Heed The Warnings

   Last night we were surrounded by some incredibly damaging storms. If you mention tornadoes, severe weather, or damaging winds, our house goes on full alert.  Between my wife and I, we have weathered 5 tornadoes, 4 hurricanes, and numerous Texas flash floods. We have boarded up windows, and doors, hunkered down in closets, and purchased more batteries, and pop tarts (the Florida hurricane hunker down food of choice), than most families ever will. Therefore,  last night we were held hostage to the television until after 1 in the morning. We were  listening, and trying to figure out which of the little colored boxes in the corner of the t.v. represented our area. (Does anyone else not know what their little county is shaped like? ) 

    When it comes to weather, we have advance warnings, doppler radars, and emergency broadcasts, to keep us informed, and prepared.   Yet, some people disregard the warnings. Hurricane Charlie was heading towards Orlando a few years back, the first one in years. Hours before it made landfall, people were telling me not to worry, and "don't panic".  " Jeff , no one worries about those things, because they almost always fizzle out before they hit Orlando". "We are  35 minutes from the coast."    Days later, most Orlando homes had no power,  trees laying in many living rooms, and grocery stores with no Pop tarts.  Warnings were given, few were heard. 

   The devotion this morning reminds us that sin can creep into our lives, and easily entangle us.   Warnings,  and emergency signals are flashing, but we are lulled into thinking it is no big deal. As Blackaby writes : "Sin stealthily, and relentlessly entangles our lives". Does this define your life right now? If so, consider this quote from Robert Murray M'Cheyne:

 "When old companions, old lusts, and sins crowd in upon you, and when you feel that you are ready to sink, what can save you sinking sinner?  This alone-I have a high priest in heaven, and he can support in thehour of affliction. This alone can give you peace-I have a high priest in heaven. When you are dying-when friends can do you no good-when sins rise up like spectres around your bed-what can give you peace? This-"I have a high priest in heaven"