As I sit here in the sunroom, listening to and watching the rain, another sound comes in. My phone just gave me an alert for a flash flood warning, telling me not to travel unless I am trying to avoid flood waters.

A few minutes earlier I had been taking pictures of our yard, which now looks more like a lake and a river. We also have a creek bed beside the house (runoff from a pond) which is usually dry. Today it is flowing freely because of the hours of continuous rain.

We watched the local news and they were showing pictures of flooded streets in many places in the area. The weather broadcasters were giving the warnings for people to avoid driving or to drive slowly. The slogan “turn around, don’t drown” is used often on days like this.

Warnings come to us in many forms. From early days parents say “don’t touch” to try to protect their child. Every time we drive, we see the yellow and red lights or stop signs that warn us of the possibility of danger (if we ignore them!). Advertisements for drugs that are designed to help us also carry warnings of side effects that can harm us.

When reading Matthew 24 and 25 this morning, I noticed there were many warnings in these chapters. One of the main ones was that we should not be deceived by false teachers (Mt. 24:4) or false teachings (Mt. 24:24). Knowing the truth of God’s Word is the key to discerning right from wrong.

⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (KJV)

²⁴ For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (KJV)

Matthew 25 warns of what can happen based on the choices we make. Are we being wise or foolish (the ten virgins)? How are we using the gifts God has given us (the five, two, and one talents)? The chapter ends with the way we respond to the “least of these”. When we choose to meet the needs of others, in big or small ways, Jesus says we are doing this for Him. Let’s get busy!

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (NIV)