Hidden Threats

 

When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives.
- Ezekiel 33:3-5

“Carbon Monoxide Detector” has been echoing in my spirit for some time. Carbon monoxide is one of those undetectable contaminants that can be lethal if not discovered. Sadly, there are many reports of people, whole families even, who succumbed to carbon monoxide fumes while sleeping in their beds. 

Just like with smoke detectors it is important to check the condition of carbon monoxide detectors. We need to make sure they are in proper working order so that if the alarm goes off, we will hear it. 

As you know, the purpose of any alarm is to alert us of danger. The detector serves as the instrument through which the warning is conveyed to us, whether it be smoke, carbon monoxide, or something else. 

Notice and Warning 

The Lord sends warnings. He always notifies us of danger, destruction, doom, anything that will hurt us. He lets us know when the enemy is approaching. The question is, are we paying attention? Do we recognize His notices and warnings? Do we pay attention to the “detectors” also known as prophetic voices? 

The prophet Jeremiah had an extremely hard time trying to get God’s people to pay attention to the warnings. The fumes of idolatry had saturated Jerusalem, but the people hadn’t noticed, they were not paying attention. When their alarm went off, they tried to silence it by pushing the snooze button. Jeremiah, however, didn’t stop. He was obedient, no matter the consequence to his life (mistreatment, threats, beatings, etc.). Why would God allow his servant to endure such hostility? Because of His unending, unsearchable, unmerited, gracious love. God loves us too much not to notify and warn us of danger. 

Pause and Reflect 

His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him.
- Lamentations 3:22-24 (TLB) 

Action Step 

This morning I bought new carbon monoxide detectors for our homes. I also checked the condition of our smoke detectors. Most importantly, I asked the Lord to show me any warnings or notices from Him that I may have missed. 

Missed an email? Previous email messages are on our website.

 

Until next time, stay strong in His might!
Know that we pray for you every day!

- The Living-Abundantly Team -