You’re Going the Wrong Way!

Over 5 years ago I was asked to do a Lay service when our Pastor was away. I was thinking of the movie “Trains, Planes and Automobiles” that I really liked with Steve Martin and John Candy in it. In one scene they were driving down the interstate with John Candy behind the wheel. It ended up he was going the wrong way and the people on the opposite side of the road were yelling at them, “You’re going the wrong way!, you’re going the wrong way!”

How interesting it was for me standing behind the pulpit and looking out at the congregation, trying to explain to them, not yell, “you’re going the wrong way!” Yes, even in churches there are some that are still trying to live most of one day with God in their lives, then its down the wrong street again. Now let me set the record straight I do believe in the quote, “We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges”, but I understand the wrong way streets for I was traveling them for a long time. At one time seven days a week. So I am speaking from experience. I was not being judgmental, for that is up to only God.

I really wished at that time in my life someone would of yelled at me. Maybe they did and I just closed my ears to them. In the Bible it is written Mark 7:16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. Plus we have so many distractions from our fast paced lives today. Running here and there with little time to stop and listen, not even thinking of “smelling the roses”, as they say. Now what I always find interesting is what is listed under the current news. This was from just last night! Now does this list sound like we’re going anywhere?

Colo. man denies terrorist ties after NYC raids
Carter: Rep. Wilson comments 'based on racism'
Police find 'person of interest' in Yale slaying
Police: Blagojevich aide apparently killed himself
NY dad told soldier-son killed in war _ he wasn't

Probably a lot of people are asking right now, “So what is the right way?” Well, I found that in the Bible in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. Very seldom now I ever watch TV, for anything there has very little meaning on it. Not much good news for too many is going the wrong way. All those constant commercials are poisoning our minds. Too much violence and forget censorship not very many go down that road anymore. We really did make a ”U” turn somewhere and started going the wrong way. As our church sign shows, a lot of churches are missing “U” (you!).

I truly believe it is time if you are going the wrong way to stop and ask someone for directions before it is too late. Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day. Psalm 119:35 Cause me to walk in the path of Your Commandments; for I delight in them.

The path we choose is of our own choice. This poem the Lord blessed me with is about choice and how time is running short. I am so glad that I am now traveling on God’s awesome highway.

Running Out of Time

An angel entered the throne room
and found his Master seated on the throne.
Looking in amazement he asked,
“Lord why are You all alone?

Where are all your worshipers,
that appeared to sing your praise?
What about all the beatings, the whippings
the crown of thorns, what still keeps them all away?

You sent them your disciples,
the Apostle Paul, the Prophet Isaiah and more.
Your Word was left so all would know.
Please tell me Lord, what was it all for?”

The Lord of Lords looked down and said
“Oh special angel of Mine,
ever since the Garden of Eden
man’s been running out of time!

I loved them so and always wanted
not one of them to lose,
a chance to be with Me forever
all I asked was that they choose.

Heaven is now ready for them,
I haven’t changed My plan.
Salvation and a relationship with Me
has always been up to man!”

E. P. Shagott


From God’s heart, to mine, to yours,

Ed Shagott