ARE YOU HEEDING THE WARNINGS?

The following is a devotion that our Pastor, Gary Rogers, sent to us yesterday. As I posted a few days ago, about having eyes to see and ears to hear, and paying attention to what is going on around us in our world today I wanted to share his timely words with you.

I found it timely because the ice storm that I spoke of yesterday, and he refers to did, arrive. All the schools in our area are closed and they are telling everyone who can stay home to do so and only go out if you absolutely must.

"The weather reporters are warning of ice, sleet, and snow. Every news cast and radio weather anchor is giving details of bad weather on its way. Warnings are being issued of how the ground temperature is cold and the roads will be slick and hazardous. It would be hard for anyone with any type of electronic communication devise to not be aware of the pending storm. We must all agree that we have been warned, and we have no excuse for not being prepared. For me personally I traded my light weight, rear wheel drive, sports car for Paula’s big, heavy, four wheel drive SUV. I’m ready for the storm.

It is easy to see that the news announcers don’t want anyone to be able to say, “You didn’t warn us!” If they happen to be wrong, people will forgive them for warning of potential problems that didn’t happen. But if a terrible ice storm was to hit with no warning, everyone would be trying to find out who wasn’t doing their job. No warning being issued would let people down. No warning being issued would result in people being caught unaware and then suffering the consequences of being vulnerable and unprepared in facing the elements of the storm. The warning gives opportunity for preparation. The warning is due diligence in the person issuing the alert.
Jesus is coming back! I know this sounds like a weather report you’ve heard before, but He really is coming back. John 14:3 Jesus said, “I will come again…” His integrity tells us that He is not a liar, so He will come again. Matthew 24 Jesus told us to watch for signs pointing to His return. These signs are like weather patterns pointing to an approaching weather event. Jesus said for us watch man in relationship to man in that there will be wars and rumors of wars, nations fighting with nations. Jesus said to watch man in relationship to the environment in that there will be famine, diseases, and earthquakes. Jesus also told us to watch man in relationship with God in that the gospel will be preached worldwide, but the hearts of many will grow cold. Jesus told us in Luke 21:28, “Now when these things being to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” There is no question that people need to act upon the evidence found in God’s word that Jesus is coming.

Jesus’ return is far more important than an approaching ice storm. If Jesus returns tonight and I didn’t issue the alert then you would have every right to condemn me for not having due diligence in ministry. But if I tell you and warn you to be ready, and Jesus comes and finds you not prepared then that is you not heeding the warning that was issued. Facing an ice storm is no big deal when you’ve been warned and have time to prepare. Anticipating Jesus return and knowing you are completely prepared gives a wonderful assurance for both today and tomorrow."

This is a picture I took of our front yard this morning. You can see the ice covered tree branches and it is solid ice under the little snow on the streets and walks. The pine tree lost it's top 1/2 in the last ice storm.


Please, I pray, that you prepare yourselves for the storms that we are being warmed about as we read The Word with open ears and open eyes.