Just a Thought: What do you do when you hear the warning horns of an oncoming storm? Take action!

What do you do when you see the railroad barrier coming down, indicating that a train is coming? STOP!

What do you do when God says, "enough is enough"? Well, believe it or not, that question seems to stump a lot of folks.

You see, we know that not taking proper action in a storm could spell disaster. Not stopping for a train would almost certainly mean death. But listening to God’s warnings, well, many just don’t seem to have a plan. King Belshazzar (like many others) didn’t. He saw the sign (handwriting on his wall). He heard the message ("The Party’s over; your kingdom is done because you have ignored the Lord").

What did he do? Unfortunately, like so many before and after him, absolutely nothing. And that very night judgment was brought on him and his kingdom.

Why is it so hard for us to take God seriously when God wants to help us avoid destruction and even death? Could it be we are too preoccupied with the party and the praise of other gods? These are gods that do not listen, hear or act, but only serve to distract us from the one true God.

Oh, that we would realize what Daniel told Belshazzar is also true for us: We need to get our focus off our lifeless gods and get in tune with the God who holds our lives in His hands ... before the party comes to a crashing halt and it’s too late.

"Instead ... you praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways." (Daniel 5:23)

I pray this can never be said of you.

Dr. William Burnham is pastor of Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@charter.net.