Fire Trucks. Foothill Ranch. October, 2007
Trouble Ahead!
I pulled to the shoulder and stopped, watching in awe as a fire engine, lights flashing and sirens screaming, careened up the road towards me. It swung, northbound, into the southbound lane I had just cleared in response to its warnings.
Wow. We could have collided.
And then I thought: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every bad thing was marked with red, red lights and insistent sirens?
A few minutes later I realized they are. They’re written down in a book. My bible is full of “red lights and sirens” warning me to steer clear of troublesome situations and wrong steps.
Just the other day I wrote about an unpleasant exchange with one of the kids. If I’d been thinking of Colossians 3:21, or Ephesians 6:4, I might have behaved better.
Greed has tricked me, more than once, tempting me to bend the truth for my own reward. 1 Timothy 6:10 warns of its dangers. Christ Himself spoke up on the matter in Matthew 6:24.
At times I’ve refused to follow directions from someone in legitimate authority over me. Genesis 19:17-26 provides a cautionary tale about the possibilities of insubordination. Even Moses was disobedient, and it cost him.
When I’m nervous, I blather. My bible warns me about running on without any real point to make in Proverbs 17:28.
I struggle with pride, sometimes. I crave recognition when I belong on my knees thanking God for His care and provision. I’d do well to hide the words of Proverbs 16:18 in my heart. The whole book of Proverbs is great reading for emergency preparedness.
It took me a long, long time to understand that the bible isn’t a reference book–it’s a handbook. Its stories warn of dangers I face today and point me to righteous choices and behavior.
From now on I’m reading from a Code Three point of view.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.Proverbs 2:6-9 (NASB)
Mmm hmm. What a Psalm 119:11 post! 🙂
Amazing post today! Such great signals to warn us along the way, if only we would pay better attention! Me too guilty as charged.
Brandee,
Thanks. I want to have the whole book hidden in my heart. 🙂
Hazel,
Thanks. (I'm sliding over to make room for you to join me on the convicts' bench.)
It's that Living Word, right? Still perfect guidance all this time later. Amazing.
Whenever I hear I siren, I pray. There's someone in need. However, I ignore the same warnings in my life! Why is that?
Me too, David! On both counts! I wonder why I'm so oblivious. I suspect it has to do with pride.
Sheila, I can't think of anything to add except "Guilty on all counts."
I think we all are, Red. Thanks for reading!