in Your paths. Maker her upright and strong when faced with peer
pressure. Help her to see sin for what it is and grant her the courage
to stand against evil influences. Reveal Your plans and purposes for her
in this life, and make her pursue her God-given destiny.*

From: jgat@mozcom.com