“Look at those people, honey!” I pointed out the kitchen window. “Are they silly, stupid, or just not paying attention?”
My husband peered out the kitchen window. “Can’t they see the road’s closed?”
“Obviously not. And here comes the school bus too. Gracious, you can see that barricade and those large orange signs from the top of the hill, but they keep coming and are forced to turn around. I vote for stupid.” I ran to slip on a pair of jeans and a shirt and grab my camera. “This would make a great blog; don’t you think?”
Hubs grinned. “Don’t make any enemies. Folks might not like you taking their picture and calling ’em stupid.
We live in a small subdivision off a country road with only two ways in and out. The Texas Road Department has been working on our stretch of road since way before Christmas. They’ve been diligent to put up signs for detours and closures—big signs—that can be seen from far away.
I glanced up again and the school bus ripped right by the road closure sign and then had to back up a long block to turn around. Sigh. Not one person paid any attention to the warning signs.
But don’t we all do the same thing as we zip through life? Somehow thinking we’re immune to the consequences of not following warnings.
God spent a great deal of time recording His warnings and the consequences of bolting through the barricade. Yet we don’t even take the time to educate ourselves on the words the Spirit of God breathed to the prophets, to Christ Jesus, to His disciples, and to us. He warned us over and over again, and what do we do? Race down that closed off road, believing we are going to be the only one who makes it through the barrier unscathed.
He warned Ancient Israel, and this warning still screams at Americans, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls” (Luke 11:17 NAS). And what have we done? Elect and re-elect a president who is sprinting toward the finish line with the label of the most divisive president in U.S. history.
“For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel” (Malachi 2:16 NAS). Yet the divorce stats within the church are basically the same as couples outside the church.
The Book of Proverbs tells us, “Do not associate with a man given to anger or go with a hot tempered man” (Proverbs 22:24 NAS). And what would we call the front runner on the Republican side in the upcoming election?
Romans tells us, “Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together with other believers” (Hebrews 10:25 NAS). But many say, I work all week, I’m tired. I’ll just watch church on HDTV—Hmm.
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness” (II Corinthians 6:14 NAS). Another warning gone by the wayside—the believer is always going to change the unbelieving date…until they fall in love. Then what are they to do? God is not a cosmic kill-joy. These warnings are to keep His children from plunging off the cliff.
The Word warns, “Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 NAS). I don’t see any exclusions for rush hour on the freeway, do you? And listening to the local news confirms we live in a very angry society.
“Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8 NAS). I’m old enough to remember Sunday Blue Laws, and I can say with certainty, we never missed a meal or went to church naked because the stores weren’t open on Sunday. Sunday afternoons were family days.
What warning barrier have you catapulted over? Which warning signals have you ignored? We have all sinned as individuals and as a nation. “There is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10 NAS). Remember, God stands ready to forgive our sins, but the consequences of disregarding God’s warnings remain.
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His Holy name. For the Lord is good. His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5 NAS).
What a great message! Thank you. God does give us warnings and all too often, we ignore His warnings. I pray that my eyes and ears are open to Him and HIs plan for my life. 🙂
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I’m speaking to myself as much as to others. And am trying to quiet and order my life so I may hear and understand the Spirit within me. Thank you for reading and commenting. ❤
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What’s the old saying? There’s none so blind as he who will not see?
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I remember Blue Laws. I wonder what would happen if Christians stopped buying stuff, going out to eat, gassing up, etc. on Sundays? Would it have an impact on merchants or the economy?
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Reblogged this on Ernie's Musings and commented:
Great read! God gives us so many warning signs. Do we heed them?
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I agree with all you say here. There is just one thing I am continually at war with in my mind.“Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8) The Sabbath back then was Saturday, the last day of the week… I grew up as you, Sunday was called the Sabbath and we went to Sunday school and church, then the afternoon was spent resting. I still keep Sunday as my Sabbath, yet am I right??? I know Jesus rose on the Sunday, and its the Lords Day. However, if we are to keep that commandment exactly how it was meant, it would be Saturday that we rest…. I still ponder over this, even though I know all the many scriptures like, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath…..I am a Bible College graduate, and don’t wish to offend God. Blessing to you.
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Crystal, remember God said, “Six days shall thou labor and do all thy work.” No where are we instructed to keep two Sabbath Days. You are a Gentile, saved by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. And Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” We are to take one day out of seven to rest and honor and worship our Lord. Israel was given Saturday as their Sabbath, and they keep it to this day. Christ rose from the grave on Sunday, and as believers of Jesus Christ as our Passover Lamb, we keep Sunday as our day of worship and rest. Do you honestly believe that God will be offended if you keep Sunday as holy and set apart to Him rather than Saturday? And btw, which day did Jesus ride into Jerusalem to the shouts of Hosanna? I believe that was on Sunday too. Remember, man looks on the outside, but God looks at our hearts.
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Enjoy your blog. Agree with you on all points. What brought a big smile to my heart was seeing that little blond girl with the big eyes again. So many great memories. Love you girlfriend
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You were a large part of my learning and adapting to become a Texan…for which I am eternally grateful! Love you guys!
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